Anwar Rasheed
Biography
Anwar Rasheed is an Indian film director and producer who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. Born on 19 March 1976 in Kerala, he has established himself as one of the notable filmmakers and producers of contemporary Malayalam cinema.
Early Career
Anwar Rasheed began his career as an assistant director, working with filmmaker Ranjith. He also worked as an assistant on films including Ee Parakkum Thalika, Kuberan, C.I.D. Moosa and Thalamelam.
Directorial Career
Rasheed made his directorial debut with Rajamanikyam (2005), starring Mammootty. The action-comedy became a major success and established him as a promising new director in Malayalam cinema.
He followed it with Chotta Mumbai (2007), starring Mohanlal, and Annan Thambi (2008), starring Mammootty. He later directed the segment “Bridge” in Kerala Cafe (2009) and the segment “Aami” in 5 Sundarikal (2013).
His most acclaimed directorial work includes Ustad Hotel (2012), a drama starring Dulquer Salmaan and Thilakan. The film received widespread critical recognition and won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Rasheed later directed Trance (2020), starring Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim and Gautham Vasudev Menon.
Career as a Producer
Anwar Rasheed has also achieved considerable success as a film producer through his production banner, Anwar Rasheed Entertainments. He co-produced Bangalore Days (2014) and produced Premam (2015), both of which became major successes.
He subsequently produced films including Parava (2017), Bheeshma Parvam (2022), Aavesham (2024) and Pravinkoodu Shappu (2025).
Notable Works
Some of Anwar Rasheed's prominent works include:
- Rajamanikyam (2005) – Director
- Chotta Mumbai (2007) – Director
- Annan Thambi (2008) – Director
- Kerala Cafe (2009) – Director, “Bridge” segment
- Ustad Hotel (2012) – Director
- 5 Sundarikal (2013) – Director, “Aami” segment
- Bangalore Days (2014) – Producer
- Premam (2015) – Producer
- Parava (2017) – Producer
- Trance (2020) – Director and Producer
- Aavesham (2024) – Producer
Style and Contribution
Anwar Rasheed is known for combining commercial entertainment with strong characters, humor, emotion, and contemporary storytelling. His directorial films range from mass-oriented entertainers such as Rajamanikyam and Chotta Mumbai to more character-driven works such as Ustad Hotel and Trance.
As a producer, he has also played an important role in supporting a younger generation of Malayalam filmmakers and actors. His production credits on films such as Bangalore Days, Premam, Parava and Aavesham have further strengthened his reputation within the industry.
