''Yaaraa'' is a Maldivian romantic comedy drama web series produced and directed by

Aishath Rishmy Aishath Rishmy Rameez (born 15 November 1985) is a Maldivian actress, film producer and director. She has established a career in Maldives Film Industry and is a recipient of several awards, including three Gaumee Film Awards, and two Maldives Fi ...

. It features an ensemble cast including

Aminath Rasheedha Aminath Rasheedha (born 27 February 1967) is a Maldivian actress and director. Career 1993–2006: Early releases and directorial debut In 1995, Rasheedha appeared in Mohamed Shiyaz's ''Dhushman'' which features Hussain Sobah, Mariyam Nisha and ...

Mariyam Azza Mariyam Azza (born 20 April 1989) is a Maldivian film actress. She is the daughter of actress Aminath Rasheedha and younger sister to actress turned director Aishath Rishmy. Early life Born in Malé, Azza is the daughter of actress Aminath Rashee ...

Ahmed Azmeel Ahmed Azmeel is a Maldivian film actor, director and producer. Career 1999–2009: Music videos In 2004, Azmeel made a brief appearance in Yoosuf Shafeeu directed horror film ''Edhathuru'' (2004) which revolves around eight friends who go on a pi ...

, Mohamed Vishal,

Ismail Jumaih Ismail Jumaih is a Maldivian actor, choreographer and makeup artist. Career In 2016, Jumaih made his film debut in Hussain Munawwar's '' Neyngi Yaaru Vakivee'' alongside Aminath Rishfa and Ahmed Azmeel. Critics gave the film bad reviews and co ...

, Fathimath Sara Adam, Hussain Shadhyaan, Mariyam Waheedha and

Nuzuhath Shuaib Nuzuhath Shuaib (born 14 September 1988) is a Maldivian film actress. Early life Nuzuhath Shuaib was born on 14 September 1988 in N. Manadhoo. She was working at Jelly Pizza when her friend, a film actor Ali Azim introduced her to the team of ' ...

in main roles. The pilot episode of the series was released on 24 April 2023. Written by Ahmed Iqbal, the series revolves around polar opposite lives of two sisters who are faced with the reality of relationships. The entirety of the series focuses on the hardships that teach the siblings what it takes to make and break the bond of a lifetime. This film stands as a remarkable achievement in Maldivian cinema, marking the highest number of actors ever featured in a film production, featuring over ninety actors in different roles.

Cast and characters

Main

as Raayaa; the eldest daughter of Zainab and a die-hard fan of

Shah Rukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan (; born 2 November 1965), also known by the initialism SRK, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi cinema. Referred to in the media as the "Padishah, Baadshah of Bollywood" and "King Khan", he has Shah Rukh K ...

. Ambitious and driven, she sees her life as a fairytale waiting to unfold. Raaya embodies empowerment, balancing her aspirations with a deep commitment to her family, making her a strong and family-oriented woman. *

as Shaayaa; youngest child of Zainab, a highly maintained social media influencer and a successful model. *

as Shinaan Rasheed; the ambitious and family-oriented husband of Raaya. As the eldest and only son in a family of four, Shinaan carries a strong sense of responsibility and strives to make his mark in the world. * Mohamed Vishal as Naail; the only son of a wealthy family who is well educated son despite his dream to be a musician. He is also the boyfriend of Shaaya whom he meets through his best friend Zak. *

as Zein Malik; a free-spirited individual who has been married twice and considers marriage as a trial. His professional life mirrors his unconventional approach. * Fathimath Sara Adam as Zaheena "Zak" Abdul Kareem; a spirited and tomboyish girl who thrives on engaging in thought-provoking arguments. Unafraid to challenge family and societal norms, she defies cultural expectations to embrace her independence and serve as a powerful role model for women. * Hussain Shadhyaan as Abdul "Kelly" Kaleem; the only child of a wealthy family who thrives on drama and craves attention. With a firm belief that marriage and settling down are not for him, Kelly embraces a lifestyle free from commitment, preferring to explore life's adventures without being tied down. * Mariyam Waheedha as Riyaasha; the adopted child of Zainab and an unfortunate lover. *

as Aminath Rizwana; the sister of Shinaan and the best friend of Raaya. Rizwana holds a strong belief in arranged marriages and she embraces the idea of finding love through a more traditional approach. *

Ali Seezan Ali Seezan (born 6 February 1977) is a Maldivian film actor, producer, director and editor. He has established a career in Maldives Film Industry and is a recipient of several awards, including two Gaumee Film Awards, and two Maldives Film Award ...

as Rafkhan; Raaya's ex-boyfriend.

Recurring

Sharaf Abdulla Sharafudheen Abdulla (born 4 August 1991), commonly known as Sharaf Abdulla, is a Maldivian film actor. Career After completing his education in his homeland, R. Meedhoo, Abdulla relocated to Male' in 2010, in search of a job opportunity. Afte ...

as Eddy; a colleague of Zak *

Nathasha Jaleel '' Nathasha Jaleel (born 15 March 1984) is a Maldivian film actress. Career Before pursuing a career in acting, Jaleel was an active TikTok user, which won her recognition as a performer. During this time, she was featured in several advertisemen ...

as Huya Qasim; Raaya's colleague at gym *

Ahmed Asim Ahmed Asim (born 29 November 1981) is a Maldivian actor, editor, director, and writer who has established a career in the Maldives Film Industry. Career Asim made his screen debut with a video single alongside Jamsheedha Ahmed. His first film re ...

as Fayaz; Shinan's best friend who is married to his high school sweetheart Gulfa. He is a womanizer and a narrow minded person. *

Maleeha Waheed Maleeha Waheed is a Maldivian film actress. Career In 2016, Waheed made her film debut in Hussain Munawwar's '' Neyngi Yaaru Vakivee'' alongside Aminath Rishfa and Ahmed Azmeel. Critics gave the film bad reviews and considered her performance as L ...

as Dhiyana "D"; Shaaya's colleague *

as Zainab Ahmed; a devoted widow who lost her husband, Shareef, twenty-two years ago. With unwavering dedication, she serves as a loving mother to her two daughters, Raaya and Shaaya. * Myeha Adam as Hudha Didi; Shaaya's colleague * Ahmed Ishaar as Sultan Shakir; a wealthy entrepreneur and the boss of Shaaya. *

Aminath Rishfa Aminath Rishfa is a Maldivian actress. Career Born on 7th february 1971. Rishfa made her screen debut in a video song, "Heela Beleema" starred opposite Mohamed Manik and produced by Udhares Latheef. After featuring in several short films and se ...

as Zeyba; a rich and empowered businesswoman *

Mariyam Haleem Mariyam Haleem (born 22 April 1962) is a Maldivian actress. Career 1997–2010: Initial releases with small roles Haleem made her film debut in Abdulla Sujau-directed '' Laila'' (1997) starring opposite Ali Shameel and Aishath Shiranee as depre ...

as Ruqiyya; an elderly woman and a friend of Zainab, who defies societal expectations with her lively spirit and social media prowess. Embracing her unique persona, she sees herself as a brand and enjoys flirting. * Zuleikha Manike as Sofiyya; an elderly woman and a friend of both Zainab and Ruqiyya, who is more invested in social media appearances and has a history of multiple failed marriages. *

Aisha Ali Aisha Ali (born 10 May 1997) is a Maldivian film actress. Career In 2018, Ali made her career debut in Amir Saleem-directed social drama television series ''Lam'' opposite Ali Azim which received mixed reviews from critics where Ali's performanc ...

as Nasha Ali; the love interest of Zein * Aminath Silna as Rimsha; Shaaya's colleague * Shaha Adhunaan as Ferlin Samadh; Shaaya's colleague * Ahmed Abaan as Bunty; Shaaya's colleague * Lamha Latheef as Aneesa "Annie" Fahumee (season 2); Shinan's ex-girlfriend. * Ahmed Sharif as Faruhadh (season 4); Rizwana's fiancé. *

Aishath Gulfa Aishath Gulfa (born 17 March 1982) is a Maldivian film actress. She made her screen debut in 1999 with the video single "Nala Nala Dhanvaru Feni". Afterwards, she played supporting roles in several films including '' Kaiveneege Furathama Rey'' (19 ...

as Gulfa; Fayaz's wife. * Mohamed Shaif as Farash (season 3); A man from Addu with whom Shaaya has an affair. *

Moosa Aleef Moosa Aleef (born 23 December 1999) is a Maldivian film actor. Career Aleef initially gained recognition as a performer through social media platforms such as Musical.ly and TikTok, where he showcased his talent. He made his acting debut in 202 ...

as Shinaan's colleague * Moosa Shinaan as Kokky; Shinaan's colleague

Guest

* Ali Nadheeh as Haisham; Riyasha's ex-boyfriend *

Ismail Rasheed Ismail Rasheed (born 20 April 1976) is a Maldivian film actor and director. He has established a career in Maldivian films and is the recipient of several awards, including a Gaumee Film Award. Biography Ismail Rasheed is a son of Maldivi ...

as Ahmed Shafeeu; Shinaan's boss * Shahuma Ahmed as Riyaazaa * Sofiyya Mohamed as Shiyaanaa *

Ahmed Shakir Ahmed Shakir (a.k.a. Sharkko Ammadey) (born 4 September 1991) is a Maldivian actor and editor. He initial worked with the Dark Rain Entertainment team in technical department, prior to starring in small roles from the production company includin ...

as Iqbal; Huya's third husband *

Hamid Ali Hamid Ali is a Maldivian film director, producer, actor and writer. Career In 1993, Ali starred in two films; ''Mithutu'' and ''Vari''. The following year, he starred alongside Hassan Afeef, Arifa Ibrahim, Lillian Saeed and Mariyam Haajara in Ib ...

as a customer *

Mariyam Shifa Mariyam Shifa (22 November 1999) is a Maldivian film actress, dancer and social media personality. She has earned over 1.7 million likes on TikTok. Early life Shifa attributed her singing and dancing skills to her parents; her father being a pr ...

as Shifa; Zein's first wife *

Irufana Ibrahim Irufana Ibrahim is a Maldivian film actress. Career Ibrahim made her acting debut in a recurring role in the first Maldivian web-series, a romantic drama by Fathimath Nahula, ''Huvaa'' which initiated streaming in November 2018. The series consis ...

as Zein's second wife * Aminath Rashfa as Aasha; Zein's third wife * Ahmed Sunie as photographer * Ahmed Fizam as Fitte; Shaaya's ex-boyfriend * Ali Usam as Dhona; Shaaya's ex-boyfriend * Shimal Hameed as Shimal; Shaaya's ex-boyfriend * Ibrahim Sobah as Sobah; Raayaa's ex-boyfriend * Ismail Aziel Azumeel as young Shinaan Rasheed *

Mariyam Ashfa Mariyam Ashfa (born 25 December 1982) is a Maldivian singer and actress. Career Since a very early age, Ashfa participated in Interschool Singing Competition where she received several accolades for the same. She made her career debut with the so ...

as Sultan's wife *

Ali Azim Ali Azim is a Maldivian film actor. Career 2010–2016: Early releases Azim expressed his interest in acting at a very young age. Before he pursued a career in acting Azim worked as a dancer and stage performer. He was first recognized by the aud ...

as Riyaasha's date * Ahmed Ifnaz Firag as Ifnaz; Huya's first husband * Ibrahim Ziyau Mohamed as Ziyau; Huya's second husband * Razeena Thaufeeq as Razee; Shaaya's designer * Mohamed Ishfan as Ishfan; Riyaasha's date *

Mohamed Abdul Ghanee Mohamed Abdul Ghanee (born 15 April 1978), commonly known as Theyravaa is a Maldivian singer and songwriter. Early life and career Born to a musical family, Ghanee had no interest in music even when his siblings spend their time in jamming and s ...

as an attendee of Zeyba's event * Bokitos as an attendee of Zeyba's event * Hassan Irufan as a musician in Zeyba's event * Maria Teresa Pagano as herself * Afnan Ibrahim as Afnan; Raaya's gym client * Aminath Muhusiana as Moonty *

Mohamed Manik Mohamed Manik (15 October 1969) is a Maldivian film actor, director and makeup artist. Career 2002–10: Critical acclaim and breakthrough Manik rose to fame and prominence in the television industry and was applauded for his performance in a dua ...

as Annie's boyfriend * Ilyas Waheed as an attendee of a film event * Abdulla Azman as a gym trainer * Aminath Aseela as a gym trainer * Dheena Ahmed as Jerry; Fayaz's customer * Ahmed Jillian Rashad as G; D's boyfriend * Mohamed Rasheed as Zeyba's father *

Aminath Shuha Aminath Suha Musthafa (born 7 May 1997), commonly known as Aminath Shuha is a Maldivian film actress and former TV presenter. Career Prior to acting, Shuha worked as a show presenter and host in several television programs from Ice TV. For her p ...

as Roxy; Huya's best friend *

Washiya Mohamed Washiya Mohamed (born 18 June 1999) is a Maldivian film actress. She made her career debut by playing one of the main roles in the sitcom web series, ''Thin Bibee'' (2019). She gained notice with the web series '' Ehenas'' and continued starring i ...

as Zara; Shaaya's college friend * Ahmed Maseeh as Messy; D's first lover *

Mohamed Rifshan Mohamed Rifshan (born 7 April 1985) is a Maldivian film actor. Career Before pursuing a career in acting, Rifshan appeared in minor roles in short films and television series filmed in his home island, K. Thulusdhoo. In 2009, Rifshan appeared ...

as Jailam; a friend of Farash * Saamee Hussain Didi as wedding designer * Mohamed Waheed as Zubeir; Naail's father * Hassan Adam as Kelly's friend * Mohamed Mamdhooh Ahmed (Myke) as Kelly's friend * Hussain Anees (Justin) as Kelly's friend * Ruthba Ahmed as Kelly's friend * Ansham Mohamed as Kelly's friend * Ijulaal Ahmed as Kelly's friend * Aishath Razan Ramiz as Zein's girlfriend * Shehenaaz Moosa as Zein's girlfriend *

Ahmed Easa Ahmed Easa (born 7 October 1985) is a Maldivian film actor. Career In his childhood, Ahmed Easa watched Bollywood films and imitated the acting of Sunil Shetty in stage performances. While watching his movies, Easa grew a fondness towards cinema ...

as Hudha's boyfriend * Ahmed Emau as D's boyfriend * Ali Inaz as Rimsha's husband * Imad Ali as Ferlin's husband *

Abdulla Muaz Abdulla Muaz is a Maldivian film actor, editor and directors and officers and Career Muaz made a brief appearance in Yoosuf Shafeeu directed horror film ''Edhathuru'' (2004) which revolves around eight friends who go on a picnic to a haunted unin ...

Sheela Najeeb Sheela Najeeb (born 7 September 1974) is a Maldivian film actress. She has established a career in Maldivian Film Industry and is the recipient of several awards, including one Gaumee Film Awards and two Maldivian Film Awards. She made her screen ...

as Kelly's mother * Ahmed Saeed as Rafkhan's brother *

Amira Ismail Amira Ismail (born 4 October 1985) is a Maldivian actress. Career Ismail first filmed for a film titled ''Loabi Dhasvejje'' which was ultimately delayed and shelved. She then collaborated with Amjad Ibrahim for his romantic horror film '' Dhonkam ...

as Raidha; Rafkhan's sister-in-law * Shanih Ali as a musician * Thaathi Adam as a host * Adhuham Layal Qasim as Aasha's boyfriend *

Mohamed Afrah Mohamed Afrah Hassan, commonly known as Mohamed Afrah (17 January 1974 – 7 April 2019) was a Maldivian film actor and producer. Career Afrah was featured in the most successful Maldivian film of 2000, Ahmed Nimal's horror classic ''Zalzalaa'', ...

as magistrate * Ahmed Shareesh as Nasha's boyfriend *

Adam Rizwee Adam Rizwee is a Maldivian film actor. Career In 2014, Rizwee made his film debut in the Aishath Fuad Thaufeeg directed art film Hulhudhaan in a minor role. In 2015 he was cast in Ali Shifau-directed romantic film '' Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen ...

as Gulfa's current boyfriend * Shahudha Mahmoodh as Eddy's girlfriend *

Reeko Moosa Manik Moosa Manik (born 9 February 1961) also known as Reeko Moosa Manik is a Maldivian entrepreneur and former actor and politician. He also served as the deputy speaker of the Maldives Parliament, and former chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Part ...

as Annie's boyfriend

Episodes

Series overview

Season 1 (2023)

Season 2 (2023–2024)

Season 3 (2024)

Season 4 (2024)

Development

Ahmed Iqbal embarked on the screenplay writing process for the film in 2016. Originally envisioned as a feature film, the concept later evolved into a web series spanning four seasons. Filming for the project commenced in 2020; however, production was abruptly halted in response to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

, causing a temporary suspension of filming activities. The project was officially announced on 28 May 2020 through an

Instagram Instagram is an American photo sharing, photo and Short-form content, short-form video sharing social networking service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to upload media that can be edited with Social media camera filter, filters, be ...

live hosted by director

, revealing most of the cast of the series. In the initial stage, the project was revealed to be co-directed with

Ravee Farooq Ravee Farooq (born 23 April 1982) is a Maldivian actor, director, editor and choreographer. Career Farooq made his film debut with Abdul Faththaah-directed romantic disaster film, '' Hureemey Inthizaarugaa'' (2005) cast along with Mariyam Zuhura ...

, however, Rishmy later confirmed the project with minimal changes in cast and production seat. Apart from the greater Male' region, filming took place in K. Maafushi,

Vaavu Atoll Vaavu Atoll is an administrative division of the Maldives, comprising the natural atolls of Felidhu Atoll and the Vattaru Reef. It is the smallest administrative atoll in the Maldives in terms of population. This atoll is located from the ca ...

Laamu Atoll Laamu Atoll (), historically known as Haddhunmathi Atoll (), is an Administrative divisions of the Maldives, administrative division of the Maldives. The administrative capital is Fonadhoo (Laamu Atoll), Fonadhoo Island. It corresponds to the nat ...

and Crossroads. The project was completed in April 2023.

Soundtrack

Release and reception

The first episode of the series was released on 24 April 2023 through Baiskoafu while the first two episodes of the series was simultaneously premiered on Olympus Cinema. Alim Abdul Latheef from ''Sun'' rated the first two epsisodes highly and wrote: "The series revolves around the intricate dynamics of relationships between spouses, family members, friends, and colleagues. The characters were introduced in an enticing and captivating manner, capturing the audience's attention from the very beginning". Apart from the cinematography, writing and direction, Azza's performance as Shaaya was highlighted by Latheef as the best thing from the series.

References

{{Reflist Serial drama television series Maldivian television shows Maldivian web series