Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fahad Fazil (born 8 August 1982), professionally known asFahadh Faasil, is an Indian actor and producer who primarily works inMalayalam andTamil films. Noted for his diverse portrayals,[3][4] Fahadh is considered among the finest actors of Indian cinema.[5][6] One of the highest-paid and most popular Malayalam actors,[7][8] Fahadh is a recipient of several accolades including aNational Film Award, fourKerala State Film Awards and fourFilmfare Awards South.[9]
Born to filmmakerFazil, Fahadh began his career at the age of 20 with his father's 2002 romantic filmKaiyethum Doorath, which was a critical and commercial failure. Post a hiatus of seven years, Fahadh returned to films with the anthologyKerala Cafe (2009) and attained public attention for his role in the thrillersChaappa Kurishu (2011) andAkam (2011), winning theKerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for both these films.
Fahadh is a celebrity endorser for several brands and products and is a philanthropist. Fahadh is married to actressNazriya Nazim. He co-owns the production company Fahadh Faasil and Friends with his wife and has a digital entertainment company named Bhavana Studios, co-partnered withDileesh Pothan andSyam Pushkaran.
Fahadh Faasil was born as Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fahad Fazil,[14] on 8 August 1982,[15][16] inAlappuzha,Kerala, to film directorFazil and his wife, Rozina.[17] He has two sisters, Ahameda and Fatima, and a brother,Farhaan, who is also an actor.[18][19]
Fahadh made his screen debut in 2002, with his father'sKaiyethum Doorath, oppositeNikita Thukral, under the stage name of Shaanu. The film was a failure at the box office.[22][23] Regarding his performance, a critic ofSify wrote, "Shaanu oozes charm and suits the character of Sachin but he has to work hard on his dancing".[24] Post the film's failure, Fahadh stated, "don't blame my father for my failure because it was my mistake and I came into acting without any preparation of my own."[25] Following this Fahadh took a hiatus from acting and moved toUnited States for five years, where he pursued his studies.[26] Fahadh returned to films in 2009 withKerala Cafe, an anthology.[27] At directorRanjith's behest,Uday Ananthan cast Fahadh in hisMrityunjayam, one of the 10 shorts in the film, where he played a journalist.[28]
The year 2012 marked a turning point in Fahadh's career. He first played an actor inPadmasree Bharat Dr. Saroj Kumar, which was an average grosser at the box office.[37] In his next film,22 Female Kottayam, Fahadh played a travel agency worker who cheats his lover oppositeRima Kallingal.[38] The film earned him his firstFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam and became a major box office success.[39][40] A critic ofNews18 noted, "Fahadh shines as a lovable young entrepreneur in a woman oriented film, pulling off a difficult character with reasonable ease."[41] Fahadh then played an oncologist working in Dubai inDiamond Necklace oppositeAnusree.[42] The film became another commercial success for him that year.[43] ANDTV critic termed his performance "outstanding".[44] In June 2012, a case was registered against Fahadh by theKochi Town Central Police for violation of the rule against public display of images of smoking. A poster ofDiamond Necklace that showed him smoking a cigarette had been on display before the Kavitha Theatre in Kochi since the film was released.[45] His final film of the year,Friday had him play an auto rickshaw driver.[46] The film became an average success and a critic ofThe Times of India found him to be "pleasing and stirring".[47][48]
Established actor and critical acclaim (2013–2017)
Fahadh established himself among the leading Malayalam actors with his twelve film releases in 2013, earning commercial and critical success.[49]Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla,Red Wine,5 Sundarikal,Olipporu andD Company were average successes, whileAnnayum Rasoolum,Amen,Immanuel,Akam,Artist,North 24 Kaatham andOru Indian Pranayakadha were commercial successes, ranking among the year's highest grossing films.[50][51][52] Fahadh first played a Muslim taxi driver in love with a Christian girl inAnnayum Rasoolum, oppositeAndrea Jeremiah.[53][54] Anil R. Nair stated that Fahadh's super brilliant performance stands out.[55] He next played dual characters inNatholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla oppositeKamalinee Mukherjee, which received mixed reviews.[56] InRed Wine, he played a leftist party local secretary.[57] Several critics praised his "excellent screen presence".[58] Then, he played a saxophonist in love with a rich girl oppositeSwathi Reddy inAmen.[59] Critics found Fahadh "versatile" and "impactful".[60] Fahadh played an insurance company owner in his next,Immanuel, which received positive reviews from critics.[61][62] Later, inAkam, he played an architect who suspect his wife to be ayakshi, oppositeAnumol.[63] The film won him the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor.[64] A critic stated, "Fahadh has very little space to emote, yet he overpowers a much-needed deficiency to startling effect."[65]
Following this, Fahadh played a businessman oppositeAsmita Sood in the anthology film,5 Sundarikal.[66][67] AThe New Indian Express critic noted that his "presence and the philosophical touch" gives the anthology an edge over others.[68] His next film,Olipporu received mixed reviews from critics.[69] Fahadh received theKerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance inArtist andNorth 24 Kaatham.[70] InArtist, he played a fine arts student oppositeAnn Augustine.[71][72] Paresh C Palicha noted, "Fahadh who has created a niche for himself by portraying characters with grey shades, has one more winner in this."[73] Post this, Fahadh played an IT professional opposite Swathi Reddy inNorth 24 Kaatham.[74] The film earned him another Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam and Meenakshi D Sivan ofFilm Companion noted: "Fahadh fits into this role brilliantly, his mouth sealed as though for eternity and his face drained of the last trace of tenderness. He redeems a flawed plot with a restraint so natural to him."[75][76] After this success, he played a doctor in the segmentThe Day of Judgement, of the filmD Company oppositeBhama. The film received mixed to positive reviews.[77][78] In his last release of the year,Oru Indian Pranayakadha, Fahadh played a young politician oppositeAmala Paul.[79][80] A critic ofGulf News called him "versatile" and added that he was "at ease" while playing the character.[81]
Fahadh had five film released in 2014. He first played a circle Inspector in1 by Two, which earned mixed reviews.[82] Fahadh next appeared as an expatriate oppositeIsha Talwar inGod's Own Country, which was an average grosser.[83] Paresh C Palicha found him "stiff and unimpressive".[84] Later inBangalore Days, Fahadh portrayed a workaholic corporate executive oppositeNazriya Nazim.[85] The film emerged as one of thehighest grossing Malayalam films of all time and gained acult status.[86][87] Aswin J Kumar ofThe Times of India opined that Fahadh's performance was "strikingly intense", whileSify found him to be in "full form" in his best role of the year.[88][89] It earned him another Filmfare Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam nomination.[90] Following this, he played a former naval officer in his co-productionIyobinte Pusthakam, oppositeIsha Sharvani, a box office success.[91] Mythily Ramachandran ofGulf News termed him "brilliant" as the quiet yet determined Aloshy.[92]Money Ratnam was his year's final release, where he played a sales manager oppositeNivetha Thomas.[93] Pramod Thomas praised his character and noted that he carriers the film "single-handedly".[94]
Fahadh's three releases of 2015, were average grosser at the box office –Mariyam Mukku,Haram andAyal Njanalla.[95] InMariyam Mukku, he played a fisherman oppositeSana Althaf.[96] Fahadh played a speech trainer whose wife wants a divorce, inHaram oppositeRadhika Apte.[97] Asha Prakash ofThe Times of India stated that he has put his heart and soul into the character.[98] In his final film of the yearAyal Njanalla, Fahadh played a man struggling with mistaken identity oppositeMrudula Murali.[99] Reviewer Deepa Soman stated, "The movie is watchable due to Fahad’s acting, some attempts to create refreshing comic situations, enjoyable dialogues and impressive one-liners."[100]
In 2016, Fahadh's first release,Monsoon Mangoes failed at the box office.[101] He played an ambitious filmmaker oppositeIswarya Menon, Cris fromDeccan Chronicle found his performance "unconvincing".[102] Fahadh then played a photographer inMaheshinte Prathikaaram, oppositeAparna Balamurali, which became a major commercial success.[103][104] Deepa Gauri ofKhaleej Times noted, "Fahadh's performance is top-notch. He outshines the other in his 'natural-ness' quotient."[105] Mythily Ramachandran stated, "Fahadh, not new to playing the common man, effortlessly brings out the highs and lows of Mahesh’s life."[106] His performance earned him his third Filmfare Best Actor – Malayalam nomination.[107]
In 2017, Fahadh appeared in four films,Role Models,Take Off,Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum andVelaikkaran, of which the latter three were major commercial successes.[108] InTake Off, Fahadh played an IFS officer in Iraq.Sowmya Rajendran stated that his soulful eyes and understated performance complemented the storytelling.[109][110] His next film,Role Models oppositeNamitha Pramod garned mixed reviews.[111] Fahadh then played a thief inThondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, one of his career's most notable role, which won him theNational Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam.[112][113] Sethumadhavan N ofBangalore Mirror wrote: "Fahadh plays second fiddle comfortably for the first half of the film. It takes a lot of guts and confidence for a popular star like him to take on such an unconventional role."[114]Anna MM Vetticad opined that he is a picture in "understated hilarity".[115] Fahadh ventured into Tamil films withVelaikkaran, where he played a businessman.[116] In his review, Haricharan Pudipeddi opined that Fahadh gets to "steal the thunder" in the second half, in a confident debut.[117]
Fahadh had three critical and commercial success in 2018 withCarbon,Varathan andNjan Prakashan.[118][119]Carbon had him play a youngster in search of a goal in life oppositeMamta Mohandas.[120]Baradwaj Rangan found his performance to be "extraordinary empathetic".[121] He then played a married man in trouble oppositeAishwarya Lekshmi, inVarathan, which he co-produced with his wife.[122] Sajin Shrijith stated, "Amal gives Fahadh a full-fledged mass avatar befitting his personality."[123] Fahadh played a male nurse in one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films,Njan Prakashan, his final release of the year.[124] A critic ofSify praised his "dedicated performance" but criticised the character.[125]
Fahadh portrayed Shammi, a male chauvinist inKumbalangi Nights, his first release of 2019 which he co-produced with Nazriya.[126] The film grossed more than₹ 39 crore at the box office. His character and the film has gained acult following.[127][128] Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl was appreciative of his ability to brilliantly slip into "such mind-blowing characters".[129] Sreehari Nair ofRediff.com opined that Fahadh played Shammi's rigidity by "acting from his neck up". The film won himKerala State Film Award for Best Character Actor.[130] He then played a psychiatrist oppositeSai Pallavi inAthiran, which received mixed reviews but performed well at box office.[131] Reviewer ofDeccan Chronicle found him to be "effortless".[132] Fahad next played a struggling actor, whose wife cheats on him inSuper Deluxe oppositeSamantha Ruth Prabhu.[133] The film received critical acclaim with Karthik Kumar ofHindustan Times stating that he shine like never before.[134][135]
Trance andC U Soon were the two releases Fahadh had in 2020.[136] InTrance, he played an atheist motivational speaker opposite Nazriya Nazim. Goutham V. S. noted: "Fahadh steals the limelight by portraying a character that is hysteric and disturbing at the same time".[137] His film,C U Soon became India's firstcomputer screen film and saw him playing a cyber security specialist alongsideDarshana Rajendran.[138]Saibal Chatterjee stated, "Fahadh derives strength and thrives on his emphasis on exactitude of expression."[139]
Fahadh played a serial killer in his first release of 2021,Irul. Despite the mixed reviews, Fahadh's performance was well received byShubhra Gupta.[140][141] Post this, Fahadh played the titular engineering dropout inJoji.[142]Anupama Chopra termed Fahadh "stunning" and added that he delivers a performance within a performance.[143] Nearly a week after the release ofJoji, reports came out that theFilm Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) has warned Fahadh against acting in movies made for streaming through OTT platforms, which later turned out to be a rumour.[144][145] Fahadh then earned nation wide recognition withMalik, where he played a revolutionary leader opposite Nimisha Sajayan.[146][147] Several critics termed it his career best performance, while Ramya Palisetty appreciated him for portraying a flawed character with "brilliance", Roktim Rajpal stated that he leaves an "impact with his intensity".[148][149] It earned him his fifth Filmfare Best Actor – Malayalam nomination.[150] Later, Fahadh expanded to Telugu films withPushpa: The Rise, where he played a cruel police officer.[151][152] Nishad Thaivalappil ofNews18 stated: "Fahadh Faasil’s entry towards the end only elevates the whole film. His entry, dialogues and punch lines are surely impactful."[153] The film became one of thehighest-grossing Telugu films of all time.[154]
In his first release of 2022, Fahadh played the head of black-ops squad inVikram oppositeGayathrie.[155] The film eventually emerged as one of thehighest-grossing Tamil and Indian film of all time.[156][157] Soundarya Athimuthu ofThe Quint felt that Fahadh "steals the show" with an all round performance.[158] Haricharan Pudipeddi stated, "Fahadh gets the second most meaty part among the ensemble cast; and he’s terrific."[159] Fahadh's next release,Malayankunju alongsideRajisha Vijayan saw him play an electronics technician.[160] Divya Nair ofRediff.com noted, "Malayankunju triumphs in the integrity and ease of FaFa's portrayal of Anikuttan, with layered expressions and emotions."[161]
Fahadh had three film releases in 2023 – He first appeared as a pharmacist inPachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, which was a commercial success.[162][163] G. Ragesh ofOnmanorama opined that he has played similar characters before but added: "the virtues and vulnerabilities of Pachu are safe with the actor in Fahadh".[164] In his next film,Dhoomam, he appeared opposite Aparna Balamurali as a tobacco company head. The film received mixed reviews withAnna M. M. Vetticad calling his character arc "weak".[165][166] In his final film of the year, Fahadh played a district secretary inMaamannan.[167] Bharathy Singaravel ofThe News Minute noted: "Fahadh as the primary antagonist, offers a blood curdling performance. His villainy is shrewd, calculated, and completely believable." The film emerged as a major commercial success and won him theFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil.[168][169]
In his first film of 2024, Fahadh played a kind-hearted Malayali-Kannadiga gangster inAavesham, which he also co-produced.[170][171] The film eventually became thesixth highest grossing Malayalam film of all time and earned him wider recognition.[172] Janani K fromIndia Today opined that he "wonderfully portrayed" the dynamic character, while Nirmal Jovial ofThe Week stated that he "brings out his complete form" only in those climax portions.[173][174] Fahadh then appeared in the anthology seriesManorathangal, playing a Malayali immigrant.[175][176] Arjun Menon ofRediff.com found him to be "perfectly cast" as the passive yet cipher-like figure.[177] Following this, Fahadh played Patrick, a former thief turned police informer inVettaiyan.[178][179] Bhuvanesh Chandar ofThe Hindu found him to be "impressive" and was appreciative of his comic timing.[180] Despite being a box office failure, it became thethird highest grossing Tamil film of the year.[181] Some commentators bemoaned that Fahadh should take on less supporting parts, owing to his success as a lead actor.[182] After this, he played an IPS officer inBougainvillea.[183][184] Anandu Suresh called his character "underdeveloped" but added, "Fahadh demonstrates his ability to rise above such limitations in scripts, shining through with his commanding presence."[185] It was a moderate success at the box office.[186] In his year's last release, Fahadh reprised his role of a police officer in the sequelPushpa 2: The Rule.[187][188] Taking note of his versatility, Devesh Sharma ofFilmfare stated, "As a talented actor, he inject a comic touch into his character even in the midst of serious scenes, without diminishing their impact."[189] The film broke several records emerging as one of the highest grossing Telugu andIndian film of all time.[190][191]
Fahadh started 2025 withMaareesan, where he played a theif on a road trip with an alzheimer patient (played byVadivelu).[192][193]The Hollywood Reporter India's Prathyush Parasuraman noted, "Fahadh—who even gets his ‘FaFa’ theme song— is an actor whose presence on screen allows him to conjure whole worlds into words. He has comfortably slipped into the skin of his character."[194] Despite positive reviews, it underperformed commercially.[195] His next filmOdum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, saw him play a man jilted at his wedding by his lover, oppositeKalyani Priyadarshan.[196][197] Janani K opined that Fahadh leaves little impact due to a weak story.[198]
Fahadh will next appear in the Telugu filmsOxygen andDon’t Trouble The Trouble,[199] and the Malayalam films:Karate Chandran,[200] the multi-starrerPatriot,[201] andTorpedo.[202]
In theKochi Times Most Desirable Men list, Fahadh was placed in 5th in 2017, 2nd in 2018, 7th in 2019 and 8th in 2020.[215][216][217][218] In 2019 and 2022, the Indian edition ofGQ featured Fahadh among the nation's most influential young people and credited him for "choosing scripts with an edge, and pouring himself into his parts with conviction".[219][220] Fahadh was named the Men of the Year byMan's World in 2020.[221] In 2024,Mashable India andHindustan Times placed him in their "Top Performances of the Year" list.[222][223] Fahadh was placed 12th inEastern Eye's Top 50 Asian Stars of 2024.[224] He has also appeared on the cover of several magazines includingVanitha.[225] A research study conducted in 2023 by Indian Institute of Human Brands (IIHB) stated that Fahadh was the highest-ranked celebrity in Malayalam cinema. The study was based on several attributes covering image, personality and other human factors.[226] In 2024, Fahadh was placed 81st onIMDb's List of 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars.[227]
Fahadh is considered among the most popular and highest-paid actors ofMalayalam cinema, according to various media reports.[7][8] Fahadh is noted for playing a variety of roles in a variety of genres. Princy Alexander ofOnmanorama called him a "force to reckon with".[228] Writing forThe News Minute, Fahir Maithutty called him a front-runner of theNew Generation Wave and said, "Fahadh possesses traits that set him apart as an actor — his command over dialects and his ability to transform to any character."[229]
Anandu Suresh ofThe Indian Express talked about his career comeback and noted, "The new Fahadh displayed remarkable growth and maturity. His second innings made him one of contemporary Indian cinema’s finest actors."[3] Neelima Menon ofHuffPost stated, "Most of his notable films are character-driven and many of his characters have been flawed, vulnerable heroes. He is a product of new-age Malayalam cinema, where superstardom has begun to wane, and alpha male heroes have been exiled.[230] Film critic Aparna Prashanthi opined: "He is an actor in the purest sense. He isn’t addicted to stardom nor is he particular about drawing all the attention to himself in a film. He just wants to be part of good cinema."[230] Deepak Joy ofThe Week called him "an accomplished actor" and added, "Fahadh is a natural actor like no other. It is said that even his eyes acts before the camera. While stars make fans, Fahadh command a devoted audience."[231] Nidhima Taneja ofThe Print took note of his versatility and added, "Fahadh Faasil won’t play your garden-variety hero. He’s bending the norms, creating his own multiverse and getting pan-Indian acclaim."[232]
In a 2018 interview, Fahadh talked about the audience response to his films and said,
"I sincerely want people to watch my films. And that is enough for me. After that, they don't have to think about me. They don't have to be concerned about me. Let them watch it if it is a good film. If it is not, they don't have to."[231]
Rediff.com named Fahad the "Best Malayalam Actor" of 2012 and 2013.[233][234] His performance inMaheshinte Prathikaram andThondimuthalum Driksakshiyum is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" byFilm Companion.[235] Several members of the Indian film industry have appreciated Fahadh's acting style. ActorRajkummar Rao expressed his desire to work with him, calling Fahadh "one of the finest actors in the country".[236] ActressVidya Balan,Alia Bhatt and actorSuriya have praised his films, and called him a "fantastic actor".[237][238][239] ActorAyushmann Khurrana said, "I am a big Fahadh Faasil fan and if given a chance, I would love to work with him because the kind of cinema he works in resonates with what I do in Hindi cinema."[240] DirectorPawan Kumar, who worked with him inDhoomam said, "Fahadh Faasil does not have any baggage of a star. His filmography has been very diverse and he does not have to cater to any kind of genre, which is what he likes."[241]
