Da Na Sani (Had I Known)

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Da Na Sani (Had I Known)

Da Na Sani (Had I Known)

Title: Da Na Sani (Had I Known)

Production: Abnur Entertainment

Story/Screenplay: Yakubu M. Kumo

Director: Ahmad Bifa

Year: 2025

Abnur Entertainment introduces a refreshing narrative approach, distinctively different from the conventional storytelling format dominant in Kannywood. Departing from the typical linear or serial film structure where audiences anticipate sequels or episodic continuations, Abnur offers a standalone anthology series under the collective banner of Taskar Kannywood. Each week, a new film is released with a unique storyline and title—unconnected to the previous—ushering in a fresh cinematic experience. Titles such as Kishin Maza, Wata Daya, Wasika, Jini Daya, Elham, Da Na Sani, and the latest, Khairiyya, have been featured so far.

Da Na Sani, translated as Had I Known, tells a deeply emotive domestic story, driven by character development and subtle emotional cues. The narrative centers on Mansoor (played by Aminu Sherriff) and his much younger wife, Samira (portrayed by Amina Lulu). Their relationship unfolds as a newlywed couple navigating the complexities of generational and emotional mismatch. Mansoor, clearly older, is depicted as emotionally rigid and critical of Samira’s youthful demeanor, often chastising her for what he perceives as childishness, lack of domestic urgency, and immaturity. Samira, on the other hand, is portrayed with emotional vulnerability—apologetic, eager to learn, and lovingly submissive, as her upbringing has taught her that “paradise lies beneath her husband’s feet.”

In parallel, we hear about Usman (Tahir I. Tahir) and his wife Ikilima—though she remains unseen. Usman serves as a narrative foil to Mansur, expressing admiration for the tenderness in Mansur’s home, especially the romantic spontaneity between Mansur and Samira—something Mansoor dismisses as juvenile. What Mansur sees as childish, Samira embraces as her love language: affection, playfulness, and small surprises.

One pivotal morning, Mansur wakes to find his face covered in hand-drawn love notes—hearts, arrows, and the phrase “I love you”—playfully scribbled by Samira. What she intended as an intimate gesture turns tragic. Reacting with cold fury, Mansur slaps Samira, shattering her spirit. Despite this, Samira proceeds to prepare lunch for Mansur, who is expecting a visit from his friend Usman.

When Mansur recounts the incident to Usman, he’s met with stern disapproval. Usman refuses to eat until Mansoor apologizes to Samira. Mansur, now remorseful, stops by an ice cream shop—buying her favorite treat as a peace offering. But tragedy has already struck. Upon arriving home, he learns that Samira has been rushed to the hospital and later died from a heart attack.

What follows is the emotional climax: Mansur discovers a handwritten letter from Samira. In her usual tone of humble apology, she expresses regret for her “childishness,” never blaming him but still asking for his understanding. Her words, meant to mend their bond, now become an eternal reminder of Mansur’s failure to show patience and empathy. It is a letter that will haunt him—not for her mistake, but for his inability to embrace her growth and innocence.

Review by: Nura Abubakar

Doctoral Candidate, Ohio University

abubakarnura@fukashere.edu.ng