Abdul Hameed Muhammed Fazil (born 4 February 1949) is an Indian film director, film producer, screenwriter and actor who works in Malayalam cinema, in addition to directing a handful of Tamil films, few of which are remake of his own directional Malayalam films. He made his directorial debut with the 1980 film Manjil Virinja Pookkal.
His popular films include Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku (1983), Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984), Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986), Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal (1987), Ente Sooryaputhrikku (1991), Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992), Manichitrathazhu (1993), Harikrishnans (1998). His 1993 film Manichitrathazhu won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He won the Best Director award at the 13th Kerala State Film Awards for his 1984 film Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku.
Early life His father wanted him to be a doctor, but in school and college, extracurricular activities dominated his time. He wrote plays and staged them with his friends; Nedumudi Venu was his college mate while he was in S.D. College, Alappuzha, and this group was perhaps the first mimicry team that entertained crowds. "I used to mimic stars like Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Sivaji Ganesan and Govindankutty." He completed his graduate and post-graduate degrees in economics from the department of economics at S.D. College in Alappuzha.
Film career Since the early 1980s, Fazil has directed 31 movies. His debut was with the Malayalam film Manjil Virinja Pookkal, produced by Navodaya Appachan, which was also Mohanlal's first theatrical movie. Fazil has a knack for spotting talent. He introduced some of the biggest names in films in South India:
Mohanlal in Manjil Virinja Pookkal Nadia Moidu in Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu Baby Shalini in Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku Kunchacko Boban in Aniyathipravu Nagma was introduced in south Indian film with Fazil's Killer (Telugu) Khushbu started her south journey with his Varusham Padhinaaru Fahadh Faasil in Kaiyethum Doorath
With numerous Malayalam films, as well as several Tamil films and one Telugu film, Fazil has won the most number of State awards for the best film with popular appeal and aesthetic value.
Personal life Fazil has two sons, Fahadh Faasil and Farhaan Faasil, and two daughters. Fahadh and Farhaan are both actors working primarily in the Malayalam film industry. Fahadh is married to actress Nazriya Nazim.
Filmography Directed films Year Film Language Notes 1980 Manjil Virinja Pookkal Malayalam 1981 Dhanya 1983 Eettillam Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku Marakkillorikkalum 1985 Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu Poove Poochooda Vaa Tamil Remake of Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu 1986 Ennennum Kannettante Malayalam Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal 1987 Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal Poovizhi Vasalile Tamil Remake of Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal 1988 En Bommukutty Ammavukku Remake of Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku 1989 Varusham Padhinaaru Remake of Ennennum Kannettante 1990 Arangetra Velai Remake of Ramji Rao Speaking 1991 Ente Sooryaputhrikku Malayalam Karpoora Mullai Tamil Simultaneously shot with Ente Sooryaputhrikku 1992 Killer Telugu Pappayude Swantham Appoos Malayalam 1993 Kilipetchu Ketkava Tamil Manichitrathazhu Malayalam 1994 Manathe Vellitheru 1997 Aniyathipravu Kadhalukku Mariyadhai Tamil Remake of Aniyathipravu 1998 Harikrishnans Malayalam 2000 Kannukkul Nilavu Tamil Life Is Beautiful Malayalam 2002 Kaiyethum Doorath 2004 Vismayathumbathu 2005 Oru Naal Oru Kanavu Tamil 2009 Moz & Cat Malayalam 2011 Living Together
Produced films All films are in Malayalam, unless otherwise noted. Year Film Notes 1988 Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal 1989 Ramji Rao Speaking 1997 Chandralekha 1998 Sundarakilladi 2000 Life Is Beautiful 2002 Kaiyethum Doorath 2003 Chronic Bachelor 2004 Vismayathumbathu 2022 Malayankunju
As writer Year Film Language Director 1988Kakkothikkavile Appooppan ThaadikalMalayalamKamal1992KillerTeluguHimself1995No. 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore NorthMalayalamSathyan Anthikad 1998 Sundarakilladi MalayalamMurali Krishnan
As actor Year Film Language role1984 Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu Malayalam Alexi (Cameo appearance)1988 Isabella MalayalamCameo appearance1993VatsalyamMalayalamUncredited role2019 Lucifer MalayalamFather Nedumbally2021Marakkar: Arabikadalinte SimhamMalayalamKutti Ali Marakkar2025L2: EmpuraanMalayalamFather Nedumpally
Awards
National Film Awards 1993 – National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Manichitrathazhu
Kerala State Film Awards 1993: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Manichithrathazhu 1986: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Ennennum Kannettante 1984: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu 1983: Best Film – Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku 1983: Best Director – Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku 1980: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Manjil Virinja Pookkal
Filmfare Awards South 1985: Best Director in Tamil for Poove Poochooda Vaa
See also List of Malayalam films from 1976 to 1980 List of Malayalam films from 1981 to 1985 List of Malayalam films from 1986 to 1990 List of Malayalam films from 1991 to 1995 List of Malayalam films from 1996 to 2000
References
External links