Kannywood movie review; Zainabu Abu

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The eponymous movie, Zainabu Abu, is a romantic drama which has love triangle as a trick to pique your interest. It's about love, sacrifice, mother-children emotions and the length an obsessed lover can go to win his love.
Having compelled by his Mom, Habeeb (Umar M. Shareef), asks his love Zainab (Momee Gombe), to marry his ailing elder brother Auwal (Ali Nuhu), who has an estimated life expectancy of 6 months. Habeeb finds the courage for this sacrifice as it's temporary -- Zainab will return to him when Auwal dies. Surprisingly however, Auwal survives the chronic illness. In the meantime, Zainab yearns for Habeeb but slowly starts loving and respecting her husband (Auwal) whose love for her knows no bounds after their marriage. Habib later asks her to end the marriage but she refuses.

What extent could Habeeb go in his bid for Zainab? Would he succeed in getting her back, or just remain a tragic hero? I shan't spill the beans.

The title, Zainabu Abu, is not fitting since the film has a wide scope. It's not only about the eponymous character or the love triangle, but also about the fact that; no one is certain of the future. We see how Auwal survives longer than the 6 months estimated by the doctor, and Habeeb, never for one moment knew that Zainab could leave him for another man. Also, there is glorification of the Holy Qur'an by emphasizing its advantage in the healing of all diseases. We see how some verses heal Auwal after everyone has begun to despair of his illness.
One does pity Habeeb at the beginning when he sacrifices Zainab to please his Mom. His heart is filled with longing but patiently continues to hope for her return. However, he turns villainous when Zainab stands for her husband and shows no wish to return to him after the stipulated time. M. Shareef does justice for this role. He doesn't go overboard. He does extremely well in scenes that require subtle nuances for Auwal not to notice his worry.

The character of Zainab is also admirable. She's not a deceiver as one might label her. After all, it pains her to know how hurt Habeeb is and will be in the future. She just submits to the God's will. Momee Gombe shines through this role. Her outburst in rejection of Habeeb, when he secretly meets with her in one scene, impresses the most.

The role of their mother is also consequential. The intense scenes between her and Habeeb, especially when she is trying to convince him sacrifice Zainab, have been handled perfectly.

Ali Nuhu gives a very real-like performance as the ailing Yaya Auwal. He looks fatigued. Watch out for a scene where he fell to the ground while trying to follow Zainab despite being stressed by illness.

The film has two songs. The first one, Babu Zato, sung by Umar M. Shareef and Abdul D one, has a haunting tune and is well interspersed with the film, while the second, which is the title song, marks the film's ending and is only for entertainment. The film is generally interesting. I would recommend it for all and sundry. Rating 3.5/5

Habibu Maaruf
08184683241
1-08-2021.

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