From ₹65,000 to ₹10 Crore – Fahadh Faasil’s Incredible Rise in South Cinema

Fahadh Faasil is undeniably a leading star of South Indian cinema today with wide appeal across South India. However, the journey of this actor has been long and slow. His debut film, Kaiyethum Doorath (2002) directed by his father, Fazil, did not offer a successful start. Fahadh next acted in Kerala Cafe (2009), which also did not offer much success, and this left the young actor to ponder whether acting was really meant for him.

A turning point of sorts for Fahadh was in 2011, when he had Chaappa Kurishu directed by Sameer Thahir, and produced by Listin Stephen. The thriller gave Fahadh the opportunity to step into the greater Malayalam cinema audience. Recently, Fahadh, along with producer Listin Stephen, had the opportunity to reflect on that moment along with others at the South Indian Film Academy (SIFA) convocation in Kochi.

Producer Listin Stephen recalled the early stages of working with Fahadh. He remembered how many people advised him against casting the actor, but he trusted Fahadh for the role. “Everyone told me not to cast him. I went ahead anyway,” he said. Listin also revealed the fee Fahadh received for the film. “Fahadh said, ‘Pay me whatever you want. Until now, I was getting ₹65,000.’ I then decided to pay him ₹1 lakh for Chaappa Kurishu.”

Listin further noted that he never imagined how significant Fahadh’s stature would become. “Today, even if someone offers ₹5 crore or ₹10 crore, getting his dates is incredibly difficult,” he stated. Fahadh has become, if not the most wanted, then certainly one of the most sought-after actors in South India. Fahadh acknowledged this at the event, saying, “I cannot forget Listin’s support. He is sincere.”

Fahadh made his Telugu debut with the Pushpa franchise, and his next two Telugu films are Don’t Trouble the Trouble and Oxygen, both produced by Shobu Yarlagadda.