Ali Azim

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Ali Azim
Azim receiving an award trophy with a smaile
Azim at 9th Gaumee Film Awards ceremony, 2019
OccupationActor
Years active2010–present
Children1

Ali Azim is a Maldivian film actor.

Career

2010–2016: Early releases

Azim expressed his interest in acting at a very young age. Before he pursued a career in acting Azim worked as a dancer and stage performer.[1] He was first recognized by the audience for his facial expressions while dancing. While working in the Animation Dance Group, the team made a short children's film Lollypop with "no serious intention but for entertainment".[1] The film which features Azim in a "forgettable" role did not much help to accelerate his career.[1] This was followed by Abdul Faththaah's 5 episodes drama series Kaiveni, starred opposite Mariyam Zuhura. In 2013, Azim starred in a small role as a gang member in Hussain Munawwar's second direction, revenge thriller film Dhilakani (2013) along with Ismail Rasheed, Niuma Mohamed, Mohamed Manik, Mohamed Faisal and Aminath Rishfa.[2] The film deals with a man's tumultuous journey to seek vengeance and the demolition of family bond over a girl.[3] The film attracted negative reception from critics while Nadheem wrote: "Embraced with futile characters, impractical scenes and out-dated music, the film has problems in each department".[4]

Azim made his official film debut in Abdul Faththaah's romantic drama Aadheys starring Niuma Mohamed, Hussain Sobah, Amira Ismail, Moosa Zakariyya and Fathimath Azifa in pivotal roles.[5] Filming was completed in 2011, though it was released three years following the death of film producer Hassain Ali.[6] It revolves around a sacrificing mother and her affection towards her child.[5] Azim played the role of Fahud, only son of a wealthy family whose marriage has been disputed by his parents.[7] Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics and failed to leave an impression commercially. Ismail Naail reviewing from Vaguthu wrote: "Azim as a newcomer shines in the established cast".[7] At the 8th Gaumee Film Awards he received a nomination for Best Male Debut nomination for his role in the film.[8]

Mohamed Aboobakuru-directed Randhari was Azim's first release of 2015.[9] His portrayal of the character Shahid, along with the film, received negative reviews from critics and the film performed below average at the box office.[10] He was then seen in the Ali Shifau-directed romantic film Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen alongside Mohamed Jumayyil and Mariyam Majudha.[11] In a pre-premiere review from Vaguthu, Ismail Nail noted Azim's "upgrade" in acting skills when compared to his previous works.[12] The film was the highest grossing Maldivian film of the year, and was a commercial success.[13]

2017–present: Hahdhu, Dhevansoora and frequent collaborations

Azim's first release of 2017 came in the Ali Musthafa-directed

Malikaa which performed badly at the box office.[14][15] He next featured alongside an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Saeed and Ali Seezan in the romantic comedy film Naughty 40 which was directed by Shafeeu.[16] The film met with both critical and commercial success, emerging as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[15][17] He next appeared in Abdul Faththaah-directed film Hahdhu.[18] Though the film met with mixed reviews, Azim was particularly praised for his portrayal of the character, Hamza, a religious saint. Aishath Maaha of Avas wrote: "Perceived as a negative character, his acting skill during the emotional scenes, definitely proved that he is a wonderful actor".[19] Azim regarded his performance in the film as a breakthrough performance in his career, which led him being offered several film projects afterwards.[1] The film proved to be another successful venture for Azim, becoming the third highest-grossing film of the year.[15]

2018 was a dull year for Maldivian film-industry with regards to 2018 Maldivian presidential election, hence only one film of Faisal was released during the year; a suspense thriller film Dhevansoora (2018) written and directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu.[20] The film marks Shafeeu's thirtieth direction and features an ensemble cast of twenty-one actors.[21] Revolving around a murder investigating, Azim played a character with dissociative identity disorder and the accused murderer.[22] The film received positive reviews from critics and was considered a "norm-breaker" of the Maldivian cinema.[21] Ahmed Hameed Adam reviewing from VNews considered Azim's performance as the "one of the best performances of the film"; "Seen as Shafeeu's imaginary self in his youth, each and every scene of Azim shine with his cinematic brilliance".[21] Ismail Nail Rasheed from Raajje.mv wrote:

"Azim's intense role as a mentally retarded man is the best performance Maldivian cinema has ever witnessed. He has dominated each scene that he was featured on irrespective of the experience as compared to other actors".

[23] He then starred in the first Maldivian web-series, a romantic drama by Fathimath Nahula, Huvaa.[24] The series consisting of sixty episodes and streamed through the digital platform Baiskoafu, centers around a happy and radiant family which breaks into despairing pieces after a tragic incident that led to an unaccountable loss.[25][26] The series and his performance as the youngest sibling seeking vengeance for his deceased brother were positively received.[27][28]

2019 was a successful year for Azim where he had multiple film releases. He first starred in

Naughty 40, which was well received both critically and commercially.[29] Later during the year, the first Maldivian anthology film was released which featured him a victim of verbal and sexual abuse in the segment directed by Abdul Faththaah, titled Dharifiri .[30] The project was shot in 2013 and digitally released six years later due to several delays in post-production.[31] Their next collaboration, Nafrathuvumun (2019) played alongside Shafeeu, Mariyam Azza and Ahmed Easa revolves around a guesthouse, the only source of income for a woman who is convinced by several men to sell the property.[32] Mariyam Waheedha from Miadhu picked his performance as the best from the cast.[33] This was followed by another direction from Shafeeu, the romantic horror film Dhauvath (2019), which follows a happily married couple who goes on a honeymoon trip and the paranormal activities they experience due to black-magic.[34] Mariyam Waheedha from Miadhu considers his performance to be the "usual good" though it lacks the "seriousness" which his character Razeen shall possess.[33]

In 2022, Azim collaborated with Ahmed Nimal for three releases; the first is a family drama web series Lafuzu, starring opposite Mariyam Shifa, where he played the role of a one-sided lover.[35] The team reunited for a mini web series titled Balgish, which narrates the life of an unfortunate child and the misfortunes which surround her.[36] Apart from starring in a small role in Ali Seezan's web series Dhoadhi, he worked alongside an ensemble cast in the suspense thriller film Hehes (2022) by playing the role of an aspiring politician, which received mainly positive reviews from critics.[37][38] His last release of the year was Aminath Rinaza and Ali Rasheed's web series Yasna, which narrates the story of two past lovers whose reunion is challenged by other commitments.[39] The series received mixed to positive reviews, where the critics found the screenplay to be slow and dragging while the actors tried to give their best in an otherwise over the top melodrama.[40]

In 2023, Azim played the role of a violent gang member in Ali Seezan's erotic thriller Loabi Vevijje, which follows a married man who becomes infatuated with a woman after a one-night stand.[41] The film which was announced in 2019, but halted due to COVID-19 pandemic, opened to generally positive reviews from critics, where as his performance received mixed exceptionally good reviews from critics.[42] Calling Azim's performance as her personal favorite performance from the film, Aminath Luba reviewing from The Press wrote: "Despite the minimal dialogues, Azim portrayed the character to its perfection; one which only him could justify".[43] Similarly, Ahmed Nadheem from Dhauru applauded Azim for compensating "the bad acting from the rest of cast" with his brilliant portrayal of the character.[44]

Personal life

On 6 October 2019, Azim married Hawwa Jeena and they welcomes their first child on 5 December 2021.[45]

Filmography

Feature films

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2013 Dhilakani Shamin's friend Special appearance [4]
2014 Aadheys Fahud Nominated—Gaumee Film Award for Best Male Debut [7][8]
2015 Randhari Shahid [9]
2015 Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen Shamin [12]
2017
Malikaa
Hassan [14]
2017 Naughty 40 Hassan [16]
2017 Hahdhu Hamza Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actor [18][46]
2017 Bos Abo [47]
2018 Dhevansoora Hassan Shiyam Nominated—Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actor [21][48]
2019 40+ Nadheem [29]
2019 Nafrathuvumun Shamin [32]
2019 Dhauvath Razeen [33]
2019 Leena Huzam [49]
2021 Maryam Ihsaan [50]
2022 Hehes Mubeen [38]
2023 Loabi Vevijje Haseeb [44]
2023 Jokaru Joharu [51]
TBA Balhindhu [52]

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2012 Case 34 Shafeeq Teledrama
2012 Kaiveni Nawal Main role; 5 episodes [24]
2016 Bithufangi 2
2018 Lam Faisal Main role; 4 episodes [53]
2018–2020 Huvaa Ganim Main role [24]
2019 Gellunu Furaana Munthasir Main role; 4 episodes [54]
2019–2021 Karu Hakuru Zack Main role [55]
2019 Yes Sir Various characters Recurring role [56]
2019 Hatharu Halha Ali In the segment Dharifiri [30]
2020 Hanaa Yanaal Main role; 13 episodes [57]
2020 Ehenas Himself Guest role; Episode: "Reality Check" [58]
2020–2021 Huvaa Kohfa Bunan Maaish Main role [59]
2021 Avahteriya Ibrahim Solih Main role; 9 episodes [60]
2021 Giridha Ayaaz Main role; 15 episodes [61]
2022–2023 Lafuzu Akif Main role; 32 episodes [35]
2022 Dhoadhi Fazil Recurring role; 5 episodes [37]
2022 Balgish Arham Main role; 5 episodes [36]
2022 Yasna Fauzaan Main role; 15 episodes [39]
2023 Hayyaru Reehan Main role; 15 episodes [62]
2023 Yaaraa Riyaasha's date Guest role; "Episode 5" [63]

Short film

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2010 Lollypop Mansoo Also the editor [1]

Discography

Year Album/Film Song Lyricist(s) Co-Artist(s)
2023 Loabi Vevijje "Loabi Vevijje" (Promo song) Mohamed Abdul Ghanee Abdullah Shafiu Ibrahim, Ali Seezan, Ahmed Nimal, Ahmed Easa, Mariyam Azza, Aminath Rishfa, Irufana Ibrahim

Accolades

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref(s)
2017 8th Gaumee Film Awards Best Male Debut Aadheys Nominated [8]
2019 9th Gaumee Film Awards Best Supporting Actor Hahdhu Won [46]
Dhevansoora Nominated [48]
Jury Special Prize - Outstanding Round Performance Hahdhu, Dhevansoora, Malikaa, Bos Won [46]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Rasheed, Ahmed (22 January 2018). "Ali Azim (Dhon Ayya): A promising actor". Muni Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 25 March 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  2. ^ Ahmed, Fazeena (10 January 2013). ""Dhilakani" to be released next month". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  3. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (10 January 2013). ""Dhilakani" is originated from "Sazaa"'s experience". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 13 June 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  4. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (19 June 2013). ""Dhilakani" Review". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 October 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  5. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (8 September 2011). "Filming for "Aadheys" completed". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  6. ^ Faisal, Ibrahim (24 April 2013). "Release of Aadheys postponed". Addu Live (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  7. ^ a b c Nail, Ismail (10 October 2014). "Aadheys: A mixed bag". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  8. ^ a b c Adhushan, Ahmed (12 December 2017). "8th Gaumee Film Awards: Dark Rain leads nomination". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  9. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (20 February 2015). "With over advertising, "Randhari" has been exposed" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 2016-06-13. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  10. ^ Naail, Ismail (25 May 2015). ""Aniyaa" and "Ran Dhari" released" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 2016-06-09. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  11. ^ Naail, Ismail (7 April 2015). ""Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen": A big success with repeat audience" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  12. ^ a b Naail, Ismail (5 April 2015). "Pre-premiere Review: "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen" A new benchmark to romantic films" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  13. ^ Naail, Ismail (10 April 2015). "Unlimited compliments for "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen"" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  14. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (13 January 2017). "Malika Releasing on March 2". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  15. ^ a b c Adhushan, Ahmed (31 December 2017). "2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  16. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (13 February 2017). ""Naughty 40" featuring notable celebrities launched". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  17. ^ Maaha, Aishath (6 August 2017). ""Naughty 40": A mixture of all tastes". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  18. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (9 February 2017). "Haddhu will break records: Fatthah". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  19. ^ Maaha, Aishath (8 September 2017). "Review" Praising 'Hahdhu" in a limit". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  20. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (21 October 2017). ""Dhevansoora": A suspense thriller by Eupe". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  21. ^ a b c d Adam, Ahmed Hameed (8 February 2018). "Dhevansoora: Re-writing History of Maldivian Cinema". VNews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  22. ^ Fareeha, Aishath (4 November 2017). "Dhevansoora is a must watch". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  23. ^ Rasheed, Ismail Naail (11 February 2018). "Dhevansoora: an Olympus unfriendly film, but a must watch". Raajje.mv (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  24. ^ a b c Adhushan, Ahmed (27 February 2018). "Huvaa: Nahula starts her web-series". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  25. ^ Musthafa, Mohamed (18 October 2018). ""Huvaa" is a hard work, it will be nice!". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  26. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (7 October 2018). ""Huvaa" can be viewed through Baiskoafu application". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  27. ^ Musthafa, Mohamed (28 November 2018). "Nahula's "Huvaa" to be released for streaming tomorrow". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  28. ^ Musthafa, Mohamed (30 November 2018). "First episode of "Huvaa" was a success". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  29. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (3 January 2019). "40+ to be released on February 27". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
  30. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (29 September 2020). "After a six years' gap, Hatharu Halha to release in Baiskoafu". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  31. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (4 March 2016). "Ravee on Hot seat in Hatharu Halha project". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  32. ^ a b Rasheed, Ahmed (4 April 2019). "Trailer of Nafrathuvumun released". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 April 2019. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  33. ^ a b c Waheedha, Mariyam (15 June 2019). "Review: With sudden shocks, Dhauvath pierced directly into hearts". Miadhu Daily (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 June 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  34. ^ Milna, Mariyam (1 March 2019). "First Look of Dhauvath released". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  35. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (26 February 2022). "Muhamma's "Lafuzu" premiered". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  36. ^ a b Rasheed, Ahmed (14 March 2022). "Dhekedhekeves working on two projects; "Balgish" and "Siyaasee Manjoalhi"". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  37. ^ a b Musthafa, Mohamed (4 November 2021). "Shooting begins for Seezan's "Dhoadhi"". CNM (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  38. ^ a b Adam, Ahmed Hameed (2 May 2022). "Hehes: Eid gift to the audience". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  39. ^ a b Rasheed, Ahmed (16 September 2022). "Excitement grown with each episode of "Yasna"". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  40. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (23 August 2022). "Second episode of "Yasna" available for streaming". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  41. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (10 April 2020). "End of filming for Loabi Vevijje". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  42. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (30 May 2022). "Rishmy is in love". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  43. ^ Luba, Aminath (9 May 2023). ""Loabi Vevijje": A film which will make you fall in love". The Press. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  44. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (8 May 2023). "Seezan is not the reason: but in love". Dhauru. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  45. ^ Rasheedh, Ahmed (6 October 2019). "Actor Ali Azim got married". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  46. ^ a b c Sharaf, Aisha (16 November 2019). "Film Award: Vishak shines". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  47. ^ "Trapped in the "kisses" of Yunaan". Avas (in Divehi). 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  48. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (9 November 2019). "Nominations for 9th Dhivehi Film Awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  49. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (12 January 2019). "Maldives Film Industry Highlights - 12 Jan 2019". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  50. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (31 March 2020). "A wrap for "Mariyam"". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  51. ^ Luba, Aminath (7 September 2023). "Jokaru: A film which will make you cry out of laughter". The Press. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  52. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (25 September 2019). "Filming all set for Balhindhu". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  53. ^ Abdulla, Azlifa (20 June 2018). "Lam: A successful series". Raajjemv (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  54. ^ Milna, Mariyam (28 April 2019). "Have you watched "Gellunu Furaana"'s teaser?". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 July 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  55. ^ Maaha, Aishath (14 March 2019). "Lamha brings the require nuance to Karu Hakuru". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 13 August 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  56. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (11 August 2019). "Baiskoafu's new comedy series "Yes Sir" premiered". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  57. ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (6 March 2020). "Hanaa Review: a simple melodrama with an outdated setting". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  58. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (4 June 2020). "Ehenas Season 2: Premiere on 18". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  59. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (29 December 2020). "Huvaa Koffaa Bunan: An interesting and funny ride". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  60. ^ Adam, Ahmed Hameed (12 June 2021). "Eupe's "Avahteriya" streaming on Baiskoafu". Avas. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  61. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (29 August 2021). ""Giridha"'s trailer is laugh riot". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  62. ^ ""Hayyaru" Premiers on Videoclub". MediaNet. 16 February 2023. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  63. ^ Latheef, Alim Abdul (25 April 2023). "No space for criticizing; Yaaraa deserves a 100". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.