Saturday, 17 October 2026
Fahadh Faasil - Biography, Stats, and Career Highlights

Fahadh Faasil

Actor • Producer

Fahadh Faasil is one of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed and versatile actors, celebrated for a career that overcame a commercially unsuccessful debut to become a defining figure of Malayalam cinema’s new wave, before expanding into pan-Indian roles across Tamil and Telugu films.

He has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, four Filmfare Awards South, and four Kerala State Film Awards, and is widely regarded by peers as one of the finest actors working in Indian cinema today.

Profession
Actor, Producer
Known for
Bangalore Days, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Kumbalangi Nights, Pushpa series
Age
44
Date of birth
1982-08-08
Birthplace
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Nationality
Indian

Fahadh Faasil Quick Facts

Full NameAbdul Hameed Mohammed Fahad Fazil
ProfessionActor, Producer
Date of Birth8 August 1982
Age44 years (as of 2026)
BirthplaceAlappuzha, Kerala, India
NationalityIndian
Years Active2002–2003, 2009–present
DebutKaiyethum Doorath (2002, as “Shaanu”); comeback in Kerala Cafe (2009)
Breakthrough22 Female Kottayam (2012)
Total Movies65 films (63 released, 2 upcoming)
Known ForBangalore Days, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Kumbalangi Nights, Pushpa series
ParentsFazil (father, film director), Rozina (mother)
SiblingsAhameda, Fatima (sisters), Farhaan Faasil (brother, actor)
SpouseNazriya Nazim (m. 2014)
EducationBA, Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha; MA in Philosophy, University of Miami
Production HouseFahadh Faasil and Friends; Bhavana Studios
ResidenceKochi, Kerala, India

Fahadh Faasil Career in Numbers

Fahadh Faasil has acted in 65 films since his 2002 debut — 63 released and 2 upcoming — working prolifically across Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema, and is known for an unusually diverse filmography.

MilestoneDetails
Total Movies65 films (2002–2026, including 2 upcoming)
Career Span17 years since comeback (2009–present)
National Film AwardBest Supporting Actor, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017)
Filmfare Awards South4 wins
Kerala State Film Awards4 wins
Notable Year12 film releases in 2013
Pan-Indian BreakthroughPushpa: The Rise (2021) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024)

Early Life and Family

Fahadh Faasil was born Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fahad Fazil on 8 August 1982 in Alappuzha, Kerala. His father, Fazil, is a noted film director, and his mother is Rozina. He has two sisters, Ahameda and Fatima, and a brother, Farhaan Faasil, who is also an actor.

He studied at SDV Central School in Alappuzha, Lawrence School in Ooty, and Choice School in Tripunithura, before earning a bachelor’s degree from Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, and a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Miami in the United States.

Fahadh Faasil Career Journey

Early Failure and Hiatus (2002–2008)

Fahadh made his acting debut under the stage name “Shaanu” in his father’s film Kaiyethum Doorath (2002), which was a commercial failure. He subsequently moved to the United States for five years to pursue higher education before returning to acting.

Comeback and Rise (2009–2013)

His comeback came with Kerala Cafe (2009), followed by critically praised performances in Chaappa Kurishu and Akam (2011). 22 Female Kottayam (2012) marked a major turning point, winning him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam. In 2013 alone, he appeared in twelve films, establishing his reputation for range and prolific output.

Consolidation and Critical Acclaim (2014–2017)

Bangalore Days (2014) became one of Malayalam cinema’s highest-grossing and most beloved films. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) and Take Off (2017) earned widespread critical acclaim, and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017) won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and his third Filmfare Award.

Pan-Indian Expansion (2018–Present)

Fahadh successfully expanded into Tamil and Telugu cinema, with acclaimed roles in Kumbalangi Nights (2019) and Malik (2021). His portrayal of a corrupt police officer in Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and its sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) brought him major pan-Indian recognition. He has continued a prolific run with Aavesham (2024), Maamannan (2023), Vettaiyan (2024) and Patriot (2026).

Fahadh Faasil Movies: Complete Filmography

Fahadh Faasil has acted in 65 films across Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema since his 2002 debut — 63 released titles and 2 upcoming releases. The table below lists his complete filmography.

YearFilmRole
2002Kaiyethum Doorath (Debut, credited as “Shaanu”; commercial failure)Sachin Madhavan
2009Kerala Cafe (Segment “Mrityunjayam”; comeback after 7-year gap)The journalist / Spirit
2010PramaniBobby Joseph Varghese
2010CocktailNaveen Krishnamoorthy
2010TournamentViswanathan
2010Best of Luck (Cameo appearance)Himself
2011Chaappa Kurishu (Kerala State Film Award – Best Supporting Actor)Arjun Samuel
2011Indian Rupee (Cameo appearance)Muneer
2012Padmasree Bharat Dr. Saroj KumarAlex Samuel
201222 Female Kottayam – Major turning point; first Filmfare Award (Best Actor – Malayalam)Cyril C. Mathew
2012Diamond Necklace (Critically acclaimed)Dr. Arun Kumar
2012FridayBalu
2013Annayum RasoolumRasool
2013Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla (Double role)Preman / Narendran
2013Red WineSakhavu C.V. Anoop
2013AmenSolomon
2013ImmanuelJeevan Raj
2013AkamSrini
20135 Sundarikal (Segment “Aami”)Ajmal
2013OlipporuAjayan
2013Artist (Kerala State Film Award – Best Actor)Michael Angelo
2013North 24 Kaatham (Kerala State Film Award – Best Actor)Harikrishnan
2013D Company (Segment “Day of Judgement”)Dr. Sunil Mathew
2013Oru Indian Pranayakadha (One of twelve releases in 2013)Aymanam Siddharthan
20141 by TwoYusuf Marikkar
2014God’s Own CountryManu Krishna
2014Bangalore Days (One of Malayalam cinema’s highest-grossing films)Shivadas “Das”
2014Iyobinte Pusthakam (Also produced, under Fahadh Faasil and Friends)Aloshy Gomber
2014Money RatnamNeil John Samuel
2015Mariyam MukkuFelix
2015HaramBalakrishnan “Balu”
2015Ayal NjanallaPrakashan / Himself
2016Monsoon MangoesD.P. Pallikkal
2016Maheshinte Prathikaaram (Widely acclaimed performance)Mahesh Bhavana
2017Take Off (Extended cameo)Manoj Abraham IFS
2017Role ModelsGautham S. Menon
2017Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor; third Filmfare Award)Prasad
2017Velaikkaran (Tamil debut)Adhiban “Aadhi” Madhav
2018CarbonSibi Sebastian
2018Varathan (Produced by his own company; record-breaking numbers)Abin “Aby” Mathew
2018Njan Prakashan (Among highest-grossing Malayalam films)Prakashan / P.R. Akash / Sylvester
2019Kumbalangi Nights (Critically acclaimed; produced by his own company)Shammi Sreenivasan
2019AthiranVinayan / Dr. M.K. Nair
2019Super Deluxe (Tamil)Mugil
2020TranceViju Prasad / Pastor Joshua Carlton
2020C U Soon (Shot on iPhone during the pandemic)Kevin Thomas
2021IrulUnni
2021Joji (Critically acclaimed; Shakespeare-inspired)Joji Panachel
2021Malik (Nationwide recognition)Ahammadali Sulaiman “Alikka”
2021Pushpa: The Rise (Telugu debut; major pan-Indian breakthrough)SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat IPS
2022Vikram (Filmfare Best Supporting Actor – Tamil)Agent Amar
2022Malayankunju (Also co-produced)Anil Kumar “Anikuttan”
2023Pachuvum Athbutha VilakkumPrasanth “Pachu” Rajan
2023DhoomamAvinash “Avi”
2023Maamannan (Tamil)Rathnavelu
2024Aavesham (Major commercial and critical success)Ranjith “Ranga” Gangadharan
2024Vettaiyan – Co-starred with Rajinikanth (Tamil)Cyber Patrick “Battery”
2024Bougainvillea (Extended cameo)ACP David Koshy IPS
2024Pushpa 2: The Rule – One of the highest-grossing Indian films ever (Telugu)SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat IPS
2025Maareesan (Tamil)Dhayalan
2025Odum Kuthira Chaadum KuthiraAby Mathew
2026PatriotShakthi Sundaram
2026Idhayam Murali – Extended cameo (Tamil)Surya
2026Don’t Trouble The Trouble (Telugu-language debut; awaiting release)Undisclosed
UpcomingKarate Chandran (Currently filming)Undisclosed

Television and Anthology Appearances

YearTitleRoleNotes
2024ManorathangalBaluSegment “Sherlock”; anthology series with Mammootty, Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan

Fahadh Faasil Awards and Achievements

YearAwardNote
2012Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Malayalam, 22 Female Kottayam
2017National Film AwardBest Supporting Actor, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
2017Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Malayalam, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
2022Filmfare AwardBest Supporting Actor – Tamil, Vikram

He has also won four Kerala State Film Awards and was named “Best Malayalam Actor” by Rediff.com for both 2012 and 2013.

Fahadh Faasil’s Production Ventures

Fahadh co-owns the production company Fahadh Faasil and Friends with his wife, Nazriya Nazim, which has produced films including Kumbalangi Nights and Varathan. He also co-partners Bhavana Studios, a digital entertainment company, alongside director Dileesh Pothan and writer Syam Pushkaran.

Fahadh Faasil Personal Life

Fahadh Faasil married actress Nazriya Nazim on 21 August 2014. In 2024, he publicly shared that he has been diagnosed with ADHD. He and his wife have contributed to several charitable causes, including donations to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala during the COVID-19 pandemic and to relief efforts following the 2024 Wayanad landslides.

Fahadh Faasil Net Worth

Fahadh Faasil is one of the most sought-after actors across South Indian cinema, with income from acting fees, production ventures and endorsements.

Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹40–50 crore.

Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, such as media reports, published rich lists and election affidavits. They are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.

Lesser-Known Facts About Fahadh Faasil

  • His debut film in 2002 was a commercial failure, prompting a five-year break from acting to study in the United States.
  • He appeared in twelve films in a single year, 2013, reflecting his reputation for a heavy and varied workload.
  • Fellow actor Rajkummar Rao has called him “one of the finest actors in the country.”
  • His performances in Maheshinte Prathikaaram and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum were ranked among Film Companion’s 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade.
  • He holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Miami.

Legacy and Impact

Fahadh Faasil’s journey from a failed 2002 debut to becoming one of Indian cinema’s most respected character actors reflects the broader shift toward performance-driven, unconventional storytelling in Malayalam cinema’s new wave. His subsequent pan-Indian success, particularly through the Pushpa franchise, has extended that influence well beyond Kerala.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fahadh Faasil

Who is Fahadh Faasil?

Fahadh Faasil is a National Film Award-winning Indian actor known for his versatile, character-driven performances across Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema.

How old is Fahadh Faasil?

He was born on 8 August 1982, making him 44 years old as of 2026.

Is Fahadh Faasil married?

Yes, he married actress Nazriya Nazim on 21 August 2014.

What role brought Fahadh Faasil pan-Indian recognition?

His role as a corrupt police officer in Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and its sequel brought him major pan-Indian attention.

How many movies has Fahadh Faasil acted in?

He has acted in 65 films since his 2002 debut, of which 63 have been released and 2 are upcoming.

What is Fahadh Faasil’s net worth?

Fahadh Faasil’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹40–50 crore, based on publicly reported estimates. Net worth figures are estimates and are not audited financial statements.

Final Summary

From a commercially unsuccessful debut in 2002 to becoming one of the most acclaimed character actors in Indian cinema, Fahadh Faasil’s career stands out for its unconventional path and consistent critical recognition.

With upcoming projects across multiple languages, he continues to be one of the most closely watched actors working in Indian cinema today.

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