Shamla Hamza harbored a long-standing belief that her command over words would eventually unlock the doors to the captivating world of cinema. For eleven years, while diligently working in administrative roles in Dubai, she actively sought opportunities to enter the film industry as a lyricist. Her chance arrived with an audition call for Thamar K.V.’s film 1001 Nunakal, where she presented a song she had written. Yet, fate had an unexpected turn in store, as she was selected for an acting role instead.
This initial foray into acting with 1001 Nunakal proved pivotal, leading to her casting in Feminichi Fathima. Produced by Thamar and Sudheesh Scaria, and directed by Fasil Muhammed (who was the spot editor for 1001 Nunakal), the film offered Shamla a challenging role. Her exceptional performance as a woman who quietly but persistently confronts patriarchal and religious oppression to fulfill a simple wish ultimately earned her the prestigious Best Actor (female) Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards.
“The filming of Feminichi Fathima began when my daughter was only five or six months old,” Ms. Hamza recalled in an interview with The Hindu following her State Award win. “During that postpartum period, I naturally embodied the physical characteristics the character of Fathima required—I had gained weight, felt tired, and experienced back pain, much like her. I also drew upon the mannerisms of women I had observed in my neighborhood for years. Having read the screenplay with Fasil for several months beforehand, I felt thoroughly prepared by the time we started shooting.”
A Quiet Yet Potent Rebellion
Fathima’s subtle yet profound rebellion in the film centers on her straightforward desire for a new mattress, a wish consistently dismissed by her conservative husband, a madrassa teacher. When she decides to take action herself to acquire the mattress, he continually finds reasons to thwart her attempts. The film skillfully portrays Fathima’s struggle with a blend of humor and poignant engagement, making it a clear audience favorite at last year’s International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
“Feminichi Fathima is incredibly close to my heart because I worked on it while simultaneously caring for my daughter,” she shared. “She was frequently on set, and the remarkably supportive crew would schedule other shots whenever I needed to be with her. My mother was always by her side when I was in front of the camera. I was truly eager to see how the audience would respond to the film, and the reception it received at the IFFK was profoundly heartwarming.”
Although she currently does not have any new projects in hand, Shamla Hamza hopes to continue making a significant impact in Malayalam cinema with roles that are as compelling and memorable as her award-winning performance in Feminichi Fathima.