Shakeela's first release of 2017 came in the Ali Musthafa-directed family drama Malikaa. Featuring Nuzuhath Shuaib and Mohamed Jumayyil in the lead role, the film tells the story of the sidelined daughter, played by Shuaib, who manages the family. Despite low expectations from trade analysts, the film received mixed reviews and performed moderately at the box office. Abdul Faththaah's romantic drama Hahdhu (2017) was her next film release, playing the role of a prostitute. The film touched upon controversial issues in the Maldives including the depiction of flogging and also shines a light on mental health by featuring an attempted suicide. The film opened to mixed reviews from critics though it emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.
