Shamla Hamza in Feminichi Fathima.
Shamla Hamza has long believed that mastery of words can open the door to the world of cinema, which has always fascinated her. Although she worked for eleven years in administration in Dubai, she sought to enter the film industry as a copywriter. When she auditioned for Thamar KV’s 1001 Nunakal came, she left with a song she had written. However, as fate would have it, she was chosen as an actress.
Being a part of that film would lead her to be cast in Feminichi Fathima, produced by Thamar and Sudheesh Scaria, and directed by Fasil Muhammed, who was the editor of 1001 Nunakal. Her performance as a woman who perseveres in silence against patriarchal and religious oppression to fulfill a simple wish would earn her the Best Actor (Female) Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards.
“The shooting of the film started when my daughter was 5-6 months old. At that time, in the postpartum period, I naturally acquired the desired physical characteristics of the character. I gained weight, I was tired and also had back pain, just like the character of Fathima. I also had in the back of my head the mannerisms of women like her from my surroundings, which I had seen for several months, I had already started shooting the film for several months.” Ms. Hamza tells The Hindu after winning the State Award on Monday.
A mighty rebellion
Fathima’s restrained but powerful rebellion in the film leads to a simple wish for a new mattress, which her conservative husband, a madrasah teacher, himself does not try to fulfill. When he takes it upon himself to get a new mattress, he finds reasons to thwart her attempts. Fathima’s battle is portrayed in a very witty and engaging manner that the film was one of the most popular at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) last year.
“Feminichi Fathima is very close to my heart because I worked on it while I was taking care of my daughter. She was on the set and an extremely willing crew shot extra shots when I had to be with her. My mother was with her when I was in front of the camera. I really wanted to know how the audience would react to the film. The reception the film received at MFFK was gratifying,” she says.
Though she currently has no projects in hand, she hopes to make her presence felt in Malayalam cinema with roles as impressive as Feminichi Fathima.
Published – 03 Nov 2025 21:01 IST
