Fazil

Mohanlal's first theatrical release came in Fazil's debut as director, Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), a Navodaya Appachan production. Born Abdul Hameed Muhammed Fazil in Alappuzha, he directs, produces, writes and acts in Malayalam films, and has directed several Tamil films, a few of them remakes of his own Malayalam hits. At S.D. College, Alappuzha, he took a bachelor's and a master's in economics, and spent those years doing mimicry and writing and staging plays with friends, fellow student Nedumudi Venu among them. He has 31 films as director, including Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984), Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal (1986), Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal (1987), Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku, Ente Sooryaputhrikku (1991), Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992), Manichitrathazhu (1993) and Harikrishnans (1998). Manichitrathazhu won him the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku brought Best Director at the 13th Kerala State Film Awards. Nobody has won more State awards for the best film with popular appeal and aesthetic value. Filmfare Awards South have come too. Nadia Moidu, Baby Shalini, Kunchacko Boban, Nagma, Khushbu and his son Fahadh Faasil got their first breaks from him; another son, Farhaan Faasil, also acts. He played Father Nedumpally in Lucifer (2019).