Ahmed Azmeel

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. The film garnered critical appreciation specially for its sound effect and was a commercial success. 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. Starring alongside Niuma Mohamed, Ahmed Asim, Aminath Rasheedha and Mariyam Shakeela, the series was listed as one of the most successful television series. 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. The film follows a temptress vampire who goes into a killing spree to quench her thirst.

2010–present: Film debut and into profession Azmeel officially made his film debut in Aishath Rishmy-directed Fanaa (2010) alongside Rishmy and Aminath Rasheedha. Based on a novel published by Waheed titled Balgish, he played the role of a gangster.

The following year, Azmeel appeared in Aishath Ali Manik's romantic horror film Kuhveriakee Kaakuhey? (2011) opposite Aishath Rishmy. 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. The film received negative reviews from critics pointing similarities between Bollywood comedy-drama film Ishq (1997) and Kundan Shah's family drama Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002).

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.

In 2016, Azmeel appeared in Hussain Munawwar's Neyngi Yaaru Vakivee alongside Aminath Rishfa. Critics gave the film negative reviews and considered Azmeel's performance as Kamal, to be "boring" while criticising the character development. Despite the negative reviews, the film did average business at the end of its run. His next release of the year was Ali Seezan-directed romantic film Vafaatheri Kehiveriya alongside Maleeha Waheed. The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics. Yoosuf Shafeeu-directed Baiveriyaa (2016), a comedy film featuring an ensemble cast was his second release of the year. 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. 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". The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.

In 2018, Azmeel appeared in Mariyam Moosa's directorial debut romantic film Thiya Loaibaa Dhurah. The entire film was shot in Sri Lanka. 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. In May 2018, it was premiered in Sri Lanka, and played two housefull shows at Mount Lavinia Cinema.

Azmeel's first release of 2019 was the Moomin Fuad-directed psychological horror thriller Nivairoalhi (2019) which marks Niuma Mohamed's last onscreen film. Revolving around a patient with depression, he played a small role in the film. 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".

Personal life In May 2007, Azmeel married one of his co-stars Aishath Rishmy; with whom he shared screen space in many songs. 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.

Controversy On 10 January 2024, Azmeel was arrested for a drug related offence.

Filmography Feature film

Short film Year Title Role Notes 2006 Kudafoolhuge Vasvaas Himself Special appearance 2007 Umurahvess Inthizaaru Kuraanan Rishwan Also the co-director and co-producer

Accolades Year Award Category Nominated work Result 2011 2nd SunFM Awards Most Entertaining Actor 2012 2nd Maldives Film Awards Best Male Debut Fanaa 2015 6th Gaumee Film Awards Best Actor Fanaa