Ahmed Azmeel is a Maldivian film actor, director and producer.
Career
1999–2009: Music videos
In 2004, Azmeel made a brief appearance in Yoosuf Shafeeu directed horror film Edhathuru (2004) which revolves around eight friends who go on a picnic to a haunted uninhabited island and their battle for survival.[1][2] The film garnered critical appreciation specially for its sound effect and was a commercial success.[3] He made his television debut as a caring friend in the Arifa Ibrahim-directed critically acclaimed television series, Vairoalhi Ahves Sirrun (2005) which revolves around two best-friends involved in extra-marital affairs and who fail to practice their duty as husband and wife.[4] Starring alongside Niuma Mohamed, Ahmed Asim, Aminath Rasheedha and Mariyam Shakeela, the series was listed as one of the most successful television series.[5] The following year, Azmeel again collaborated with the team of Vairoalhi Ahves Sirrun for Arifa Ibrahim's another romantic television drama series, Vaguthu Faaithu Nuvanees (2006) which consists of fifty episodes.[5] The series which follows the vengeance and retribution two best-friends go through when they both love the same person, features Azmeel in a recurring role as a strong-minded and caring friend.[5]
Azmeel officially made his film debut in Aishath Rishmy-directed Fanaa (2010) alongside Rishmy and Aminath Rasheedha.[8] Based on a novel published by Waheed titled Balgish, he played the role of a gangster.[8] Upon release, the film received mixed to negative reviews from critics; Ali Naafiz from Haveeru Daily classified the film as the "worst Maldivian film released so far" during the year, criticizing the performance of lead.[8] However, other critics found the performance of Azmeel to be "good for a starter".[8] His debut performance garnered him a nomination for Best Actor at the 6th Gaumee Film Awards while winning the Best Male Debut award at the Enchanteur Maldives Film Awards 2012.[9][10]
The following year, Azmeel appeared in Aishath Ali Manik's romantic horror film Kuhveriakee Kaakuhey? (2011) opposite Aishath Rishmy.[11] Inspired by the horror romantic thriller Bollywood film Darling (2007), pre-production of the film was started in 2007 and shot in Sri Lanka.[11] It revolves around a man who cheats on his wife with his secretary, and how his life slides to a haunting shift when he accidentally kills his mistress.[11] The film and his performance received negative reviews from critics.[11] "Azmeel does not seem to be in his form this time; He is weak in delivering sequences with different emotions. He tries hard in the emotional grief scenes, but fails to impress the audience".[11] The film did little business at boxoffice and was declared a flop.[11] His next release was a family drama Hiyy Yaara Dheefa (2011), written and directed by him, starred alongside Aishath Rishmy, Niuma Mohamed, Ali Seezan and Aminath Rasheedha.[12] The film received negative reviews from critics pointing similarities between Bollywoodcomedy-drama filmIshq (1997) and Kundan Shah's family drama Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002).[13] The film revolves around four young people from different social classes fall in love with partners who do not meet with their parents' approval.[13] The film did not succeed financially, and his work as a writer, actor and director was disapproved by critics.[13]
In 2015, Azmeel collaborated with Fathimath Nahula for two television drama series. In the first release, a 15-episodes romantic series Vakivumuge Kurin, Azmeel portrayed a betrayal husband having an extra-marital affair.[14] This was followed by her 13 episodes television drama series, Umurah Salaan (2015) which centers on a squabble family which is separated due to the greed for money and misunderstandings.[14] The series which stars Mohamed Faisal, Aminath Rishfa, Azmeel and Mariyam Azza in lead roles, he portrays the character Fayaz, a carefree young man and a womanizer.[14]
In 2016, Azmeel appeared in Hussain Munawwar's Neyngi Yaaru Vakivee alongside Aminath Rishfa.[15] Critics gave the film negative reviews and considered Azmeel's performance as Kamal, to be "boring" while criticising the character development.[16] Despite the negative reviews, the film did average business at the end of its run.[17] His next release of the year was Ali Seezan-directed romantic film Vafaatheri Kehiveriya alongside Maleeha Waheed.[18] The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics.[19]Yoosuf Shafeeu-directed Baiveriyaa (2016), a comedy film featuring an ensemble cast was his second release of the year.[20] The film revolves around an aspiring actress who flees from her family to pursue a career in the industry and the suspicions and confusions that arise.[21] Upon release the film was positively received by critics. Nazim Hassan of Avas applauded the comic timing of the characters and mentioned that Azmeel showed "improvements from his earlier work".[22] The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.[23]
In 2018, Azmeel appeared in Mariyam Moosa's directorial debut romantic film Thiya Loaibaa Dhurah.[24] The entire film was shot in Sri Lanka.[25] It was moderately received by critics; Aminath Lubaa reviewing from Sun praised the music and story of the film though she opined the performance from the actors including Azmeel, could have been better.[26] In May 2018, it was premiered in Sri Lanka, and played two housefull shows at Mount Lavinia Cinema.[27]
Azmeel's first release of 2019 was the Moomin Fuad-directed psychological horror thriller Nivairoalhi (2019) which marks Niuma Mohamed's last onscreen film.[28] Revolving around a patient with depression, he played a small role in the film.[29]
Starring opposite Mohamed, Yoosuf Shafeeu and Ahmed Asim, the film received majorly positive reviews from critics; Aishath Maaha of Dho? favored the performance of the lead actors and mentioned the "neat arrangement" of its screenplay though pointed out its "weak ending" to be unsatisfactory while his performance was noted to be a "one-scene impression".[30]
Personal life
In May 2007, Azmeel married one of his co-stars Aishath Rishmy; with whom he shared screen space in many songs.[31] In December 2008 he welcomed his son Ismail Aziel Azumeel. In 2013 Azmeel divorced Rishmy.
Media image
In 2011, Azmeel was voted in the top three as the "Most Entertaining Actor" in the SunFM Awards 2010, an award night ceremony initiated by Sun Media Group to honour the most recognized personalities in different fields, during the previous year.[32]
Controversy
On 10 January 2024, Azmeel was arrested for a drug related offence.[33] However, since he has no prior records of criminal activity and is not deemed to be a danger to society, the Criminal court decided to release him under conditions.[33]
^Adhushan, Ahmed (26 May 2016). "The fall and rise of Sajna". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
^Adhushan, Ahmed (17 April 2017). "Mahdi pleased with his work". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
