Mohamed Faisal is a Maldivian film actor, editor and director.
Career
Faisal made his film debut with the romantic film Loaiybahtakaa (2009), written and directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu in which he stars as businessman from a wealthy family struggling to express his feelings. The romantic drama, co-starring Sheela Najeeb, Fathimath Fareela and Yoosuf Shafeeu, tells the story of unrequited love, and proved to be a commercial success. His performance in the film garnered him a nomination at 1st Maldives Film Awards ceremony. This was followed by Ali Shifau-directed family drama Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (2010) which showcases discrimination against the islanders, family revenge and fatherhood responsibilities. The film was believed to be a "huge improvement" over the recent Maldivian films and was declared to be a commercial success. Faisal's only release of 2012 was Abdul Faththaah's romantic film Love Story alongside Ali Seezan, Amira Ismail and Aishath Rishmy. Displeased with the screenplay and performance of the actors, Nadheem of Haveeru wrote: "None of the actors were given scope to build their characters and none was able to justify their character. With excessive emotional scenes, actors were exposed to over-acting and nothing more". The last release of 2010 featured Manik in the drama film Heyonuvaane (2010) which was directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu and starring opposite Shafeeu, Sheela Najeeb and Fathimath Fareela. The story revolves around a male who is a victim of domestic abuse. Even though the film mainly received negative reviews from critics, it emerged as the second highest grossing Maldivian release of the year.
In 2013, Faisal featured in Ali Shifau-directed horror film Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D which serves as a prequel to Fathis Handhuvaru (1997) starring Reeko Moosa Manik and Niuma Mohamed in lead roles. It was based on a story by Ibrahim Waheed, Jinaa: Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun (2009), which itself is a prequel to the story Fathishandhuvaru (1996) written by himself which was later adapted to a film by same name in 1997. The film was marketed as being the first 3D release for a Maldivian film and the first release derived from spin-off. Upon release the film received generally negative reviews from critics while his performance was considered to be "forgettable". Next, he collaborated with Hussain Munawwar for his second direction, the revenge thriller film Dhilakani (2013) alongside Ismail Rasheed, Mohamed Manik, Niuma Mohamed and Aminath Rishfa. The film deals with a man's tumultuous journey to seek vengeance and the demolition of family bond over a girl. 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. Little to no praise shall be regarded to Faisal who played a useless character with no impression".
In 2015, Faisal stepped into the seat of direction by co-directing Fathimath Nahula's 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. The series which stars Mariyam Azza, Aminath Rishfa and Ahmed Azmeel in lead roles, Faisal portrays the character Ashraf, a forthright businessman who marries an orphan. Also, he starred in Nahula and Aishath Rishmy's television drama series, Vakivumuge Kurin where he played the caring husband who struggles to deal with his seductive colleague.