If you’ve watched movies like Pushpa, Vikram, Aavesham, or Maamannan, you’re likely a fan—or at least an admirer—of the incredibly talented Fahadh Faasil aka Fahad Fazil. Known for his devilish on-screen intensity, this Pushpa villain can steal the spotlight with just a subtle expression with his eyes.
Here are my top 10 must-watch Fahadh Faasil (Fahad Fazil) movies, where he shines with outstanding performances and firmly establishes his place as one of Indian cinema’s finest actors.
I am not including popular OTT releases like Joji, C U Soon or blockbuster theatrical releases like Kumbalangi Nights or Malayankunju which are favourites of many Fahadh Faasil fans, available at Amazon Prime.
1. Amen: Hasyam (Humour)
Films with a strong sense of place and culture, like Gangs of Wasseypur or Aadukalam, offer an immersive experience, transporting you into their unique worlds. Amen is one such experience, it’s a virtual ride to Kumarankari, a village in Alleppey.
True to its name, Amen is a divine rom-com with thrilling moments that capture the heart of its setting.
The story follows Solomon (Fahadh Faasil), a struggling musician in love with Shoshanna (Swathi Reddy), whose wealthy father disapproves. With the help of Father Vincent, they attempt to elope but get caught, leading to a band rivalry that will decide if Solomon can marry Shoshanna.
In Amen, Fahadh Faasil brings an incredible range to his role. In the beginning, he embodies an insecure, immature youth; at the end, an ambitious musician driven by passion. Above all, he masterfully portrays humour. Few actors can convey vulnerability through humour without falling into melodrama, but Fahadh does it with ease
2. Trance: Adbhutam (Wonder)
Trance, directed by Anwar Rasheed, explores the dark side of corporate spirituality and the making of a “godman” figure. Fahadh Faasil plays Viju Prasad, a struggling motivational speaker who becomes the tool of two businessmen aiming to create a cult. As Viju transforms into Pastor Joshua, the film dives into themes of faith, control, and the thin line between sanity and madness.
Watch now TRANCE at Amazon Prime
Fahadh’s expressive eyes and subtle nuances bring depth to his character, making every scene riveting. From his early struggles as the insecure, self-doubting Viju to the almost maniacal conviction of Pastor Joshua, Fahadh commands the screen, carrying the film through its highs and lows.
Whether in loud, intense moments or quieter, more introspective scenes, his performance adds layers to the story, making Trance a remarkable, albeit imperfect, cinematic experience. It’s wonder is what we see in Viju’s eyes, which brings a feeling of amazingness in you.
3. Artist: Raudram (Anger)
Artist, directed by Shyamaprasad, explores the depths of love and sacrifice in an unconventional relationship. Based on Paritosh Uttam’s novel Dreams in Prussian Blue, the film examines what drives people into difficult relationships and why they stay, even when things go awry. Fahadh Faasil and Ann Augustine take the lead roles, giving life to characters whose bond is tested through profound emotional and physical challenges.
Watch now ARTIST at amazon prime
Fahadh’s portrayal of the troubled and often unkind Michael is striking, capturing the complexities of an artist consumed by his own ego and struggles.
Though Ann Augustine as Gayathri is the heart of the film, Fahad’s blind artist scored well. Fahadh’s performance reaches a peak in the climactic scene where he unleashes his anger on Gayathri. The intensity of his rage feels raw and real, capturing a deeply flawed side of his character, Michael.
4. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum: Shantam (Peace/Tranquility)
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, directed by Dileesh Pothan, presents no heroes or villains, instead offering a layered narrative that forces viewers to question their judgments. The best thing about this Pothettan film is the way it uses geography & colour tone to set a shade for the film. The audience can experience the heat from the screen.
Watch now THONDIMUTHALUM DRIKSAKSHIYUM at Hotstar
Fahadh Faasil’s portrayal of the nameless thief is mesmerising, with his intense gaze and subtle movements revealing volumes about his character. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes—the chain-snatching sequence on the bus—Fahadh’s control over his body language and facial expressions makes the act appear both skillful and desperate.
With minimal dialogue, he captures the thief’s determination and slyness, transforming a simple theft into a gripping moment. Even in close-up shots that focus only on his eyes, Fahadh’s expressions convey the tension, urgency, and cunning of a character who will go to great lengths to survive.
In Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Fahadh’s calm, quiet nuanced performance shows life’s simple strength. His ability to say so much without words is a big reason he’s one of Indian cinema’s most loved actors. One word for this nameless thief: Tranquil.
5. Annayum Rasoolum: Karunam (Compassion/Sorrow)
Annayum Rasoolum, directed by Rajeev Ravi, tells a touching story about two people from different religions who fall in love. This was Rajeev’s first movie as a director, and he takes a close look at how a couple faces challenges from society and life in a small town.
Watch now ANNAYUM RASOOLUM at Hotstar / Manorama Max
The film shows real, sometimes tough moments, making it both sad and beautiful to watch. The way Rajeev tells the story and the way Madhu Neelakandan captures each scene make the film feel very real and special. Personally, my favourite movie from Andrea Jeremiah.
Fahadh Faasil plays Rasool with warmth and quiet, yet he is filled with quiet compassion, showing his deep love and gentle care with every look and gesture. He makes Rasool’s love for Anna feel real and painful.
6. 22 Female Kottayam: Shringara (Flirty)
22 Female Kottayam, directed by Aashiq Abu, is a bold and uncompromising film that explores the themes of betrayal, abuse, and revenge through the eyes of a resilient woman. The film gained cult status for its unflinching portrayal of a woman reclaiming her strength and agency in the face of trauma, becoming a landmark film in Malayalam cinema for its powerful storytelling and fearless direction.
Fahadh Faasil takes on a daring role as Cyril, a character marked by deceit and manipulation. Fahadh’s performance shines as he brings out Cyril’s darker facets, particularly in moments of betrayal and confrontation with Tessa.
His flirting scenes in the movie introduce a fresh take on modern love to Mollywood—playful yet not cringe-worthy. His willingness to take on such a morally ambiguous role showcases his versatility and courage as an actor, proving why he is celebrated in Indian cinema.
7. Malik: Veeram (Courage/Heroism)
Malik, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, is a sweeping crime drama that follows the rise and fall of Sulaiman Ali, also known as Ali Ikka, a revolutionary leader of a coastal village in Kerala. Movie took a clear inspiration from classics like The Godfather and Gangs of Wasseypur.
Fahadh Faasil commands the screen as Ali Ikka, delivering a performance that brilliantly captures the character’s evolution—from a passionate revolutionary to a reflective, almost tragic figure.
His expressive face and intense screen presence elevate the character to near-mythic proportions, making Ali Ikka feel both grounded and larger than life heroism.
8. Carbon: Bhayanakam (Fear)
Carbon (2018), directed by Venu, is an adventure that mixes reality and fantasy. The story follows a young man named Siby, who goes to a mysterious forest called Cheenkannippara, hoping to make quick money. With stunning scenes, eerie sounds, and a surprising plot, Carbon makes viewers think about big questions like destiny, fear, and life’s purpose.
Fahadh Faasil once again excels, bringing Siby’s character to life with an engaging mix of naivety and determination. His performance balances humor, thrill, and introspection, capturing the protagonist’s transformation as he faces both real and imagined challenges in the forest.
Fahadh’s expressive portrayal with fear keeps viewers intrigued, especially as he navigates the film’s more surreal and suspenseful moments.
9. Monsoon Mangoes: Bibhatsam (Disgust)
Monsoon Mangoes, directed by Abi Varghese, is a charming, quirky film that explores the journey of a dreamer with a passion that far exceeds his talent. This is not your typical Malayalam movie; rather, it’s a whimsical portrayal of a passionate film aspirant who doesn’t have the talent. His relentless pursuit of filmmaking, even when all odds are against him, is the hook.
Fahadh Faasil shines as D.P., bringing warmth and vulnerability to the role of a well-meaning yet misguided dreamer. His portrayal captures the innocence and single-minded determination of a man who, despite lacking talent, holds onto his passion.
Fahadh’s expressive range, from disgust and envy to frustration, makes D.P. relatable, even in his most misguided moments. D.P’s helplessness he vents out as disgust or contempt; I can’t imagine any other upcoming actor from Mollywood can pull off that classy disgust gesture with that ease.
10. Maheshinte Prathikaram: Fahadh Faasil A Complete Actor
Maheshinte Prathikaram, directed by Dileesh Pothan, beautifully captures the essence of life in a small village in Kerala’s scenic Idukki district. This film stands out as a slice-of-life narrative that doesn’t rely on exaggerated heroics or melodrama. Instead, it explores the simple, everyday moments that define its protagonist, Mahesh, a man whose story resonates with a sense of authenticity and realism.
Watch now MAHESHINTE PRATHIKARAM at Manorama Max
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Fahadh’s expressive eyes and restrained performance infuse Mahesh with authenticity, while his comedy timing and emotional depth make the character memorable.
In Maheshinte Prathikaram, Fahadh brings all nine emotions to life through Mahesh’s journey. We see his playful love (Shringara) and quiet humour (Hasya) in small, everyday moments. When he faces heartbreak (Karuna) and humiliation (Raudra), his reactions feel real and relatable. There’s courage (Veera) as he stands up for himself, and even a bit of fear (Bhayanaka) when he’s uncertain. Disgust (Bibhatsa) shows up in his frustration, and wonder (Adbhuta) as he finds new purpose. Fahadh’s performance makes Mahesh’s story feel like a journey we all understand. This is where he truly became a complete actor!!
Comment your favourite Fahad Faasil movies or the one that I missed in this list.