{{Short description|Indian actor and producer (born 1982)}} {{Indian patronymic|Fahadh|Faasil}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox person | name = Fahadh Faasil | image = Fahadh Faasil 2019.jpg | caption = Fahadh in 2019 | birth_name = <!--Should not be added without a reliable source--> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1982|08|08}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/happy-birthday-fahadh-faasil-lesser-known-facts-about-the-finest-actor/photostory/77415219.cms|title=Happy Birthday Fahadh Faasil: Lesser known facts about the finest actor|newspaper=The Times of India|date=8 August 2020|access-date=1 February 2024|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201035024/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/happy-birthday-fahadh-faasil-lesser-known-facts-about-the-finest-actor/photostory/77415219.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | other_names = {{Hlist | FaFa<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/entertainment-news-they-call-him-fafa/304749 |title=They call him FaFa : Meet Fahadh Faasil and Friends |website=Outlook |accessdate=16 July 2021 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429215822/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/entertainment-news-they-call-him-fafa/304749 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Shaanu}} | birth_place = Alappuzha, Kerala, India | alma_mater = {{plainlist| * Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha * University of Miami }} | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|producer}} | years_active = 2002–present | works = Full list | organization = {{Plainlist| * Fahadh Faasil and Friends * Bhavana Studios }} | spouse = {{Marriage|Nazriya Nazim|2014-2025}} | awards = Full list | father = Fazil | family = Fazil family }}
'''Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fahad Fazil''' (born 8 August 1982), professionally known as '''Fahadh Faasil''', is an Indian actor and producer who primarily works in Malayalam and Tamil films. Noted for his diverse portrayals,<ref name="Fahadh G.O.A.T.">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title=Anatomy of three scenes that make Fahadh Faasil an absolute GOAT |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/anatomy-of-three-scenes-fahadh-faasil-absolute-goat-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-kumbalangi-nights-njan-prakashan-8877780/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510021339/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/anatomy-of-three-scenes-fahadh-faasil-absolute-goat-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-kumbalangi-nights-njan-prakashan-8877780/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-27 |title=Indian cinema's maverick man: Fahadh Faasil does it again |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/indian-cinema-s-maverick-man-fahadh-faasil-does-it-again-101714210068555-amp.html |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712021339/https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/indian-cinema-s-maverick-man-fahadh-faasil-does-it-again-101714210068555-amp.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fahadh is considered among the finest actors of Indian cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |accessdate=12 August 2021 |title=Is Fahadh Faasil India's finest actor |author=Subhash K Jha |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/special/is-fahadh-faasil-indias-finest-actor/20210810.htm |website=Rediff.com |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921021339/https://m.rediff.com/movies/special/is-fahadh-faasil-indias-finest-actor/20210810.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |accessdate=30 June 2022 |title=Reasons why Kamal Haasan believes that Fahadh Faasil is one of the finest actors in the film industry |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/reasons-why-kamal-haasan-believes-that-fahadh-faasil-is-one-of-the-finest-actors-in-the-film-industry/photostory/91958896.cms |website=The Times of India |date=2 June 2022 |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116021339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/reasons-why-kamal-haasan-believes-that-fahadh-faasil-is-one-of-the-finest-actors-in-the-film-industry/photostory/91958896.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the highest-paid and most popular Malayalam actors,<ref name="highest-paid 1" /><ref name="highest-paid 2" /> Fahadh is a recipient of several accolades including a National Film Award, four Kerala State Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards South.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.myworldofmovies.in/2013/03/fahadh-fazils-amazing-second-innings.html |title=Fahad Fazil's Amazing Second Innings |access-date=20 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118123926/http://www.myworldofmovies.in/2013/03/fahadh-fazils-amazing-second-innings.html |archive-date=18 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Born to filmmaker Fazil, Fahadh began his career at the age of 20 with his father's 2002 romantic film ''Kaiyethum Doorath'', which was a critical and commercial failure. Post a hiatus of seven years, Fahadh returned to films with the anthology ''Kerala Cafe'' (2009) and attained public attention for his role in the thrillers ''Chaappa Kurishu'' (2011) and ''Akam'' (2011), winning the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for both these films.
Fahadh further achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with the thriller ''22 Female Kottayam'' (2012), romantic-dramas ''Diamond Necklace'' (2012) and ''Annayum Rasoolum'' (2013), black-comedy ''Amen'' (2013), adventure drama ''North 24 Kaatham'' (2013), drama ''Artist'' (2013), and the romantic-comedy ''Oru Indian Pranayakadha'' (2013). While, ''22 Female Kottayam'' and ''North 24 Kaatham'' won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam, ''Artist'' and ''North 24 Kaatham'' won him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor .<ref>{{Cite book|title=Positions|date=2002|publisher=Continuum|isbn=0-8264-5992-7|oclc=959394212}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Fahad-Lal-Ann-Shyamaprasad-Take-State-Laurels-CR-No.89-is-Best-Film/2014/04/20/article2178594.ece|date=20 April 2014|title=Fahad, Lal, Ann, Shyamaprasad Take State Laurels; CR No.89 is Best Film|author=Express News Service|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=4 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314152844/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Fahad-Lal-Ann-Shyamaprasad-Take-State-Laurels-CR-No.89-is-Best-Film/2014/04/20/article2178594.ece|archive-date=14 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following this, he starred in one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films, the coming-of-age drama ''Bangalore Days'' (2014).
Along with few box office failures, Fahadh continued to earn praises for his portrayals in the comedy-drama ''Maheshinte Prathikaaram'' (2016), survival thriller ''Take Off'' (2017), crime drama ''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' (2017), which won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and his third Filmfare Best Actor – Malayalam award, satirical comedy ''Njan Prakashan'' (2018), action thriller ''Varathan'' (2018) and crime drama ''Joji'' (2021).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dff.nic.in/writereaddata/NFA64PressNote2016.pdf# | title=64th National Film Awards, 2016 | publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals | date=April 2017 | access-date=9 April 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606051143/http://dff.nic.in/writereaddata/NFA64PressNote2016.pdf | archive-date=6 June 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Fahadh has since earned national recognition with his performance in the drama ''Kumbalangi Nights'' (2019), political thriller ''Malik'' (2021), action thriller ''Vikram'' (2022) and action comedy ''Aavesham'' (2024).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fahadh Faasil powers 'Malik'|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/fahadh-faasil-powers-malik/cid/1823144|access-date=2021-07-20|website=www.telegraphindia.com|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719215328/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/fahadh-faasil-powers-malik/cid/1823144|url-status=live}}</ref>
Fahadh is a celebrity endorser for several brands and products and is a philanthropist. Fahadh is married to actress Nazriya Nazim. He co-owns the production company Fahadh Faasil and Friends with his wife and has a digital entertainment company named Bhavana Studios, co-partnered with Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran.
==Early life and background== Fahadh Faasil was born as Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fahad Fazil,<ref>{{cite web|title=Fahadh Faasil: 5 films that will make you a fan of the 'Pushpa' villain|date=9 June 2022|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/entertainment/fahadh-faasil-5-films-that-will-make-you-a-fan-of-the-pushpa-villain/cid/1869090|work=The Telegraph India|access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> on 8 August 1982,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Fahadh-Fazil-celebrates-birthday-with-Nazriya-Nazim/articleshow/39881644.cms |title=Fahadh Fazil celebrates birthday with Nazriya Nazim |website=The Times of India |access-date=15 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112225925/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Fahadh-Fazil-celebrates-birthday-with-Nazriya-Nazim/articleshow/39881644.cms |archive-date=12 November 2017 |url-status=live |last1=Pillai |first1=Radhika C. }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nazriya's birthday party for hubby Fahadh {{!}} Video|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/08/08/fahadh-fazil-birthday-with-nazriya.html|access-date=8 August 2018|work=Malayala Manorama|date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808115138/https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/08/08/fahadh-fazil-birthday-with-nazriya.html|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> in Alappuzha, Kerala, to film director Fazil and his wife, Rozina.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/23/stories/2005122301990100.htm|title=His experiments with cinema|author=Prema Manmadhan|date=23 December 2005|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=20 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203235735/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/23/stories/2005122301990100.htm|archive-date=3 December 2008|url-status=usurped}}</ref> He has two sisters, Ahameda and Fatima, and a brother, Farhaan, who is also an actor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Im-scared-of-being-compared-to-Fahadh-says-Farhaan-Faasil/articleshow/28952644.cms|title=I'm scared of being compared to Fahadh : says actor Farhaan Faasil|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-28|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206015902/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Im-scared-of-being-compared-to-Fahadh-says-Farhaan-Faasil/articleshow/28952644.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="merepix.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.merepix.com/2013/04/malayalam-actor-fahad-fazil-fahadh-faasil-family-pics.html|title=Malayalam Actor Fahad Fazil (Fahadh Faasil) Family Pics|access-date=20 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109052725/http://www.merepix.com/2013/04/malayalam-actor-fahad-fazil-fahadh-faasil-family-pics.html|archive-date=9 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Fahadh completed his schooling from SDV Central School Alappuzha, Lawrence School Ooty and Choice School Tripunithura. He went on to pursue his Bachelor's from SD College, Alappuzha and Masters in philosophy from University of Miami in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/second-innings/article2320287.ece|date=4 August 2011|title=Second innings|author=Nita Sathyendran|work=The Hindu|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530154613/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/second-innings/article2320287.ece|archive-date=30 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fahadh Faasil|date=20 December 2019|url=https://www.mansworldindia.com/people/men-of-the-year-2019-the-man-on-a-mission-fahadh-faasil/|work=Man's World India|access-date=21 November 2022|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203174029/https://www.mansworldindia.com/people/men-of-the-year-2019-the-man-on-a-mission-fahadh-faasil/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Career == === Debut, sabbatical and breakthrough (2002–2012) === Fahadh made his screen debut in 2002, with his father's ''Kaiyethum Doorath'', opposite Nikita Thukral, under the stage name of Shaanu. The film was a failure at the box office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-new-generation-hero/article3782598.ece|title=The new generation hero|author=Vijay George|work=The Hindu|date=17 August 2012|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141105144042/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-new-generation-hero/article3782598.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/after-marriage-my-priority-is-family-fahad-fazil-114020800703_1.html|title=After marriage my priority is family: Fahad Fazil|newspaper=Business Standard India|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|date=8 February 2014|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105134819/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/after-marriage-my-priority-is-family-fahad-fazil-114020800703_1.html|archive-date=5 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Regarding his performance, a critic of ''Sify'' wrote, "Shaanu oozes charm and suits the character of Sachin but he has to work hard on his dancing".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kai-ethum-doorathu-review-malayalam-pclut0jbajfgi.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325072841/https://www.sify.com/movies/kai-ethum-doorathu-review-malayalam-pclut0jbajfgi.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 March 2022 | title=Kai Ethum Doorathu |work=Sify}}</ref> Post the film's failure, Fahadh stated, "don't blame my father for my failure because it was my mistake and I came into acting without any preparation of my own."<ref>[http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/i-failed-in-my-first-attempt-not-my-father-fahad-624903 "I failed in my first attempt, not my father: Fahad"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105153502/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/i-failed-in-my-first-attempt-not-my-father-fahad-624903 |date=5 November 2014 }}. NDTV (7 May 2012). Retrieved 13 June 2012.</ref> Following this Fahadh took a hiatus from acting and moved to United States for five years, where he pursued his studies.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/second-innings/article2320287.ece "Second innings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530154613/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/second-innings/article2320287.ece |date=30 May 2013 }}. The Hindu. Retrieved 23 March 2013</ref> Fahadh returned to films in 2009 with ''Kerala Cafe'', an anthology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article519897.ece|title=Fahad Fazil, actor|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221160553/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article519897.ece|archive-date=21 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> At director Ranjith's behest, Uday Ananthan cast Fahadh in his ''Mrityunjayam'', one of the 10 shorts in the film, where he played a journalist.<ref name="Hindu">[http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2318800.ece "Second innings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607125715/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2318800.ece |date=7 June 2012 }}. ''The Hindu'' (3 August 2011). Retrieved 13 June 2012.</ref>
The following year in 2010, Fahadh first appeared in ''Pramani'', which received mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/pramani-review-malayalam-14936620.html |title=Movie Review : Pramani |website=Sify |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810031847/http://www.sify.com/movies/pramani-review-malayalam-14936620.html |archive-date=10 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He then played a construction firm owner in ''Cocktail'', which emerged a sleeper hit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-malayalam-actors-of-2010-imagegallery-malayalam-km4lKwadegb.html#galname |title=Top 10 Malayalam actors of 2010 |website=Sify |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101150834/http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-malayalam-actors-of-2010-imagegallery-malayalam-km4lKwadegb.html#galname |archive-date=1 January 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101027085045/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?id=14958397&ctid=5&cid=2428 Sify review]</ref> In ''Tournament'', Fahadh played an aspiring cricketer, in his first lead role post his debut. Critics found his performance to be "polished".<ref>{{Cite web |title= Review: Tournament is a crass comedy |url= https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-tournament/20101227.htm |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210126052508/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-tournament/20101227.htm |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=3 February 2022 |website= Rediff.com}}</ref> Fahadh had only one film release in 2011. He played the head of a construction business, in ''Chaappa Kurishu'' opposite Remya Nambeesan.<ref>Keerthy Ramachandran. Chappa Kurish was a turning point film in his career (18 July 2011). chalPp [http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/%E2%80%98risque%E2%80%99-taking-remya-nambeesan-373 'Risque'-taking Remya Nambeesan"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011131133/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/%E2%80%98risque%E2%80%99-taking-remya-nambeesan-373 |date=11 October 2012 }}. ''Deccan Chronicle''. Retrieved 19 July 2011.</ref> The film was a success and earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor along with a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam nomination.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/malayalam-directors-usher-new-cinematic-language-860 |title=Malayalam directors usher in a new cinematic language |access-date=29 August 2012 |archive-date=1 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601001255/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/malayalam-directors-usher-new-cinematic-language-860 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Filmfare Editorial |title=59th Idea Filmfare Awards South (Winners list) |url=http://filmfare.com/news/59th-idea-filmfare-awards-south-winners-list-809.html |work=Filmfare |publisher=Times Internet Limited |access-date=20 July 2012 |date=9 July 2012 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712073106/http://filmfare.com/news/59th-idea-filmfare-awards-south-winners-list-809.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Keerthy Ramachandran of ''Deccan Chronicle'' was appreciative of his performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/chappa-kurishu-engrossing-thriller-239 |title=Chappa Kurishu: Engrossing thriller |publisher=Deccan Chronicle |accessdate=16 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921041527/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/chappa-kurishu-engrossing-thriller-239 |archivedate=21 September 2011 }}</ref>
The year 2012 marked a turning point in Fahadh's career. He first played an actor in ''Padmasree Bharat Dr. Saroj Kumar'', which was an average grosser at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Look: Padmasree Bharat Dr Saroj Kumar |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/first-look-padmasree-bharat-dr-saroj-kumar/20111011.htm |work=Rediff.com |accessdate=11 October 2011 |archive-date=12 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012061127/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/first-look-padmasree-bharat-dr-saroj-kumar/20111011.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In his next film, ''22 Female Kottayam'', Fahadh played a travel agency worker who cheats his lover opposite Rima Kallingal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-14 |title=Revisiting Rima Kallingal's 22 Female Kottayam: An uncompromising film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/rima-kallingal-celebrates-10-years-of-22-female-kottayam-7869055/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901131801/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/rima-kallingal-celebrates-10-years-of-22-female-kottayam-7869055/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam and became a major box office success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/Mollywoods-small-budget-films-that-did-big-wonders-at-the-box-office/photostory/53020290.cms|title=Mollywood's small-budget films that did big wonders at the box office|work=The Times of India|date=2 July 2016|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804143850/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/Mollywoods-small-budget-films-that-did-big-wonders-at-the-box-office/photostory/53020290.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Year of small films at southern box-office|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/year-of-small-films-at-southern-box-office_125047.html|agency=Zee News|author=IANS|date=25 December 2012|access-date=4 July 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225839/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/year-of-small-films-at-southern-box-office_125047.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A critic of ''News18'' noted, "Fahadh shines as a lovable young entrepreneur in a woman oriented film, pulling off a difficult character with reasonable ease."<ref>[https://www.news18.com/news/india/malayalam-review-22-female-kottayam-is-excellent-475683.html Malayalam Review: '22 Female Kottayam' is excellent] ''News18'' Retrieved 29 November 2012</ref> Fahadh then played an oncologist working in Dubai in ''Diamond Necklace'' opposite Anusree.<ref name=Times>[https://archive.today/20130103125306/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-24/news-interviews/31392122_1_mollywood-intimate-scenes-upcoming-flick "Fahadh Fazil making waves in Mollywood"]. ''The Times of India'' (24 April 2012). Retrieved 13 June 2012.</ref> The film became another commercial success for him that year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet the top five show stealers of 2012 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Meet-the-top-five-show-stealers-of-2012/articleshow/17598509.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |agency=Times News Network |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614091036/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Meet-the-top-five-show-stealers-of-2012/articleshow/17598509.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> A ''NDTV'' critic termed his performance "outstanding".<ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/movie-review-diamond-necklace-604900 Movie Review: Diamond Necklace] ''NDTV'' Retrieved 26 December 2012</ref> In June 2012, a case was registered against Fahadh by the Kochi Town Central Police for violation of the rule against public display of images of smoking. A poster of ''Diamond Necklace'' that showed him smoking a cigarette had been on display before the Kavitha Theatre in Kochi since the film was released.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article3530653.ece "Case against actor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521032022/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article3530653.ece |date=21 May 2014 }}. ''The Hindu'' (15 June 2012). Retrieved 15 June 2012.</ref> His final film of the year, ''Friday'' had him play an auto rickshaw driver.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180511082417/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/mollywood/fahadh-fasil%e2%80%99s-friday-release-august-18-708 "Fahadh Fasil's Friday to release on August 18"]</ref> The film became an average success and a critic of ''The Times of India'' found him to be "pleasing and stirring".<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/friday/movie-review/15555639.cms Friday Malayalam Movie Review]</ref><ref>[http://ibnlive.in.com/news/friday-another-with-multi-narrative-aspect/259148-71-210.html "Friday: Another with multi-narrative aspect"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203232618/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/friday-another-with-multi-narrative-aspect/259148-71-210.html |date=3 February 2015 }}. IBN Live. Retrieved 24 February 2015.</ref>
=== Established actor and critical acclaim (2013–2017) === Fahadh established himself among the leading Malayalam actors with his twelve film releases in 2013, earning commercial and critical success.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/02/08/fahadh-faasil-malayalam-movies-hero-villain-roles.html |title=How Fahadh Faasil broke the hero stereotypes in Malayalam |date=11 December 2020 |accessdate=19 December 2020 |work=Onmanorama}}</ref> ''Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla'', ''Red Wine'', ''5 Sundarikal'', ''Olipporu'' and ''D Company'' were average successes, while ''Annayum Rasoolum'', ''Amen'', ''Immanuel'', ''Akam'', ''Artist'', ''North 24 Kaatham'' and ''Oru Indian Pranayakadha'' were commercial successes, ranking among the year's highest grossing films.<ref>Deepa Gauri. The best of Malayalam cinema in 2013 26 December 2013 ''Khaleej Times'' [http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/inside.asp?xfile=/data/citytimes/2013/December/citytimes_December198.xml§ion=citytimes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102124957/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/inside.asp?xfile=%2Fdata%2Fcitytimes%2F2013%2FDecember%2Fcitytimes_December198.xml§ion=citytimes|date=2 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="BO">{{cite news|last=Pudippedi|first=Haricharan|title=Comedies reaped gold for southern cinema (2013 In Retrospect)|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/comedies-reaped-gold-for-southern-cinema-2013-in-retrospect-113121700305_1.html|accessdate=16 July 2016|work=Business Standard|date=17 December 2013|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816185518/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/comedies-reaped-gold-for-southern-cinema-2013-in-retrospect-113121700305_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-first-half-of-2013-progress-report-news-malayalam-nhgry4ccbfg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708062540/http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-first-half-of-2013-progress-report-news-malayalam-nhgry4ccbfg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-07-08|title=Malayalam cinema – First Half of 2013 Progress Report|work=Sify}}</ref> Fahadh first played a Muslim taxi driver in love with a Christian girl in ''Annayum Rasoolum'', opposite Andrea Jeremiah.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shedde|first=Meenakshi|title=Forbes India Magazine - 5 Indian films to look forward to|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/special/5-indian-films-to-look-forward-to/34413/1|work=Forbes India|access-date=7 October 2019|date=2 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Malayalam film Annayum Rasoolum's great response |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/malayalam-film-annayum-rasoolums-great-response-533137.html |access-date=7 July 2016 |work=News18 |date=23 January 2013}}</ref> Anil R. Nair stated that Fahadh's super brilliant performance stands out.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nair |first=Anil R. |title='Annayum Rasoolum' (Malayalam) |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/article1435853.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302181528/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/article1435853.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 March 2014 |access-date=15 July 2016 |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 January 2013}}</ref> He next played dual characters in ''Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla'' opposite Kamalinee Mukherjee, which received mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web|title= VK Prakash's 'Netholi Oru Cheriya Meenala' goes on floor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/VK-Prakashs-Netholi-Oru-Cheriya-Meenala-goes-on-floor/articleshow/17333852.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126051832/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-23/news-and-interviews/35318208_1_fahadh-faasil-mollywood-poppins|url-status=live|archive-date=26 January 2013|work= The Times of India | access-date = 6 February 2013 }}</ref> In ''Red Wine'', he played a leftist party local secretary.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130213200822/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/red-wine-malayalam-movie-is-set-to-be-released-on-march-22/371372-71-210.html Red Wine – Release<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Several critics praised his "excellent screen presence".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130326144534/http://www.sify.com/movies/red-wine-review-malayalam-15023973.html "Movie Review:Red Wine"] ''Sify''</ref> Then, he played a saxophonist in love with a rich girl opposite Swathi Reddy in ''Amen''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/shotcuts-amen-to-that/article3987946.ece |title=Shotcuts: Amen to that |newspaper=The Hindu |date=11 October 2012 |accessdate=22 October 2012 |location=Chennai, India |first=Nita |last=Sathyendran}}</ref> Critics found Fahadh "versatile" and "impactful".<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-amen-is-brilliant/20130325.htm "Amen is brilliant"] ''Rediff''. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.</ref> Fahadh played an insurance company owner in his next, ''Immanuel'', which received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite news|title=On Location: Immanuel - Money matters|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/on-location-immanuel-money-matters/article4364416.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fahadh not a villain in Lal Jose's 'Emmanuel'|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130129/entertainment-mollywood/article/fahadh-not-villain-lal-jose%E2%80%99s-emmanuel|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130408225111/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130129/entertainment-mollywood/article/fahadh-not-villain-lal-jose%E2%80%99s-emmanuel|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 April 2013|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref> Later, in ''Akam'', he played an architect who suspect his wife to be a yakshi, opposite Anumol.<ref>Saraswathy Nagarajan (25 May 2012). [http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3455752.ece "Shanghai beckons"]. ''The Hindu''. Retrieved 15 December 2012.</ref> The film won him the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala State film awards announced!|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kerala-state-film-awards-announced-news-malayalam-mhtosqhaceisi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520125515/http://www.sify.com/movies/kerala-state-film-awards-announced-news-malayalam-mhtosqhaceisi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 May 2018|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Sify|language=en}}</ref> A critic stated, "Fahadh has very little space to emote, yet he overpowers a much-needed deficiency to startling effect."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Akam Movie Review |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/akam/movie-review/19765011.cms |access-date=2023-07-21 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Following this, Fahadh played a businessman opposite Asmita Sood in the anthology film, ''5 Sundarikal''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Vijay George |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fab-5/article4765885.ece |title=Fab 5 |work=The Hindu|date=2013-05-30 |access-date=2013-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/Rima-Fahadh-in-Anwar-Rasheeds-love-anthology/articleshow/18445720.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104165453/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-12/news-and-interviews/37039894_1_fahadh-faasil-anthology-debutants |url-status=live |archive-date=2013-11-04 |title=Fahadh in Anwar Rasheed's love anthology|date=2013-02-12 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=2013-04-12}}</ref> A ''The New Indian Express'' critic noted that his "presence and the philosophical touch" gives the anthology an edge over others.<ref>{{cite web|author=Vijay George |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2013/Jul/06/anchu-sundarikal-malayalam-494005.html |title=Anchu Sundarikal (Malayalam) |work=The New Indian Express|date=2013-07-06 |access-date=2013-11-19}}</ref> His next film, ''Olipporu'' received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/olipporu-review-malayalam-15037118.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829001152/http://www.sify.com/movies/olipporu-review-malayalam-15037118.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-08-29|title=Olipporu|accessdate=2014-09-29|website=Sify}}</ref> Fahadh received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in ''Artist'' and ''North 24 Kaatham''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kerala State Film Awards: Fahadh Faasil, Joju George, and Biju Menon in the final run for best actor |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kerala-state-film-awards-fahadh-faasil-joju-george-and-biju-menon-in-the-final-run-for-best-actor/articleshow/91832840.cms |access-date=2023-02-07 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207212402/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kerala-state-film-awards-fahadh-faasil-joju-george-and-biju-menon-in-the-final-run-for-best-actor/articleshow/91832840.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Artist'', he played a fine arts student opposite Ann Augustine.<ref>{{cite news | author= P. Anima | date= 6 September 2013 | title= Being an artist | newspaper= The Hindu | location= Kozhikode | url= http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/being-an-artist/article5100677.ece | accessdate=14 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author= Parvathy S Nayar | date= 20 February 2013 | title= Shyamaprasad begins filming Artist | location= | url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-20/news-and-interviews/37199282_1_fahadh-faasil-ann-augustine-shyamaprasad | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131123170925/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-20/news-and-interviews/37199282_1_fahadh-faasil-ann-augustine-shyamaprasad | url-status= dead | archive-date= 23 November 2013 | newspaper= The Times of India | accessdate=14 September 2013}}</ref> Paresh C Palicha noted, "Fahadh who has created a niche for himself by portraying characters with grey shades, has one more winner in this."<ref>{{cite web | author= Paresh C. Palicha | date= 2 September 2013 | title= Review: Malayalam movie Artist is worth a watch | location= | work=Rediff.com | url= http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-malayalam-movie-artist-is-worth-a-watch/20130902.htm | accessdate=14 September 2013}}</ref> Post this, Fahadh played an IT professional opposite Swathi Reddy in ''North 24 Kaatham''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/north-24-kaatham-review-malayalam-15038577.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919051634/http://www.sify.com/movies/north-24-kaatham-review-malayalam-15038577.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-09-19 |title=Movie Review : North 24 Kaatham |website=Sify |access-date=2013-10-14}}</ref> The film earned him another Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam and Meenakshi D Sivan of ''Film Companion'' noted: "Fahadh fits into this role brilliantly, his mouth sealed as though for eternity and his face drained of the last trace of tenderness. He redeems a flawed plot with a restraint so natural to him."<ref>{{cite news|title=North 24 Kaatham: Fahadh Faasil's Performance Redeems a Flawed Plot|accessdate=15 September 2014|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/fahadh-faasil-north-24-kaatham-review-performance-redeems-a-flawed-plot-swathi-reddy|work=Film Companion}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/filmfare-awards-malayalam-winners-from-1972-to-1982 | title=Filmfare Awards Malayalam Winners from 1972 to 1982 | date=August 2024 |accessdate=10 September 2024 |work=Filmfare}}</ref> After this success, he played a doctor in the segment ''The Day of Judgement'', of the film ''D Company'' opposite Bhama. The film received mixed to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/Fahadh-to-play-an-action-hero/articleshow/20043883.cms |title=Fahadh to play an action hero |newspaper=The Times of India |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=24 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629031742/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/Fahadh-to-play-an-action-hero/articleshow/20043883.cms |archive-date=29 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-03/news-and-interviews/40350890_1_m-padmakumar-oru-bolivian-diary-diphan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709200750/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-03/news-and-interviews/40350890_1_m-padmakumar-oru-bolivian-diary-diphan|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2013|title=D Company to hit the screens sans superstars|access-date=27 January 2014|work=The Times of India|date=3 July 2013}}</ref> In his last release of the year, ''Oru Indian Pranayakadha'', Fahadh played a young politician opposite Amala Paul.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/fahadh-faasil-oru-indian-pranayakadha-aymanam-siddharthan-a-beginning-to-the-fafa-phenomenon|title=Aymanam Sidharthan in Oru Indian Pranayakadha: A beginning to the FaFa phenomenon|work=Film Companion|date=18 April 2021 |accessdate=27 November 2021}}</ref><ref>Vijay George (10 October 2013). [http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/on-location-the-politics-of-romance/article5221090.ece/ "On location: The politics of romance"]. ''The Hindu''. Retrieved 21 December 2013.</ref> A critic of ''Gulf News'' called him "versatile" and added that he was "at ease" while playing the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/going-out/movie-reviews/review-oru-indian-pranayakatha-malayalam-1.1283454|title=Movie Review: Oru Indian Pranayakatha (Malayalam)|work=Gulf News|date=29 January 2014 |accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>
Fahadh had five film released in 2014. He first played a circle Inspector in ''1 by Two'', which earned mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite news|title=One by Two Movie Review-Critic Review of One by Two by Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/one-by-two/movie-review/33993019.cms|work=The Times of India}}</ref> Fahadh next appeared as an expatriate opposite Isha Talwar in ''God's Own Country'', which was an average grosser.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/gods-own-country-review-malayalam-pcmbqrbjigajc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125114439/https://www.sify.com/movies/gods-own-country-review-malayalam-pcmbqrbjigajc.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2022|title = God?s Own Country|website=Sify }}</ref> Paresh C Palicha found him "stiff and unimpressive".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-gods-own-country-is-cliched-and-predictable-south/20140512.htm|title = Review: God's Own Country is cliched and predictable}}</ref> Later in ''Bangalore Days'', Fahadh portrayed a workaholic corporate executive opposite Nazriya Nazim.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/funny-real-and-surprising-why-bangalore-days-rare-urban-entertainer-71067|work=The News Minute|title=Funny, real, and surprising: Why 'Bangalore Days' is a rare urban entertainer|date=4 November 2017 |accessdate=24 November 2017}}</ref> The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Malayalam films of all time and gained a cult status.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anjali Menon's 'Bangalore Days' creates history at the box office|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/anjali-menons-bangalore-days-creates-history-1562751.html|work=Firstpost|date=9 June 2014|access-date=12 June 2014|archive-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605090411/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/anjali-menons-bangalore-days-creates-history-1562751.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=10 Malayalam films to watch before you die|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-malayalam-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/48436103.cms|access-date=2021-07-18|website=The Times of India|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610062710/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-malayalam-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/48436103.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Aswin J Kumar of ''The Times of India'' opined that Fahadh's performance was "strikingly intense", while ''Sify'' found him to be in "full form" in his best role of the year.<ref>Aswin J Kumar (1 June 2014). [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/movie-review/35888896.cms "Bangalore Days-Review"]. ''The Times of India''.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140530224204/http://www.sify.com/movies/bangalore-days-review-a-joyous-trip-you-musn-t-miss-review-malayalam-15056866.html "Bangalore Days review: A joyous trip you musn’t miss!"]. Sify. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.</ref> It earned him another Filmfare Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam nomination.<ref>{{cite web|title=Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South |url=http://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-62nd-britannia-filmfare-awards-south-9643.html |website=Filmfare |access-date=27 June 2015 |date=27 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129092825/http://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-62nd-britannia-filmfare-awards-south-9643.html |archive-date=29 January 2016}}</ref> Following this, he played a former naval officer in his co-production ''Iyobinte Pusthakam'', opposite Isha Sharvani, a box office success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Fahadh-will-now-woo-Isha-Sharvani/articleshow/30795697.cms |title=Fahadh Faasil will now woo Isha Sharvani |work=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=21 February 2014 |access-date=18 April 2014}}</ref> Mythily Ramachandran of ''Gulf News'' termed him "brilliant" as the quiet yet determined Aloshy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/going-out/movie-reviews/review-iyobinte-pusthakam-is-sheer-poetry-1.1424340 |title=Review: 'Iyobinte Pusthakam' is sheer poetry |work=Gulf News |date=9 December 2014 |access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> ''Money Ratnam'' was his year's final release, where he played a sales manager opposite Nivetha Thomas.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/santosh-nair-to-make-debut-with-money-ratnam/article6317115.ece|title=Diamond in the rough|author=Vijay George|work=The Hindu|date=14 August 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014}}</ref> Pramod Thomas praised his character and noted that he carriers the film "single-handedly".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/An-Engaging-Comic-Outing/2014/09/28/article2453058.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928142433/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/An-Engaging-Comic-Outing/2014/09/28/article2453058.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 September 2014|title=An Engaging Comic Outing|newspaper=The New Indian Express|accessdate=14 November 2014}}</ref>
Fahadh's three releases of 2015, were average grosser at the box office – ''Mariyam Mukku'', ''Haram'' and ''Ayal Njanalla''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/top-highest-grossing-mollywood-films-worldwide-2018-tops-with-143-crores-in-20-days-1222765|title=Top highest grossing Mollywood films worldwide; 2018 tops with 143 crores in 20 days|date=25 May 2023|website=PINKVILLA}}</ref> In ''Mariyam Mukku'', he played a fisherman opposite Sana Althaf.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Fahadh-will-play-a-fisherman-in-his-next/articleshow/43427395.cms | title=Fahadh will play a fisherman in his next | date=26 September 2014 | agency=The Times of India | accessdate=2 January 2015 | author=Radhika C. Pillai}}</ref> Fahadh played a speech trainer whose wife wants a divorce, in ''Haram'' opposite Radhika Apte.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Reality-Check/2015/02/12/article2663975.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214184155/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Reality-Check/2015/02/12/article2663975.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 February 2015|title=Reality Check|publisher=}}</ref> Asha Prakash of ''The Times of India'' stated that he has put his heart and soul into the character.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/Haram/movie-review/46329925.cms|title=Haram Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> In his final film of the year ''Ayal Njanalla'', Fahadh played a man struggling with mistaken identity opposite Mrudula Murali.<ref>{{cite news|author=Radhika Pillai|title=Mrudula Murali, Fahadh Faasil to act in Ayal Njanalla|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mrudula-Murali-Fahadh-Faasil-to-act-in-Ayal-Njanalla/articleshow/45402997.cms|accessdate=25 January 2015|work=The Times of India|date=8 December 2014|archive-date=26 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226144117/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mrudula-Murali-Fahadh-Faasil-to-act-in-Ayal-Njanalla/articleshow/45402997.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewer Deepa Soman stated, "The movie is watchable due to Fahad’s acting, some attempts to create refreshing comic situations, enjoyable dialogues and impressive one-liners."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/ayal-njanalla/movie-review/48316084.cms|title=Ayal Njanalla Movie Review|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
In 2016, Fahadh's first release, ''Monsoon Mangoes'' failed at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palicha |first=Paresh C. |title=Review: Monsoon Mangoes is pretentious |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-monsoon-mangoes-is-pretentious-/20160118.htm |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Rediff |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505043455/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-monsoon-mangoes-is-pretentious-/20160118.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He played an ambitious filmmaker opposite Iswarya Menon, Cris from ''Deccan Chronicle'' found his performance "unconvincing".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2016-01-16 |title=Movie Review 'Monsoon Mangoes': More about characters than content |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/mollywood/160116/movie-review-monsoon-mangoes-more-about-characters-than-content.html |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=4 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504165747/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/mollywood/160116/movie-review-monsoon-mangoes-more-about-characters-than-content.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fahadh then played a photographer in ''Maheshinte Prathikaaram'', opposite Aparna Balamurali, which became a major commercial success.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nagarajan|first=Saraswathy|date=2019-12-19|title=The 25 best Malayalam films of the decade: 'Premam', 'Maheshinte Prathikaram', 'Kumbalangi Nights' and more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-25-best-malayalam-films-of-the-decade-premam-maheshinte-prathikaram-kumbalangi-nights-and-more/article30349548.ece|access-date=2021-07-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nair|first=Sreehari|title=Seeing Red at the Malayalam Movies|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/column/seeing-red-at-the-movies/20160601.htm|work=Rediff.com|access-date=23 June 2016|date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613194423/http://www.rediff.com/movies/column/seeing-red-at-the-movies/20160601.htm|archive-date=13 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Deepa Gauri of ''Khaleej Times'' noted, "Fahadh's performance is top-notch. He outshines the other in his 'natural-ness' quotient."<ref>{{cite news|last=Gauri|first=Deepa|title=Maheshinte Prathikaram: Endearing simplicity|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/movie-reviews/maheshinte-prathikaram-endearing-simplicity|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Khaleej Times|date=17 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624184223/http://khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/movie-reviews/maheshinte-prathikaram-endearing-simplicity|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Mythily Ramachandran stated, "Fahadh, not new to playing the common man, effortlessly brings out the highs and lows of Mahesh’s life."<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramachandran|first=Mythily|title=Review: 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram'|url=http://gulfnews.com/leisure/movies/reviews/review-maheshinte-prathikaaram-1.1691747|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Gulf News|date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405092739/http://gulfnews.com/leisure/movies/reviews/review-maheshinte-prathikaaram-1.1691747|archive-date=5 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> His performance earned him his third Filmfare Best Actor – Malayalam nomination.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/64th-filmfare-awards-south-2017-full-nominations-list-983224-2017-06-17|title=64th Filmfare Awards South 2017 Nominations|website=India Today|date=17 June 2017|access-date=14 May 2020|archive-date=18 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218143346/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/64th-filmfare-awards-south-2017-full-nominations-list-983224-2017-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017, Fahadh appeared in four films, ''Role Models'', ''Take Off'', ''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' and ''Velaikkaran'', of which the latter three were major commercial successes.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sudhi|first1=C.J.|title=Where is Malayalam cinema headed? 12 reasons to cheer.|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2017/08/03/malayalam-top-movies-box-office-collection-report.html|accessdate=14 August 2017|newspaper=Malayala Manorama|date=4 August 2017|archive-date=15 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815023928/http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2017/08/03/malayalam-top-movies-box-office-collection-report.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Take Off'', Fahadh played an IFS officer in Iraq. Sowmya Rajendran stated that his soulful eyes and understated performance complemented the storytelling.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Suresh|first1=Meera|title=''Take Off'' is a thriller, but with emotions|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2017/feb/21/take-off-is-a-thriller-but-with-emotions-1572765.html|access-date=25 February 2017|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=21 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/review-take-powerful-film-based-real-events-iraq-under-isis-must-watch-59196|title=Review: "Take Off", a powerful film based on real events in Iraq under the ISIS is a must-watch|date=24 March 2017}}</ref> His next film, ''Role Models'' opposite Namitha Pramod garned mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sidhardhan|first1=Sanjith|title=Fahadh's Role Model starts shooting|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/Fahadhs-Role-Model-starts-shooting/articleshow/55116190.cms|accessdate=11 December 2016|newspaper=The Times of India|date=28 October 2016}}</ref> Fahadh then played a thief in ''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'', one of his career's most notable role, which won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thondimuthalum-drisksakshiyum-releases-on-jun-30-news-malayalam-rg2uM6dacibfg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629080103/http://www.sify.com/movies/thondimuthalum-drisksakshiyum-releases-on-jun-30-news-malayalam-rg2uM6dacibfg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2017|title=Thondimuthalum Drisksakshiyum releases on Jun 30|website=Sify|date=29 June 2017|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Unless I get...': 'Joji' actor Fahadh Faasil about his much-awaited Bollywood debut|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-joji-actor-fahadh-faasil-about-his-much-awaited-bollywood-debut-says-i-need-to-think-in-hindi-2885311|access-date=18 June 2021|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|date=8 April 2021|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623110344/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-joji-actor-fahadh-faasil-about-his-much-awaited-bollywood-debut-says-i-need-to-think-in-hindi-2885311|url-status=live}}</ref> Sethumadhavan N of ''Bangalore Mirror'' wrote: "Fahadh plays second fiddle comfortably for the first half of the film. It takes a lot of guts and confidence for a popular star like him to take on such an unconventional role."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-movie-review-head-to-the-fun-station/articleshow/59390711.cms|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum movie review: Head to the fun station|date=30 June 2017|website=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Anna MM Vetticad opined that he is a picture in "understated hilarity".<ref>{{cite news|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum movie review: Fahadh Faasil-Dileesh Pothan-Bijibal team-up rocks... again|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-dileesh-pothan-bijibal-team-up-rocks-again-3767761.html|access-date=28 September 2017|work=Firstpost|date=26 September 2017}}</ref> Fahadh ventured into Tamil films with ''Velaikkaran'', where he played a businessman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/fahadh-faasils-role-velaikaran-has-positive-and-negative-hues-65182|title=Fahadh Faasil's role in 'Velaikaran' has positive and negative hues|date=14 July 2017|website=The News Minute|access-date=3 April 2024|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403054717/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/fahadh-faasils-role-velaikaran-has-positive-and-negative-hues-65182|url-status=live}}</ref> In his review, Haricharan Pudipeddi opined that Fahadh gets to "steal the thunder" in the second half, in a confident debut.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/velaikkaran-movie-review-sivakarthikeyan-fahadh-faasil-shine-in-this-message-heavy-but-impactful-film/story-3Y5MiNM84okDlU44ylkeQO.html|title=Velaikkaran movie review: Sivakarthikeyan, Fahadh Faasil shine in this message-heavy but impactful film|date=22 December 2017|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>
=== Stardom and experimentation of genres (2018–2023) === Fahadh had three critical and commercial success in 2018 with ''Carbon'', ''Varathan'' and ''Njan Prakashan''.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sreedhar Pillai|title=Fahadh Faasil is a game-changer for Mollywood with three hit films: Varathan, Njan Prakashan, Kumbalangi Nights|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/fahadh-faasil-is-a-game-changer-for-mollywood-with-three-hit-films-varathan-njan-prakashan-kumbalangi-nights-6169871.html/amp|access-date=16 June 2021|work=Firstpost|date=28 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=M. K.|first=Surendhar|title=Exclusive: Fahadh Faasil breaks into Rs 50 crore club for the first time with 'Njan Prakashan'|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-exclusive-fahadh-faasil-breaks-into-rs-50-crore-club-for-the-first-time-with-njan-prakashan-2714439|access-date=15 February 2019|work=Daily News and Analysis|date=31 January 2019}}</ref> ''Carbon'' had him play a youngster in search of a goal in life opposite Mamta Mohandas.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramachandran|first=Mythily|title='Carbon' an adventure thriller in Malayalam|url=https://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/carbon-an-adventure-thriller-in-malayalam-1.2165898|accessdate=30 April 2018|work=Gulf News|date=31 January 2018}}</ref> Baradwaj Rangan found his performance to be "extraordinary empathetic".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/carbon-movie-review|title=Carbon Movie Review|work=Film Companion|date=22 January 2018 |accessdate=22 January 2018}}</ref> He then played a married man in trouble opposite Aishwarya Lekshmi, in ''Varathan'', which he co-produced with his wife.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/fahadh-faasil-s-look-in-amal-neerad-s-varathan-revealed-see-pic/story-wkPornKZhyfNqUeRIsmHtK.html|title=Fahadh Faasil's look in Amal Neerad's Varathan revealed. See pic|date=20 June 2018|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Sajin Shrijith stated, "Amal gives Fahadh a full-fledged mass avatar befitting his personality."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/malayalam/2018/sep/23/varathan-review-a-blistering-and-immensely-satisfying-revenge-thriller-8000.html|title=Varathan Review: A blistering and immensely satisfying revenge thriller|website=Cinemaexpress.xom|date=23 September 2018 |access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref> Fahadh played a male nurse in one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films, ''Njan Prakashan'', his final release of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/jul/18/fahadh-is-a-blessed-actor-sathyan-anthikad-1844706.html|title=Fahadh is a blessed actor: Sathyan Anthikad|website=The New Indian Express|date=18 July 2018 |access-date=2018-09-21}}</ref> A critic of ''Sify'' praised his "dedicated performance" but criticised the character.<ref>{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|title=Njan Prakashan review: Script lacks the punch! (2018)|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/njan-prakashan-review-script-lacks-the-punch-review-malayalam-smwkVdhfaibgd.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222123139/http://www.sify.com/movies/njan-prakashan-review-script-lacks-the-punch-review-malayalam-smwkVdhfaibgd.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2018|website=Sify|access-date=22 June 2019|date=22 December 2018}}</ref>
Fahadh portrayed Shammi, a male chauvinist in ''Kumbalangi Nights'', his first release of 2019 which he co-produced with Nazriya.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Fahadh Faasil: Shammi of 'Kumbalangi Nights' is no regular villain|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-faasil-shammi-of-kumbalangi-nights-is-no-regular-villain/articleshow/67862504.cms|access-date=2021-07-18|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Soman|first1=Deepa|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421162606/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-faasil-shammi-of-kumbalangi-nights-is-no-regular-villain/articleshow/67862504.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The film grossed more than {{INR}} 39 crore at the box office. His character and the film has gained a cult following.<ref>{{cite news|author=Surendhar M. K.|title=Kumbalangi Nights becomes 2019's first Mollywood's blockbuster; Yatra, Dev fail to create impact at box-office|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kumbalangi-nights-becomes-2019s-first-mollywoods-blockbuster-yatra-dev-fail-to-create-impact-at-box-office-6139731.html|access-date=25 June 2019|work=Firstpost|date=23 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609170145/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kumbalangi-nights-becomes-2019s-first-mollywoods-blockbuster-yatra-dev-fail-to-create-impact-at-box-office-6139731.html|archive-date=9 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Vetticad|first=Anna M. M.|title=The Kumbalangi Nights Phenomenon: One small step for Mollywood, a giant leap for Indian cinema|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-kumbalangi-nights-phenomenon-one-small-step-for-mollywood-a-giant-leap-for-indian-cinema-6543241.html|access-date=4 July 2019|work=Firstpost|date=30 April 2019|archive-date=4 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704100113/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-kumbalangi-nights-phenomenon-one-small-step-for-mollywood-a-giant-leap-for-indian-cinema-6543241.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl was appreciative of his ability to brilliantly slip into "such mind-blowing characters".<ref>{{cite news |last=Kuniyl |first=Sarath Ramesh |title='Kumbalangi Nights' review: This Fahadh Faasil-starrer is a must-watch |website=The Week |date=8 February 2019 |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2019/02/08/kumbalangi-nights-review-fahadh-faasil-starrer-must-watch.html |access-date=31 March 2020 |archive-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106221945/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2019/02/08/kumbalangi-nights-review-fahadh-faasil-starrer-must-watch.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sreehari Nair of ''Rediff.com'' opined that Fahadh played Shammi's rigidity by "acting from his neck up". The film won him Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actor.<ref>{{cite web | last=Nair | first=Sreehari | title=A small film with lots to say about the world | website=Rediff | date=6 March 2019 | url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/a-small-film-with-lots-to-say-about-the-world/20190306.htm | access-date=7 April 2020 | archive-date=7 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407155549/https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/a-small-film-with-lots-to-say-about-the-world/20190306.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> He then played a psychiatrist opposite Sai Pallavi in ''Athiran'', which received mixed reviews but performed well at box office.<ref>{{Cite news|last=S.r.praveen|date=2019-04-13|title='Athiran' review: An enticing movie that falls short of expectations|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/athiran-review-an-enticing-movie-that-falls-short-of-expectations/article26827922.ece|access-date=2021-07-18|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718124504/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/athiran-review-an-enticing-movie-that-falls-short-of-expectations/article26827922.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewer of ''Deccan Chronicle'' found him to be "effortless".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/130419/athiran-movie-review-a-mystery-thriller.html|title=Athiran movie review: A mystery thriller|first=Gokul|last=m.g|date=13 April 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Fahad next played a struggling actor, whose wife cheats on him in ''Super Deluxe'' opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-on-super-deluxe-vijay-sethupathi-and-thiagarajan-kumararaja/article26160966.ece|title=Fahadh Faasil on Vijay Sethupathi and Thiagarajan Kumararaja's Super Deluxe|first=Vijay|last=George|newspaper=The Hindu|date=3 February 2019|via=www.thehindu.com|access-date=3 April 2024|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403054717/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-on-super-deluxe-vijay-sethupathi-and-thiagarajan-kumararaja/article26160966.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The film received critical acclaim with Karthik Kumar of ''Hindustan Times'' stating that he shine like never before.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2019 |title=Super Deluxe movie review: This Vijay Sethupathi starrer is dark, funny and eccentric |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/super-deluxe-movie-review-this-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-is-dark-funny-and-eccentric/story-FoScPAO8mITEBKSahXoPvJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729224832/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/super-deluxe-movie-review-this-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-is-dark-funny-and-eccentric/story-FoScPAO8mITEBKSahXoPvJ.html |archive-date=29 July 2021 |access-date=30 July 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 December 2019 |title=Best Tamil movies of 2019: Super Deluxe, Asuran, Peranbu and more |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/best-tamil-films-of-2019-super-deluxe-asuran-6192738/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729174655/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/best-tamil-films-of-2019-super-deluxe-asuran-6192738/ |archive-date=29 July 2021 |access-date=31 July 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
''Trance'' and ''C U Soon'' were the two releases Fahadh had in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rangan|first=Baradwaj|date=6 March 2020|title=Anwar Rasheed's Trance, Starring Fahadh Faasil, Has Its Problems But Is Never Less Than Fascinating|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/anwar-rasheeds-trance-starring-fahadh-faasil-has-its-problems-but-is-never-less-than-fascinating|access-date=19 April 2020|website=Film Companion}}</ref> In ''Trance'', he played an atheist motivational speaker opposite Nazriya Nazim. Goutham V. S. noted: "Fahadh steals the limelight by portraying a character that is hysteric and disturbing at the same time".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-20|title=Trance movie review: Fahadh Faasil elevates Anwar Rasheed's film|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/trance-movie-review-rating-fahadh-faasil-anwar-rasheed-6278084/|access-date=2021-07-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220131435/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/trance-movie-review-rating-fahadh-faasil-anwar-rasheed-6278084/|url-status=live}}</ref> His film, ''C U Soon'' became India's first computer screen film and saw him playing a cyber security specialist alongside Darshana Rajendran.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhatia|first=Akanksha|date=2020-09-14|title=5 Moments In 'C U Soon' That Convinced Us That You Don't Need A Big Budget To Make A Good Film|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/moments-in-c-u-soon-that-convinced-us-you-don-t-need-a-big-budget-props-to-make-a-good-movie/|access-date=2021-07-18|website=www.scoopwhoop.com|language=English|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718153036/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/moments-in-c-u-soon-that-convinced-us-you-don-t-need-a-big-budget-props-to-make-a-good-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> Saibal Chatterjee stated, "Fahadh derives strength and thrives on his emphasis on exactitude of expression."<ref>{{Cite web |title=C U Soon Movie Review: Fahadh Faasil's Onam Release Is An Eye-Grabber |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/c-u-soon-movie-review-fahadh-faasils-onam-release-is-an-eye-grabber-4-stars-out-of-5-2288377 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003233324/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/c-u-soon-movie-review-fahadh-faasils-onam-release-is-an-eye-grabber-4-stars-out-of-5-2288377 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
Fahadh played a serial killer in his first release of 2021, ''Irul''. Despite the mixed reviews, Fahadh's performance was well received by Shubhra Gupta.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 2, 2021|first1=Janani|last1=K.|title=Irul Movie Review: Fahadh Faasil's solid performance let down by complicated story|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/irul-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-s-solid-performance-let-down-by-complicated-story-1786379-2021-04-02|access-date=2021-07-18|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718154402/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/irul-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-s-solid-performance-let-down-by-complicated-story-1786379-2021-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Irul review: Fahadh Faasil, Darshana Rajendran film let down by a plot that sags and drags |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/irul-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-darshana-rajendran-film-7255438/ |website=The Indian Express |language=en |date=3 April 2021}}</ref> Post this, Fahadh played the titular engineering dropout in ''Joji''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Joji Review: Fahadh Faasil Dazzles In Accomplished Shakespeare Spinoff|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/joji-review-fahadh-faasil-dazzles-in-accomplished-shakespeare-spinoff-3-5-stars-out-of-5-2408237|access-date=2021-07-18|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718170119/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/joji-review-fahadh-faasil-dazzles-in-accomplished-shakespeare-spinoff-3-5-stars-out-of-5-2408237|url-status=live}}</ref> Anupama Chopra termed Fahadh "stunning" and added that he delivers a performance within a performance.<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama|last=Chopra|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/joji-malayalam-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-amazon-prime-a-deeply-unsettling-adaptation-dileesh-pothan-macbeth-anupama-chopra/|title=Joji Review On Amazon Prime Video: Dileesh Pothan's Loose Adaptation Of Macbeth Is Deeply Unsettling |date=7 April 2021|accessdate=April 7, 2021}}</ref> Nearly a week after the release of ''Joji'', reports came out that the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) has warned Fahadh against acting in movies made for streaming through OTT platforms, which later turned out to be a rumour.<ref name="mathrubhumi.com">{{Cite web|title=ഫഹദിനെതിരായ വിലക്ക്; വാര്ത്തകള് തെറ്റെന്ന് ഫിയോക്ക്|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/remote-stories/feuoks-explantion-about-fahad-fasil-movies-ban-news-1.5588136|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718171430/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/remote-stories/feuoks-explantion-about-fahad-fasil-movies-ban-news-1.5588136|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/feouk-warns-fahadh-faasil-not-to-cooperate-with-ott-platforms-any-more-1.5587968|title=FEOUK warns Fahadh Faasil not to cooperate with OTT platforms any more|access-date=13 June 2021|archive-date=6 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806031814/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/feouk-warns-fahadh-faasil-not-to-cooperate-with-ott-platforms-any-more-1.5587968|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fahadh then earned nation wide recognition with ''Malik'', where he played a revolutionary leader opposite Nimisha Sajayan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-10 |title=Fahadh Fassil's Craze Made 1500 Fans Gather To Watch Him During Malik |url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/whoa-fahadh-fassils-craze-made-1500-fans-gather-to-watch-him-during-malik-shoot/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Koimoi |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-17|title=Has 'Malik' really established Fahadh Faasil as a pan-India hero|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/has-malik-really-established-fahadh-faasil-as-a-pan-india-hero-1009784.html|access-date=2021-07-20|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718173715/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/has-malik-really-established-fahadh-faasil-as-a-pan-india-hero-1009784.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Several critics termed it his career best performance, while Ramya Palisetty appreciated him for portraying a flawed character with "brilliance", Roktim Rajpal stated that he leaves an "impact with his intensity".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-15|title='Malik' movie review: Fahadh Faasil delivers career-best performance in gripping drama|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/malik-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-delivers-career-best-performance-in-gripping-drama-1008852.html|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718173708/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/malik-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-delivers-career-best-performance-in-gripping-drama-1008852.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-15|title=Malik Movie Review: Fahadh Faasil is simply brilliant in this Amazon Prime film|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/malik-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-is-simply-brilliant-in-this-amazon-prime-film-1828275-2021-07-15|access-date=2021-09-18|website=India Today}}</ref> It earned him his fifth Filmfare Best Actor – Malayalam nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nominations for the 67th Parle Filmfare Awards South 2022 with Kamar Film Factory |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-67th-parle-filmfare-awards-south-2022_-55551.html |access-date=10 November 2022|website=Filmfare |language=en}}</ref> Later, Fahadh expanded to Telugu films with ''Pushpa: The Rise'', where he played a cruel police officer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Balachandran|first=Logesh|date=21 March 2021|title=Fahadh Faasil to play antagonist in Allu Arjun's Pushpa|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-to-play-antagonist-in-allu-arjun-s-pushpa-1781778-2021-03-21|url-status=live|access-date=21 March 2021|website=India Today|archive-date=22 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322042428/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-to-play-antagonist-in-allu-arjun-s-pushpa-1781778-2021-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Janani K. |date=August 28, 2021 |title=Fahadh Faasil plays Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat in Allu Arjun's Pushpa. See his stunning makeover|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-plays-bhanwar-singh-shekhawat-in-allu-arjun-s-pushpa-see-his-stunning-makeover-1846365-2021-08-28|access-date=11 November 2021|magazine=India Today|language=en|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111155622/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-plays-bhanwar-singh-shekhawat-in-allu-arjun-s-pushpa-see-his-stunning-makeover-1846365-2021-08-28|url-status=live}}</ref> Nishad Thaivalappil of ''News18'' stated: "Fahadh Faasil’s entry towards the end only elevates the whole film. His entry, dialogues and punch lines are surely impactful."<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2021 |title=Pushpa The Rise Review: Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna's Movie is a Mass Entertainer |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/pushpa-the-rise-movie-review-allu-arjun-and-rashmika-mandannas-movie-is-a-mass-entertainer-4563866.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217064905/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/pushpa-the-rise-movie-review-allu-arjun-and-rashmika-mandannas-movie-is-a-mass-entertainer-4563866.html |archive-date=17 December 2021 |access-date=17 December 2021 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> The film became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2022 |title=Pushpa The Rise box office collection: Allu Arjun starrer conquers ticketing booth, crosses Rs 300 crore milestone |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/pushpa-the-rise-box-office-collection-allu-arjun-film-crosses-rs-300-crore-milestone-7702204/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103080928/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/pushpa-the-rise-box-office-collection-allu-arjun-film-crosses-rs-300-crore-milestone-7702204/ |archive-date=3 January 2022 |access-date=3 January 2022 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
In his first release of 2022, Fahadh played the head of black-ops squad in ''Vikram'' opposite Gayathrie.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 April 2021 |title=Fahadh Faasil is part of Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-is-part-of-kamal-haasans-vikram/article34264586.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423202621/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-is-part-of-kamal-haasans-vikram/article34264586.ece |archive-date=23 April 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> The film eventually emerged as one of the highest-grossing Tamil and Indian film of all time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 September 2022 |title=Kamal Haasan's Vikram finishes theatrical run as highest grossing film ever in Tamil Nadu, registers record footfall |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/kamal-haasan-s-vikram-finishes-theatrical-run-as-highest-grossing-film-ever-in-tamil-nadu-registers-record-footfall-101663821451673.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010000129/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/kamal-haasan-s-vikram-finishes-theatrical-run-as-highest-grossing-film-ever-in-tamil-nadu-registers-record-footfall-101663821451673.html |archive-date=10 October 2022 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |quote=the film registered a record footfall and grossed over {{INR}}500 crore worldwide.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=10 highest grossing Indian movies worldwide in 2022|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/10-highest-grossing-indian-movies-worldwide-in-2022-1173800.html|website=Deccan Herald|date=21 December 2022|access-date=19 August 2023}}</ref> Soundarya Athimuthu of ''The Quint'' felt that Fahadh "steals the show" with an all round performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Athimuthu |first=Soundarya |date=3 June 2022 |title=''Vikram'' Review: Kamal, Fahadh & Vijay Sethupathi Shine in Lokesh's Universe |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/vikram-movie-review-kamal-haasan-vijay-sethupathi-fahadh-faasil-lokesh-kanagaraj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605050444/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/vikram-movie-review-kamal-haasan-vijay-sethupathi-fahadh-faasil-lokesh-kanagaraj |archive-date=5 June 2022 |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=The Quint}}</ref> Haricharan Pudipeddi stated, "Fahadh gets the second most meaty part among the ensemble cast; and he’s terrific."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=3 June 2022 |title=Vikram review: Kamal Haasan's glorious comeback lays the groundwork for Tamil cinema's most ambitious franchise |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vikram-review-kamal-haasan-s-glorious-comeback-lays-the-groundwork-for-tamil-cinema-s-most-ambitious-franchise-101654229921198.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610090724/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vikram-review-kamal-haasan-s-glorious-comeback-lays-the-groundwork-for-tamil-cinema-s-most-ambitious-franchise-101654229921198.html |archive-date=10 June 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Fahadh's next release, ''Malayankunju'' alongside Rajisha Vijayan saw him play an electronics technician.<ref>{{Cite web |accessdate=25 February 2021 |title=Fahadh Faasil completes first schedule of 'Malayan Kunju' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/feb/25/fahadh-faasil-completes-first-schedule-of-malayan-kunju-2268564.html |website=The New Indian Express|date=25 February 2021 }}</ref> Divya Nair of ''Rediff.com'' noted, "''Malayankunju'' triumphs in the integrity and ease of FaFa's portrayal of Anikuttan, with layered expressions and emotions."<ref>{{Cite web |accessdate=28 November 2022 |title=Malayankunju Review |author=Divya Nair |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/malayankunju-review/20220812.htm |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>
Fahadh had three film releases in 2023 – He first appeared as a pharmacist in ''Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum'', which was a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The last schedule of Fahadh's 'Paachuvum Albudha Vilakkum' begins |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/09/22/fahadh-pachuvum-albudha-vilakkum-akhil-sathyan-movie-schedule.html |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928213920/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/09/22/fahadh-pachuvum-albudha-vilakkum-akhil-sathyan-movie-schedule.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-29 |title='Paachuvum Athbhutha Vilakkum' box office collection day 1: Fahadh Faasil's film mints Rs 43 lakhs |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/box-office/paachuvum-athbhutha-vilakkum-box-office-collection-day-1-fahadh-faasils-film-mints-rs-43-lakhs/articleshow/99869395.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-08-30 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830104951/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/box-office/paachuvum-athbhutha-vilakkum-box-office-collection-day-1-fahadh-faasils-film-mints-rs-43-lakhs/articleshow/99869395.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> G. Ragesh of ''Onmanorama'' opined that he has played similar characters before but added: "the virtues and vulnerabilities of Pachu are safe with the actor in Fahadh".<ref>{{Cite web |title='Pachuvum Athbhutha Vilakkum': Fahadh Faasil impresses in Akhil Sathyan debut |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/04/28/pachuvum-athbhutha-vilakkum-movie-review-fahadh-faasil.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429133257/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/04/28/pachuvum-athbhutha-vilakkum-movie-review-fahadh-faasil.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In his next film, ''Dhoomam'', he appeared opposite Aparna Balamurali as a tobacco company head. The film received mixed reviews with Anna M. M. Vetticad calling his character arc "weak".<ref>{{cite web |title=Fahadh Faasil's intriguing first look from Dhoomam wows fans. See it here |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/fahadh-faasils-intriguing-first-look-from-dhoomam-wows-fans-see-it-here/articleshow/99560511.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=17 April 2023 |access-date=6 June 2023 |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606050354/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/fahadh-faasils-intriguing-first-look-from-dhoomam-wows-fans-see-it-here/articleshow/99560511.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=M. M. Vetticad |first=Anna |date=2023-06-24 |title=Dhoomam movie review: Not enough zest, heft or Fahadh Faasil magic |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dhoomam-movie-review-not-enough-zest-heft-or-fahadh-faasil-magic-12785692.html |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812160003/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dhoomam-movie-review-not-enough-zest-heft-or-fahadh-faasil-magic-12785692.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In his final film of the year, Fahadh played a district secretary in ''Maamannan''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-02 |title=Confirmed! Fahadh Faasil in for Udhayanidhi next with Mari Selvaraj |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/confirmed-fahadh-faasil-in-for-udhayanidhi-next-with-mari-selvaraj/articleshow/89941376.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107073134/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/confirmed-fahadh-faasil-in-for-udhayanidhi-next-with-mari-selvaraj/articleshow/89941376.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=7 January 2023}}</ref> Bharathy Singaravel of ''The News Minute'' noted: "Fahadh as the primary antagonist, offers a blood curdling performance. His villainy is shrewd, calculated, and completely believable." The film emerged as a major commercial success and won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singaravel |first=Bharathy |date=29 June 2023 |title=Maamannan review: Vadivelu is the soul of this superb Mari Selvaraj film |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/maamannan-review-vadivelu-soul-superb-mari-selvaraj-film-179130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629174434/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/maamannan-review-vadivelu-soul-superb-mari-selvaraj-film-179130 |archive-date=29 June 2023 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=The News Minute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-09 |title='Maamannan' box office collection: Udayanidhi Stalin starrer mints Rs 52 crore! Official announcement! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/maamannan-box-office-collection-udayanidhi-stalin-starrer-mints-rs-52-crore-official-announcement/articleshow/101615260.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711115811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/maamannan-box-office-collection-udayanidhi-stalin-starrer-mints-rs-52-crore-official-announcement/articleshow/101615260.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=11 July 2023}}</ref>
=== Expansion and commercial success (2024–present) ===
In his first film of 2024, Fahadh played a kind-hearted Malayali-Kannadiga gangster in ''Aavesham'', which he also co-produced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 March 2023 |title=Fahadh Faasil, Jithu Madhavan, Nazriya Nazim, Sameer Thahir and Anwar Rasheed to collaborate on a new project. Read details here |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/fahadh-faasil-jithu-madhavan-nazriya-nazim-sameer-thahir-and-anwar-rasheed-to-collaborate-on-a-new-project-read-details-here/articleshow/98517905.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406213143/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/fahadh-faasil-jithu-madhavan-nazriya-nazim-sameer-thahir-and-anwar-rasheed-to-collaborate-on-a-new-project-read-details-here/articleshow/98517905.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2024-04-06 |access-date=7 April 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ranga in 'Aavesham' is not a spin-off of Chemban Vinod's character in 'Romancham', clarifies director |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2024/04/10/aavesham-malayalam-movie-fahadh-faasil-character-romancham-chemban-vinod.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410101626/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2024/04/10/aavesham-malayalam-movie-fahadh-faasil-character-romancham-chemban-vinod.html |archive-date=2024-04-10 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Manorama Online}}</ref> The film eventually became the sixth highest grossing Malayalam film of all time and earned him wider recognition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2024 |title=Aavesham box office collections: Fahadh Faasil starrer becomes third Malayalam film to top 100cr in India |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/aavesham-box-office-collections-fahadh-faasil-starrer-becomes-third-malayalam-film-to-top-100cr-in-india-1305172?amp |website=Pinkvilla |language=en |access-date=14 May 2024 |archive-date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514151046/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/aavesham-box-office-collections-fahadh-faasil-starrer-becomes-third-malayalam-film-to-top-100cr-in-india-1305172?amp |url-status=live }}</ref> Janani K from ''India Today'' opined that he "wonderfully portrayed" the dynamic character, while Nirmal Jovial of ''The Week'' stated that he "brings out his complete form" only in those climax portions.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Aavesham' Review: Fahadh Faasil hits it out of the park in Jithu Madhavan film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/aavesham-review-fahadh-faasil-hits-it-out-of-the-park-jithu-madhavan-film-2526040-2024-04-11 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=India Today |date=11 April 2024 |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163355/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/aavesham-review-fahadh-faasil-hits-it-out-of-the-park-jithu-madhavan-film-2526040-2024-04-11 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Aavesham' review: This Fahadh Faasil movie is a fun ride|url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2024/04/11/aavesham-review-this-fahadh-faasil-movie-wont-disappoint.html|website=The Week|access-date=12 April 2024|archive-date=10 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610063415/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2024/04/11/aavesham-review-this-fahadh-faasil-movie-wont-disappoint.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Fahadh then appeared in the anthology series ''Manorathangal'', playing a Malayali immigrant.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil Lead ZEE5 Global Anthology 'Manorathangal'|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/asia/kamal-haasan-mohanlal-mammootty-fahadh-faasil-zee5-manorathangal-1236073308/|date=16 July 2024|work=Variety|language=ml|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=മാലിക്കിന് ശേഷം എം.ടിയുടെ ഷെർലക്ക്; മഹേഷ് നാരായണനും ഫഹദും വീണ്ടും ഒന്നിക്കുന്നു|url=https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/photo/mahesh-narayanan-and-fahad-fazil-sherlock-321629-2021-12-09|date=9 December 2021|work=India Today|language=ml|access-date=16 July 2024|archive-date=16 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716164416/https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/photo/mahesh-narayanan-and-fahad-fazil-sherlock-321629-2021-12-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Arjun Menon of ''Rediff.com'' found him to be "perfectly cast" as the passive yet cipher-like figure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Manorathangal Review: Anatomy of A Visionary Mindscape |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/manorathangal-review/20240815.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Rediff.com |language=en}}</ref> Following this, Fahadh played Patrick, a former thief turned police informer in ''Vettaiyan''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fahadh Faasil poses with 'pillars of Indian cinema' Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan on Vettaiyan set |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/fahadh-faasil-poses-with-pillars-of-indian-cinema-rajinikanth-and-amitabh-bachchan-on-vettaiyan-set-101723123898451.html |date=8 August 2024 |access-date=14 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=He comes running in from somewhere: Rajinikanth praises FaFa's acting in 'Vettaiyan |work=Mathrubhumi |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/rajinikanth-praises-fahadh-faasil-vettaiyan-1.9969767 |date=8 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024}}</ref> Bhuvanesh Chandar of ''The Hindu'' found him to be "impressive" and was appreciative of his comic timing.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vettaiyan movie review: A gutsy Rajinikanth powers TJ Gnanavel's flawed film on unlawful encounter killings |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-movie-review-a-gutsy-rajinikanth-powers-tj-gnanavels-flawed-film-on-unlawful-encounter-killings/article68740554.ece |date=10 October 2024 |access-date=12 October 2024}}</ref> Despite being a box office failure, it became the third highest grossing Tamil film of the year.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vettaiyan box office collection day 2: Rajinikanth film crosses ₹100 crore, is 5th highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-box-office-collection-day-2-rajinikanth-amitabh-bachchan-film-100-crore-5th-highest-grossing-tamil-film-2024-101728720589783-amp.html |date=12 October 2024 |access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref> Some commentators bemoaned that Fahadh should take on less supporting parts, owing to his success as a lead actor.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Why Fahadh Faasil should stop doing villain and side roles after Pushpa 2 and Vettaiyan, given his success as lead in Aavesham? |work=Pinkvilla |author=Goutham S |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/opinion-why-fahadh-faasil-should-stop-doing-villain-and-side-roles-after-pushpa-2-and-vettaiyan-given-his-success-as-lead-in-aavesham-1353599?amp |date=15 October 2024 |access-date=16 October 2024}}</ref> After this, he played an IPS officer in ''Bougainvillea''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2024 |title='Bougainvillea': Amal Neerad's next with Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, and Jyothirmayi gets an intriguing title |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/bougainvillea-amal-neerads-next-with-kunchacko-boban-fahadh-faasil-and-jyothirmayi-gets-an-intriguing-title/articleshow/110833659.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609112209/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/bougainvillea-amal-neerads-next-with-kunchacko-boban-fahadh-faasil-and-jyothirmayi-gets-an-intriguing-title/articleshow/110833659.cms |archive-date=9 June 2024 |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bougainvillea trailer: Jyothirmayi and Fahadh Faasil promise an intense thriller |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/bougainvillea-trailer-jyothirmayi-fahadh-faasil-promise-an-intense-thriller-2615350-2024-10-11 |date=11 October 2024 |access-date=14 October 2024}}</ref> Anandu Suresh called his character "underdeveloped" but added, "Fahadh demonstrates his ability to rise above such limitations in scripts, shining through with his commanding presence."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bougainvillea movie review: Amal Neerad's oddly satisfying mystery psychological thriller |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bougainvillea-review-jyothirmayi-kunchacko-boban-outdo-themselves-in-amal-neerad-movie-9623853/?ref=latestnews_hp |date=17 October 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024}}</ref> It was a moderate success at the box office.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bougainvillea Worldwide Box Office Collections: Amal Neerad's film collects an impressive Rs 26 crore in 4 days despite mixed talk |work=Pinkvilla |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/bougainvillea-extended-weekend-worldwide-box-office-collections-amal-neerads-film-collects-an-impressive-rs-26-crore-in-4-days-despite-mixed-talk-1354526 |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref> In his year's last release, Fahadh reprised his role of a police officer in the sequel ''Pushpa 2: The Rule''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-02 |title=Fahadh Faasil joins the new schedule of Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rule in Hyderabad |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/fahadh-faasil-joins-the-shooting-of-pushpa-the-rule-read-report-1211172 |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312030124/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/fahadh-faasil-joins-the-shooting-of-pushpa-the-rule-read-report-1211172 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2024 |title=He rocked: Allu Arjun praises Fahadh Faasil for his performance in 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2024/11/28/he-rocked-in-pushpa-allu-arjun-praises-fahadh-faasil-for-his-performance-in-pushpa-2-the-rule.html |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> Taking note of his versatility, Devesh Sharma of ''Filmfare'' stated, "As a talented actor, he inject a comic touch into his character even in the midst of serious scenes, without diminishing their impact."<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2024 |title=Pushpa 2: The Rule Movie Review: Pure Mass Entertainer |url=https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/south-movies/pushpa-2-the-rule-movie-review-70039.amp |access-date=5 December 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}}</ref> The film broke several records emerging as one of the highest grossing Telugu and Indian film of all time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pushpa 2 creates history: Allu Arjun's magnum opus outshines Baahubali 2 and RRR; smashes global box office with Rs. 270 cr. RECORD OPENING DAY |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/pushpa-2-creates-history-allu-arjuns-magnum-opus-outshines-baahubali-2-rrr-smashes-global-box-office-rs-270-cr-record-opening-day/ |access-date=6 December 2024 |work=Bollywood Hungama|date=6 December 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pushpa 2 worldwide box office collection: The blockbuster eyes Rs 1500 crore, is the third-biggest Indian hit of all time |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/pushpa-2-worldwide-box-office-collection-day-14-allu-arjuns-blockbuster-eyes-rs-1500-crore-worldwide-is-the-third-biggest-indian-hit-of-all-time-9733382/lite/ |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=The Indian Express|date=19 December 2024 }}</ref>
Fahadh started 2025 with ''Maareesan'', where he played a thief on a road trip with an alzheimer patient (played by Vadivelu).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu's next titled 'Maareesan' goes on floors |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-and-vadivelus-next-titled-maareesan/article67769110.ece/ |date=23 January 2024 |access-date=12 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=M |first=Narayani |date=4 June 2025 |title=Maareesan Teaser: Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil's film promises to be a wacky thriller |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Jun/04/maareesan-teaser-vadivelu-and-fahadh-faasils-film-promises-to-be-a-wacky-thriller |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250606013534/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Jun/04/maareesan-teaser-vadivelu-and-fahadh-faasils-film-promises-to-be-a-wacky-thriller |archive-date=6 June 2025 |access-date=4 June 2025 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> ''The Hollywood Reporter India''{{'}}s Prathyush Parasuraman noted, "Fahadh—who even gets his ‘FaFa’ theme song— is an actor whose presence on screen allows him to conjure whole worlds into words. He has comfortably slipped into the skin of his character."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Maareesan Movie Review: Fahadh Faasil, Vadivelu try to save this regressive road film |work=The Hollywood Reporter India |url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/maareesan-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-vadivelu-try-to-save-this-regressive-road-film |access-date=24 July 2025 |date=25 July 2025}}</ref> Despite positive reviews, it underperformed commercially.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Maareesan box-office day 3: Fahadh Faasil-Vadivelu film completes its opening weekend with ₹3.51 crore |work=Cinema Express b|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Jul/28/maareesan-box-office-day-3-fahadh-faasil-vadivelu-film-completes-its-opening-weekend-with-351-crore |access-date=28 July 2025 |date=30 July 2025}}</ref> His next film ''Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira'', saw him play a man jilted at his wedding by his lover, opposite Kalyani Priyadarshan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan's 'Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira' goes on floors |work=The Hindu |access-date=28 May 2024 |date=29 April 2024 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-and-kalyani-priyadarshans-odum-kuthira-chadum-kuthira-goes-on-floors/article68120470.ece/ |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605084059/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-and-kalyani-priyadarshans-odum-kuthira-chadum-kuthira-goes-on-floors/article68120470.ece/amp/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-03 |title=Fahadh and Kalyani share a tender moment in new Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira poster |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2025/Aug/03/fahadh-and-kalyani-share-a-tender-moment-in-new-odum-kuthira-chaadum-kuthira-poster |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Cinema Express}}</ref> Janani K opined that Fahadh leaves little impact due to a weak story.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira review: Fahadh Faasil film is an absurd comedy that is painfully unfunny |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/odum-kuthira-chadum-kuthira-review-fahadh-faasil-film-is-an-absurd-comedy-that-is-painfully-unfunny-2778831-2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=Cinema Express}}</ref>
Fahadh portrayed an entrepreneur owning a surveillance app in the multi-starrer ''Patriot'', his first release of 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fahadh Faasil joins Mahesh Narayanan's next with Mammootty, Mohanlal and Kunchacko Boban |work=Cinema Express |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2024/Nov/21/fahadh-faasil-joins-mahesh-narayanans-next-with-mammootty-mohanlal-and-kunchacko-boban |access-date=21 November 2024 |date=21 November 2024}}</ref> Fahadh will next appear in the Telugu films ''Oxygen'' and ''Don’t Trouble The Trouble'',<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fahadh Faasil teams up with 'Baahubali' makers for 'Oxygen' and 'Don't Trouble The Trouble'; starts shooting the latter |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/fahadh-faasil-teams-up-with-baahubali-makers-for-oxygen-and-dont-trouble-the-trouble/article67968183.ece |date=19 March 2024 |access-date=31 March 2024}}</ref> and the Malayalam films: ''Karate Chandran'',<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fahadh Faasil's next is 'Karate Chandran'; Dileesh Pothan shares actor's training pics |work=Mathrubhumi |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/fahad-faasil-s-next-is-karate-chandran-dileesh-pothan-shares-actor-s-training-pics-1.9318790 |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=19 September 2024}}</ref> and ''Torpedo''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tharun Moorthy sets sail with Torpedo, featuring Fahadh Faasil and Arjun Das |work=Filmfare |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/tharun-moorthy-sets-sail-with-torpedo-featuring-fahadh-faasil-and-arjun-das-73491.html |access-date=3 May 2025 |date=2 May 2025}}</ref>
==Filmography==
{{main|Fahadh Faasil filmography}}
==Personal life== Fahadh met actress Nazriya Nazim on the sets of their film ''Bangalore Days'', in 2013 and they eventually began dating.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/romance-tales-fahadh-faasil-and-nazriya-nazims-beautiful-love-story-that-withstood-all-odds-1212683 |title=Romance Tales: Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim's beautiful love story that withstood all odds |work=Pinkvilla |date=15 March 2023 |accessdate=12 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/this-is-how-fahadh-faasil-proposed-to-nazriya-and-it-is-beyond-beautiful-read-post-1815833-2021-06-17 |title=This is how Fahadh Faasil proposed to Nazriya and it is beyond beautiful |website=India Today |date=17 June 2021 |accessdate=21 November 2023}}</ref> Following a year courtship, the couple got engaged on 20 January 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140120/entertainment-mollywood/article/mollywood-stars-fahadh-fazil-nazriya-nazim-get-engaged |title=Mollywood stars Fahadh Fazil, Nazriya Nazim get engaged; marriage in August |website=Deccan Chronicle |date=20 January 2014 |accessdate=27 February 2022}}</ref> Fahadh married Nazriya on 21 August 2014, in Thiruvananthapuram.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/fahad-fazil-weds-nazriya/article6338566.ece |title=Fahadh Faasil weds Nazriya Nazim in Thiruvananthapuram |newspaper=The Hindu |accessdate=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/nine-years-us-fahadh-faasil-shares-heartwarming-pic-nazriya-anniversary-181328 |title='Nine years of us': Fahadh Faasil shares heartwarming pic with Nazriya Nazim on anniversary |website=The News Minute |date=21 August 2023 |accessdate=28 September 2023}}</ref>
In 2024, Fahadh revealed that he has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-28 |title=Fahadh Faasil diagnosed with ADHD at 41, recalls conversation with doctor |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-diagnosed-with-adhd-at-41-recalls-conversation-with-doctor-2544614-2024-05-28 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=22 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722161748/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-diagnosed-with-adhd-at-41-recalls-conversation-with-doctor-2544614-2024-05-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Other work and public image== Fahadh supports various causes and charitable organisations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated a sum of ₹10 lakhs for FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) workers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/coronavirus-crisis-fahadh-faasil-and-mahesh-narayanan-donate-rs-10-lakh-to-fefka-workers-1729188-2020-10-07 |title=Coronavirus crisis: Fahadh Faasil and Mahesh Narayanan donate Rs 10 lakh to FEFKA workers |work=India Today |date=7 October 2020 |accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref> In 2024, Fahadh and his wife, Nazriya contributed ₹25 lakhs for the relief work of Wayanad landslides.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2024/08/01/fahadh-faasil-nazriya-contribute-rs-25-lakh-for-relief-works-in-landslides-hit-wayanad.html |title=Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya contribute Rs 25 lakh for relief works in landslides-hit Wayanad |work=The Week |accessdate=10 September 2024}}</ref> Fahadh is a celebrity endorser for brands and products such as Titan, Milma, Jos Alukkas, Adithi Aatta, UAE Exchange, Estilocus, Camerry and Merricrem Icecreams.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/watch-fahadh-faasils-transformation-overweight-man-ad-unbelievable-76390 |access-date=28 February 2021 |title=Fahadh Faasil's transformation into overweight man in this ad is unbelievable |work=The News Minute |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507075201/https://www.thenewsminute.com/amp/story/flix/watch-fahadh-faasils-transformation-overweight-man-ad-unbelievable-76390 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/nazriya-nazim-fahadh-faasil-ice-cream-ad-8164733/lite/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |title=Nazriya Nazim is fed up as Fahadh Faasil 'has nothing to say' in new ad, fans demand Bangalore Days 2 |work=Indian Express |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507075205/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/nazriya-nazim-fahadh-faasil-ice-cream-ad-8164733/lite/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theprint.in/ground-reports/beef-flavour-to-celebrity-ads-what-it-takes-to-stand-out-in-keralas-ice-cream-market/2194687/?amp |title=Beef flavour to celebrity ads—what it takes to stand out in Kerala's ice cream market |work=The Print |date=28 July 2024 |accessdate=31 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/trivia/nazriya-nazim-fahadh-faasil-advertisement-goes-viral-1.9981048 |title=Nazriya Nazim romances Fahadh Faasil in viral ad; fans say 'both killing us with love' |work=Mathrubhumi |date=12 October 2024 |accessdate=15 October 2024}}</ref>
In the Kochi Times Most Desirable Men list, Fahadh was placed in 5th in 2017, 2nd in 2018, 7th in 2019 and 8th in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Kochi Times Most Desirable Man 2017 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-most-desirable-man-2017-prithviraj/articleshow/62863460.cms |access-date=29 September 2017 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507105405/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-most-desirable-man-2017-prithviraj/amp_articleshow/62863460.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kochi Times 25 Most Desirable Men 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-25-most-desirable-men-of-2018/articleshow/68048374.cms |access-date=21 September 2018 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507105405/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-25-most-desirable-men-of-2018/amp_articleshow/68048374.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kochi Times Most Desirable Men 2019: Prithviraj Sukumaran |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-most-desirable-men-of-2019/articleshow/74226674.cms |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525000118/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-most-desirable-men-of-2019/articleshow/74226674.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kochi Times Most Desirable Men 2019: Dulquer Salmaan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-most-desirable-men-of-2020/articleshow/83175935.cms |access-date=27 September 2021 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507092445/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kochi-times-most-desirable-men-of-2020/amp_articleshow/83175935.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019 and 2022, the Indian edition of ''GQ'' featured Fahadh among the nation's most influential young people and credited him for "choosing scripts with an edge, and pouring himself into his parts with conviction".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sethi |first=Shikha |date=12 December 2019 |title=Here's the full list of GQ's 50 most influential young Indians of 2019 |work=GQ |url=https://www.gqindia.com/influence-list/content/the-gq-50-most-influential-young-indians-of-2019 |url-status=live |access-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227115506/https://www.gqindia.com/influence-list/content/the-gq-50-most-influential-young-indians-of-2019 |archive-date=27 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=29 April 2022 |title=Meet GQ's 30 Most Influential Young Indians of 2022 |work=GQ |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/meet-gq-30-most-influential-young-indians-of-2022 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111104722/https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/meet-gq-30-most-influential-young-indians-of-2022 |archive-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> Fahadh was named the Men of the Year by ''Man's World'' in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=23 December 2020 |title=Men of the Year 2020: The Inventive and Unorthodox Fahadh Faasil |work=Man's World |url=https://www.mansworldindia.com/currentedition/men-of-the-year-2020-the-inventive-and-unorthodox-fahadh-faasil |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921104722/https://www.mansworldindia.com/currentedition/men-of-the-year-2020-the-inventive-and-unorthodox-fahadh-faasil |archive-date=21 September 2022}}</ref> In 2024, ''Mashable India'' and ''Hindustan Times'' placed him in their "Top Performances of the Year" list.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/86911/best-of-2024-hugh-grant-fahad-faasil-diljit-dosanjh-make-our-top-10-performances-of-the-year |title=Best Of 2024; Hugh Grant, Fahad Faasil, Diljit Dosanjh make our Top 10 Performances of the Year |work=Mashable India |date=25 December 2024 |accessdate=25 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/best-acting-performances-of-2024-from-fahadh-faasil-in-aavesham-to-kani-kusruti-in-all-we-imagine-as-light-101734756659019.html |title=Best acting performances of 2024: From Fahadh Faasil in Aavesham to Kani Kusruti in All We Imagine As Light |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 December 2024 |accessdate=26 December 2024}}</ref> Fahadh was placed 12th in ''Eastern Eye''{{'}}s Top 50 Asian Stars of 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=13 December 2024 |title=Top 50 Asian stars of 2024 |work=Eastern Eye |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/top-50-asian-stars-of-2024/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228104722/https://www.easterneye.biz/top-50-asian-stars-of-2024/ |archive-date=28 December 2024}}</ref> He has also appeared on the cover of several magazines including ''Vanitha''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/fahadh-nazriya-pose-for-vanitha-cover-page.html |title=Fahadh-Nazriya pose for Vanitha cover page |date=27 February 2016 |work=Onmanorama |accessdate=16 December 2021}}</ref> A research study conducted in 2023 by Indian Institute of Human Brands (IIHB) stated that Fahadh was the highest-ranked celebrity in Malayalam cinema. The study was based on several attributes covering image, personality and other human factors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/research/suriya-is-the-number-one-celebrity-in-south-india-report/97019588 |title=Suriya is the number one celebrity in South India: Report |date=16 January 2023 |website=Economic Times |accessdate=27 January 2023}}</ref> In 2024, Fahadh was placed 81st on IMDb's List of 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars.<ref>{{Cite web |accessdate=29 August 2024 |title=Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan Top IMDb's List of Most Viewed Indian Stars |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/deepika-padukone-shah-rukh-khan-imdb-indian-stars-list-1236018332/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122092159/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/deepika-padukone-shah-rukh-khan-imdb-indian-stars-list-1236018332/ |archive-date=22 November 2024 |website=Variety |date=29 May 2024 }}</ref>
==Acting style and reception== thumb|Fahadh at an event in 2018
Fahadh is considered among the most popular and highest-paid actors of Malayalam cinema, according to various media reports.<ref name="highest-paid 1">{{Cite web |title=Mammootty to Mohanlal: Highest paid actors in the Malayalam film industry |access-date=21 August 2022 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-to-prithviraj-sukumaran-highest-paid-actors-in-the-malayalam-film-industry/amp_etphotostory/92878791.cms |work=The Times of India |date=14 July 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014083321/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-to-prithviraj-sukumaran-highest-paid-actors-in-the-malayalam-film-industry/amp_etphotostory/92878791.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="highest-paid 2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2020/06/03/mohanlal-mammootty-highest-paid-malayalam-actors-top-list.html |access-date=28 November 2022 |title=Highest paid Malayalam actors, check who tops the list |work=Onmanorama |archive-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229050820/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2020/06/03/mohanlal-mammootty-highest-paid-malayalam-actors-top-list.amp.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fahadh is noted for playing a variety of roles in a variety of genres. Princy Alexander of ''Onmanorama'' called him a "force to reckon with".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2024/04/13/fahadh-faasil-malayalam-cinema-mollywood-aavesham-movie-tamil-telugu.html |access-date=20 April 2024 |title=Fahadh Faasil: I am a better producer than actor |work=Onmanorama |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428050820/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2024/04/13/fahadh-faasil-malayalam-cinema-mollywood-aavesham-movie-tamil-telugu.amp.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Writing for ''The News Minute'', Fahir Maithutty called him a front-runner of the New Generation Wave and said, "Fahadh possesses traits that set him apart as an actor — his command over dialects and his ability to transform to any character."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/actor-uninterested-stardom-fahadh-faasil-generations-best-malayalam-cinema-64588 |access-date=15 June 2018 |title=An actor uninterested in stardom: Is Fahadh Faasil this generation's best in Malayalam cinema? |work=The News Minute |archive-date=11 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811050820/https://www.thenewsminute.com/amp/story/flix/actor-uninterested-stardom-fahadh-faasil-generations-best-malayalam-cinema-64588 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Anandu Suresh of ''The Indian Express'' talked about his career comeback and noted, "The new Fahadh displayed remarkable growth and maturity. His second innings made him one of contemporary Indian cinema’s finest actors."<ref name="Fahadh G.O.A.T." /> Neelima Menon of ''HuffPost'' stated, "Most of his notable films are character-driven and many of his characters have been flawed, vulnerable heroes. He is a product of new-age Malayalam cinema, where superstardom has begun to wane, and alpha male heroes have been exiled.<ref name="Huffpost19" /> Film critic Aparna Prashanthi opined: "He is an actor in the purest sense. He isn’t addicted to stardom nor is he particular about drawing all the attention to himself in a film. He just wants to be part of good cinema."<ref name="Huffpost19">{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/what-fahadh-faasils-second-coming-changed-for-malayalam-cinema_in_5c5bf2e5e4b00187b558673d/amp |access-date=21 February 2021 |title=Why Fahadh Faasil's second coming changed Malayalam cinema |work=Huffpost |archive-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112050820/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/what-fahadh-faasils-second-coming-changed-for-malayalam-cinema_in_5c5bf2e5e4b00187b558673d/amp |url-status=live }}</ref> Deepak Joy of ''The Week'' called him "an accomplished actor" and added, "Fahadh is a natural actor like no other. It is said that even his eyes acts before the camera. While stars make fans, Fahadh command a devoted audience."<ref name="Week18">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2018/05/12/fahadh-faasil-where-stardom-dies-actor-born.html |access-date=24 September 2020 |title=Fahadh Faasil: Where stardom dies, an actor is born |work=The Week |archive-date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217050820/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2018/05/12/fahadh-faasil-where-stardom-dies-actor-born.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nidhima Taneja of ''The Print'' took note of his versatility and added, "Fahadh Faasil won’t play your garden-variety hero. He’s bending the norms, creating his own multiverse and getting pan-Indian acclaim."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/after-mammootty-and-mohanlal-who-fahadh-faasil-is-the-new-poster-boy-of-malayalam-cinema/1068771/ |access-date=28 August 2022 |title=After Mammootty and Mohanlal, who? Fahadh Faasil is the new poster boy of Malayalam cinema |work=The Print |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127050820/https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/after-mammootty-and-mohanlal-who-fahadh-faasil-is-the-new-poster-boy-of-malayalam-cinema/1068771/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In a 2018 interview, Fahadh talked about the audience response to his films and said, {{Blockquote|"I sincerely want people to watch my films. And that is enough for me. After that, they don't have to think about me. They don't have to be concerned about me. Let them watch it if it is a good film. If it is not, they don't have to."<ref name="Week18" />}}
''Rediff.com'' named Fahad the "Best Malayalam Actor" of 2012 and 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-the-top-malayalam-actors-of-2012/20130109.htm |access-date=25 November 2021 |title=The Top Malayalam Actors of 2012 |work=Rediff.com |date=9 January 2013 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722133825/https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-the-top-malayalam-actors-of-2012/20130109.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-top-performances-by-malayalam-actors-in-2013-south/20140110.htm |access-date=23 September 2022 |title=Top Performances by Malayalam Actors in 2013 |work=Rediff.com |date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507074629/https://m.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-top-performances-by-malayalam-actors-in-2013-south/20140110.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> His performance in ''Maheshinte Prathikaram'' and ''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by ''Film Companion''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=100 Greatest Performances of the Decade |url=https://filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219043509/https://www.filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2019 |access-date=14 November 2020 |website=Film Companion |language=en}}</ref> Several members of the Indian film industry have appreciated Fahadh's acting style. Actor Rajkummar Rao expressed his desire to work with him, calling Fahadh "one of the finest actors in the country".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/rajkummar-rao-wish-to-work-with-fahadh-faasil-someday-exclusive-2545826-2024-05-30 |access-date=16 September 2024 |title=Rajkummar Rao: Wish to work with Fahadh Faasil someday |work=India Today |date=30 May 2024}}</ref> Actress Vidya Balan, Alia Bhatt and actor Suriya have praised his films, and called him a "fantastic actor".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/vidya-balan-praises-malayalam-actors-urvashi-and-fahadh-faasil-says-they-dont-write-comedy-roles-for-women-in-hindi-cinema-1355451?amp |access-date=6 November 2024 |title=Vidya Balan praises Malayalam actors Urvashi and Fahadh Faasil |work=Pinkvilla |date=26 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/alia-bhatt-expresses-admiration-for-fahadh-faasil-at-cannes-aavesham-is-my-favourite-2730682-2025-05-26 |access-date=28 May 2025 |title=Alia Bhatt expresses admiration for Fahadh Faasil: Aavesham is my favourite |work=India Today |date=26 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/suriya-praises-fahadh-faasils-performance-in-aavesham-hes-pushing-boundaries-for-himself-9116472.html |access-date=11 November 2024 |title=Suriya praises Fahadh Faasil's performance in Aavesham: 'He's pushing boundaries for himself' |work=News18 |date=12 November 2024}}</ref> Actor Ayushmann Khurrana said, "I am a big Fahadh Faasil fan and if given a chance, I would love to work with him because the kind of cinema he works in resonates with what I do in Hindi cinema."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ayushmann-khurrana-desires-to-work-in-malayalam-cinema-says-i-am-a-huge-fahadh-faasil-fan/articleshow/103420357.cms |access-date=28 March 2024 |title=Ayushmann Khurrana desires to work in Malayalam cinema; says, 'I am a huge Fahadh Faasil fan' |work=The Times of India |date=6 September 2023}}</ref> Director Pawan Kumar, who worked with him in ''Dhoomam'' said, "Fahadh Faasil does not have any baggage of a star. His filmography has been very diverse and he does not have to cater to any kind of genre, which is what he likes."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/interviews/kannada-interview/pawan-kumar-reveals-why-he-decided-to-cast-fahadh-faasil-in-dhoomam-hombale-films-aparna-balamurali-roshan-mathew |access-date=22 November 2023 |title=Pawan Kumar reveals why he decided to cast Fahadh Faasil in Dhoomam |work=Film Companion |date=21 June 2023}}</ref>
== Accolades == {{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Fahadh Faasil}}
Fahadh has won four Filmfare Awards — Best Actor – Malayalam for his performance in ''22 Female Kottayam'' (2012), ''North 24 Kaatham'' (2013) and ''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' (2017) and Best Supporting Actor – Tamil for ''Maamannan'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sathyendran |first=Nita |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-dileesh-pothan-is-all-set-to-steal-the-show-with-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum/article19114598.ece |title=Scene stealer |work=The Hindu |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=17 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/full-list-of-winners-of-the-69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-tamil-2024_-67631.amp|title=Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Tamil) 2024 |work=Filmfare |date=3 August 2024 |access-date=4 August 2024}}</ref> ''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' also won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, he has also earned four Kerala State Film Awards — Second Best Actor for ''Chaappa Kurishu'' and ''Akam'' (both 2011), Best Actor for ''Artist'' and ''North 24 Kaatham'' (both 2013), Best Character Actor and Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value for ''Kumbalangi Nights'' (2020).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/rise-of-the-pan-indian-malayalam-cinema |title=Rise of the pan-Indian Malayalam cinema |first=Deepa |last=Gauri |website=Khaleej Times |accessdate=21 December 2023}}</ref>
== See also == * New Generation Films * List of Malayalam film actors
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== *{{IMDb name|id=1335704|name=Fahadh Faasil}} *[https://www.facebook.com/FahadhFaasil Fahadh Faasil] on Facebook {{Commons}}
{{NationalFilmAwardBestSupportingActor}} {{Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor}} {{FilmfareMalayalamBestActor}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Faasil, Fahad}} Category:Living people Category:Male actors from Kochi Category:Male actors from Alappuzha Category:Indian male film actors Category:Kerala State Film Award winners Category:Kerala Film Critics Awards winners Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema Category:University of Miami alumni Category:1982 births Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema Category:Malayalam film producers Category:Film producers from Kochi Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners Category:Best Supporting Actor National Film Award winners Category:People from Alappuzha district Category:Filmfare Awards South winners Category:Indian Muslims Category:People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder