Umm Kulthum is a renowned Egyptian figure who reshaped the history and timeline of Egyptian music. She was portrayed multiple times across cinema and television, including the 1999 series Umm Kulthum starring Sabrine, the 1999 film Kawkab El Sharq starring Ferdous Abdel Hamid, and other productions set in eras and figures connected to her, such as El Andalib and El Malek Farouk. Her character also appeared in films like Ana Albi Dalyli.

Now, Umm Kulthum has reemerged on the big screen in a new 2025 film about her life, El Sett, starring Mona Zaki. Freshly out in cinemas, here is everything you need to know before heading to your nearest theatre.

Public Backlash and First Impressions

From the moment the trailer came out, there has been a considerable backlash. Some blamed the casting director, others the makeup artist, but everyone agreed on one thing: Mona Zaki looks nothing like Umm Kulthum. In the film's initial moments, people seemed a bit taken aback. However, by the end of the movie, everyone agreed that what we didn't get in physical resemblance was made up for by the performances and historical accuracy.

A Non-Linear Story That Demands Attention

One thing you should know before watching the movie is that you have to stay very focused. The film shifts between different parts of her life while tying them together around one event, her concert at the Olympia Theatre in Paris. Missing one minute can push you completely off track for the rest of the film.

The sequence also served what I believe to be the real purpose of the movie: showcasing Umm Kulthum's real side, a girl from a village with a big dream and a bold personality, coming to Cairo to pursue her dream and her family's ambitions.

The movie showed her in that light more than as an icon. It showcased her as a daughter missing her father, who passed away years ago, as a young woman who witnessed all sides of love, and as a patient who battled a chronic illness to the grave. This is what made the film stand out from other portrayals of Umm Kulthum.

Egyptian History Through Her Eyes

If you're a history lover, this movie is for you. Buckle up, because you will see glimpses of key Egyptian events through the eyes of Umm Kulthum herself, from the start of the musical syndicate to King Farouk, the Revolution of 1952, and Gamal Abdel Nasser's presidency.

The historical aspect of the film was a delight to watch and added bits of excitement throughout. Tying Umm Kulthum's life to historical events we still study and celebrate to this day made the audience even more connected to her as a character throughout the plot and to the movie as well.

Intimacy, Illness, and the Woman Behind the Voice

Umm Kulthum suffered from Graves' disease, and one thing that truly made this movie stand out is how it represented her on a deep, realistic level. The film didn't shy away from showing her journey with Graves, how it affected her physically and emotionally, and how it shaped key moments in her life.

It also highlighted the real reason she started wearing her signature sunglasses, presenting it not as a fashion choice but as part of her lived experience with a chronic autoimmune condition.

Her autoimmune disease was portrayed with a level of accuracy we rarely see in Egyptian cinema and drama. The symptoms, the progression, the impact on her performances, and even the quiet moments of vulnerability were all shown with a sense of honesty that made her story feel grounded and human.

The Voice of Love

Alongside this, the film showcased her love stories and the side of her that is simply a woman feeling her feelings, navigating heartbreak, passion, and loneliness while turning the theatres. The blend of intimacy, illness, and personal struggle added a new dimension to her legend, making this portrayal one of the most emotionally resonant ones.

The Final Verdict

This movie tackles Umm Kulthum's personality from a whole new angle, and it was a delight to watch. Heading to your nearest theatre to explore this aspect of Umm Kulthum is genuinely worth it and is definitely something you will enjoy a lot. Despite the backlash, Mona Zaki and the entire cast delivered an outstanding performance.