Fazil
Biography
Fazil (Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fazil, born 4 February 1949) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer and actor, best known for his major contribution to Malayalam cinema. He has also directed films in Tamil and Telugu.
Fazil made his directorial debut with Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), which also marked the theatrical debut of Mohanlal. He went on to direct several acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku (1983), Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984), Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986), Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal (1987), Ente Sooryaputhrikku (1991), Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992), Manichitrathazhu (1993), Aniyathipraavu (1997) and Harikrishnans (1998).
His landmark psychological thriller Manichitrathazhu (1993) won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Fazil also received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director for Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku.
Fazil is also recognized for introducing and nurturing several important talents in South Indian cinema. He introduced Mohanlal as a lead actor in Manjil Virinja Pookkal and later introduced Fahadh Faasil, his son, as a lead actor in Kaiyethum Doorath (2002).
As a filmmaker, Fazil is particularly known for combining family drama, romance, comedy, and psychological themes with accessible storytelling. His films have had a lasting influence on Malayalam popular cinema, and several of his works are regarded as classics.
