Ahmed Didi’s AI short film brings Rehendhi Khadhijah’s turbulent reign vividly to life

Throughout Maldivian history, only a handful of women have ascended to the throne. The most renowned among them is Al‑Sultana Khadeejah Sri Raadha Abaarana Mahaa Rehendhi, better known as Rehendhi Khadhijah, remembered as the queen who famously murdered two husbands to secure her reign.  

She is described in chronicles as a ruler who refused to yield to any obstacle. That formidable legacy has now been vividly recreated through Artificial Intelligence (AI) by local creator Ahmed Didi (Ahammaidi).  

One of the film’s strongest features is the depth of research and the way it animates Khadhijah’s turbulent story. The 21‑minute short does more than recount events, it frames them with moral reflection, balancing historical accuracy with audience appeal.  

Didi has steadily built a reputation for creativity through AI storytelling. His earlier works include retellings of Maldivian folk tales such as Rannamari and Amin Didi’s End. This latest project on Rehendhi Khadhijah has drawn particular attention for its richness of detail and respectful narration.  

The film also incorporates accounts by Ibn Battuta, who documented Khadhijah’s reign. According to his writings:  

• Her first husband, Mohamed Jameel, died in 1344 AD, reportedly poisoned after seizing the throne.  

• She remarried in 1345 to Abdullah Wazir, a palace official, who also died two years later after claiming power.  

• Khadhijah then reclaimed the throne for a third time, ruling for nearly 30 years as a feared yet exemplary leader.  

The narrative closes by questioning whether Khadhijah should be regarded as a symbol of gender equality or feminism, a provocative lens on her legacy.  

The film further highlights Maldives’ transition from a matriarchal society to patriarchy after the embrace of Islam. Ibn Battuta himself noted how Maldivian women resisted his admonitions to cover themselves, while Didi’s narration presents these cultural tensions with respect and understanding.  

By blending historical research with AI artistry, Didi’s short film ensures that Khadhijah’s story, and Maldivian heritage, will remain accessible to future generations.