Faisal Hashmi

Faisal Hashmi is an Indian film director and screenwriter best known for pushing the boundaries of Gujarati cinema through innovative storytelling and cutting-edge technology. He made a remarkable debut with Vitamin She, a romantic comedy that turned into a box-office sensation, running housefull for six straight weeks and becoming one of the biggest hits of 2017. Following this, Faisal broke new ground with Short Circuit, Gujarat's first-ever science fiction feature film. The movie not only introduced a new genre to the regional industry but also raised the bar technically, employing a top-tier crew from Bollywood and South India. Short Circuit was both a critical and commercial success, enjoying a successful four-week theatrical run and earning praise for its direction, story, visual effects, and performances. Faisal's third outing, the horror-comedy Faati Ne?, became a runaway hit, running in theaters for over 23 weeks (150+ Days). The film created history as the first Gujarati movie to feature Dolby Atmos sound and to utilize motion capture technology — a bold leap in regional filmmaking.

Faisal is making his Bollywood debut with a high-concept sci-fi thriller titled "Cancer" starring Aahana Kumra and Sharib Hashmi.

Early life and education Born on August 1, 1985, in Palanpur, Faisal grew up in a modest household — his father a teacher and his mother a homemaker. His passion for cinema was ignited the moment he watched Jurassic Park, and from that point on, he knew he wanted to be a filmmaker. Deeply inspired by Steven Spielberg, Faisal also found creative influence in comic books, especially Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, and other desi superhero stories, which sparked his love for fantastical worlds and imaginative storytelling.

A comic book nerd, Faisal owns a personal collection of over 6,000 comics. He also has a keen interest in astronomy and science, often sharing his enthusiasm for the universe and new scientific discoveries on his social media. Despite graduating in mechanical engineering, he chose not to pursue a stable engineering career, instead following his heart into the world of filmmaking.

Career Faisal's debut film Vitamin She not only marked his entry into the industry but also earned him critical acclaim and widespread recognition. The film was a commercial blockbuster and won him accolades across the industry. He followed it up with Short Circuit, Gujarat's pioneering science fiction film. The film stood out for its ambitious vision, use of high-end technology, and fresh genre, earning 11 nominations at the Gujarati Iconic Film Awards (GIFA), including Best Director, Best Story, Best Screenplay, and Best Dialogues. It also received multiple nominations at the International Gujarati Film Festival (IGFF), winning Best Editor. Faati Ne?, his third film, reaffirmed his flair for innovation and audience engagement, setting new standards with its technical prowess and mass appeal.

In November 2022, Faisal announced his Bollywood debut titled "Cancer" - a high-concept sci-fi thriller starring Aahana Kumra and Sharib Hashmi. His second film Short Circuit got 11 nominations in GIFA including Best Director, Best story, best screenplay, and best dialogues for Faisal Hashmi. Short Circuit was also nominated at IGFF (International Gujarati Film Festival) for several nominations and won Best editor.

Filmography + Year Title Director Writer Notes 2017 Vitamin She 2019 Short Circuit First Gujarati science fiction film based on "Time Loop" 2025 Faati Ne? First Gujarati film to feature Motion Capture technology and Dolby Atmos sound design. Ran in theaters for over 150 days. 2026 Chikaso 2026 Jyan Jyan Vase Gujarati 2026 Ae Aayu First Gujarati Creature Comedy. First Gujarati movie filmed for IMAX.