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Fahadh Faasil, born on August 8, 1982, is one of the most popular leading actors in Malayalam cinema and is hailed by many as one of the best actors in the country. After appearing as a child extra in his father's films—acclaimed filmmaker Fazil's Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal and Pappayude Swantham Appoos - Fahadh made his proper acting debut at the age of 19 with the film Kaiyethum Doorath (2002), also directed by his father. The film attempted to repeat the 'youth' formula of Fazil's earlier hit Aniyathipravu, which was a blockbuster that launched Kunchacko Boban and Shalini into the mainstream. However, Kaiyethum Doorath was a major disaster, despite a cameo from Mammootty, with Fahadh particularly criticised for his stiff performance. Fahadh Faasil in Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal? Young FaFa Spotted in This Scene From 1987 Mammootty Film (Watch Video).
Despite the film’s commercial failure and critical drubbing, Fahadh didn't let this initial setback define his career. He took a break from acting, during which he pursued his education in the United States, only to return stronger and more determined. He made his comeback to movies with Kerala Cafe (2009), which featured him in a horror vignette. Audiences quickly noticed the changed - and more confident - body language of the actor. That was just the teaser, though.
Over the years, Fahadh has carved a niche for himself with his ability to portray complex characters with remarkable depth and subtlety. Films like 22 Female Kottayam (2012), Chaappa Kurishu (2011), and Diamond Necklace (2012) showcased his talent and range, earning him critical acclaim and several awards, including multiple Kerala State Film Awards. His performances in movies such as Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016), Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017), and Kumbalangi Nights (2019) further cemented his reputation as one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum even earned him a much-deserved National Award for Best Supporting Actor. Fahadh Faasil Birthday Special: From Being Called ‘Wooden’ to Being Hailed as Best in Business, Recapping the Spell-Binding Journey of the National Award Winner.
Fahadh's recent forays into Tamil and Telugu films, including Super Deluxe (2019) and Pushpa: The Rise (2021), have expanded his popularity beyond Malayalam-speaking audiences, solidifying his status as a pan-Indian star. This year, he also delivered his biggest hit in Malayalam cinema with Aavesham, which introduced us to a cult character in Ranganna.
Fahadh is known for taking on roles that are complicated and complex and, at times, quite selfish and evil. As Fahadh celebrates his 42nd birthday, we look at seven characters where he impressed us in negative roles. (PS: We are not including Pushpa: The Rise here. While Fahadh certainly got noticed there, I feel he has delivered much better negative performances elsewhere.)
1. 22 Female Kottayam
Fahadh is a chameleon of an actor, and that's best exemplified by his first proper negative role in this Aashiq Abu thriller, starring Rima Kallingal. When we first meet him, his character is a likeable young man,, and we feel his anguish when he learns of his girlfriend's assault. However, it is all a facade, as he turns out to be a slimy bastard who orchestrated his lover's assault. The actor smoothly makes the transition from do-gooder to evil a-hole. 22 Female Kottayam is streaming on SunNXT.
2. Immanuel
While not exactly a villain in the pure sense, Fahadh's Jeevan Raj is certainly an antagonist to Mammootty's titular hero. He plays Ikka's narrow-minded boss, who looks for every opportunity to fire his new employee. Since the actor plays nearly all his scenes with a touch of humour, it is hard to completely despise him. Also, it is not an easy task to upstage Mammootty, so there's that. Immanuel is streaming on YouTube.
3. Velaikkaran
In his first Tamil film, Fahadh plays a corporate supervisor who is the boss of Sivakarthikeyan's protagonist and teaches him the devious tips and tricks of their trade. Fahadh excels as the suave go-getter with a greedy mindset, whose clash of ideals with the hero makes for an interesting watch. Velaikkaran is streaming on MX Player.
4. Kumbalangi Nights
Even though we are not fans of turning him into someone with a mental illness near the end, it cannot be denied that Fahadh's Shammi remains one of the best antagonists in Malayalam cinema. What makes him so outstanding is that he is utterly relatable—you could see a Shammi in any one of your sexist, moral-policing relatives and neighbours. Kumbalangi Nights is streaming on Prime Video.
5. Joji
It is a fact that Fahadh reserves his best (which is saying something) for director Dileesh Pothan. Their third venture together is a reimagining of Macbeth set in a hilly hamlet of Kerala during the COVID-19 lockdown. Fahadh is excellent as the cunning and unapologetic sociopath whose misdemeanours keep trying to catch up with him. Joji is streaming on Prime Video. Joji Movie Review: Fahadh Faasil Brings Another Shade of Grey to Dileesh Pothan’s Macbethian Tale of Greed.
6. Maamannan
Udhayanidhi Stalin may have been the protagonist of Mari Selvaraj's sociopolitical drama, but the standout performers in the movie were Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil. Fahadh brings enough repugnance as the arrogant upper-caste antagonist who nearly runs away with the movie by the end. Maamannan is streaming on Netflix. Maamannan Movie Review: Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil are Terrific in Udhayanidhi Stalin-Mari Selvaraj's Uneven Political Drama.
7. Aavesham
If you see it, Fahadh Faasil's Ranganna is both the protagonist and the antagonist of the film. A comical gangster with major clout, Ranganna is someone who, if he takes a liking to you, will go all out to make you 'happy' to the point of suffocation. But if you end up hurting and betraying him, woe betide you, as he will unleash hell upon you. And it's thanks to Fahadh's gallery-pleasing performance that you still end up rooting for him. Aavesham is streaming on Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2024 12:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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