Aashiq Abu is a renowned Indian film director, producer, cinematographer, and actor who primarily works in Malayalam cinema. He is regarded as one of the leading filmmakers behind the New Generation movement that transformed Malayalam cinema during the early 2010s.
He is best known for directing critically acclaimed films such as Salt N’ Pepper, 22 Female Kottayam, Mayaanadhi, Virus, and Rifle Club. Apart from directing, Aashiq Abu is also known for producing successful Malayalam films through his production banners OPM Cinemas and OPM Dream Mill Cinemas.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aashiq Abu |
| Profession | Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Actor |
| Date of Birth | 12 April 1978 |
| Age | 48 Years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Edappally, Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Kochi, Kerala |
| Industry | Malayalam Cinema |
| Marital Status | Married |
Aashiq Abu was born in Edappally, Kochi, Kerala, to C. M. Abu and Jameela Abu.
He completed his schooling at SRV High School, Kochi, and later graduated with a BA degree from Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam.
During his college years, Aashiq Abu was actively involved in student politics and served in the Students’ Union for four consecutive years. This experience later influenced his socially aware filmmaking style.
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | C. M. Abu |
| Mother | Jameela Abu |
Aashiq Abu married Malayalam actress Rima Kallingal on 1 November 2013 in Kochi.
Before their wedding ceremony, the couple donated money for cancer patient welfare and hospital food support initiatives.
Before entering the film industry, Aashiq Abu worked in the advertising industry and directed commercials for multiple popular brands and companies.
He later worked as an assistant director under filmmaker Kamal for nearly five years. During this period, he also made a cameo appearance in the film Rappakal (2006).
Aashiq Abu made his directorial debut with Daddy Cool (2009) starring Mammootty.
Although the film received mixed reviews, its stylish visuals and modern filmmaking techniques attracted attention in Malayalam cinema.
The biggest breakthrough in Aashiq Abu’s career came with Salt N’ Pepper (2011), written by Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair.
The film became a massive commercial and critical success and is considered one of the landmark films of the Malayalam New Generation era.
The movie also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film.
After the success of Salt N’ Pepper, Aashiq Abu directed 22 Female Kottayam, starring Rima Kallingal and Fahadh Faasil.
The film became popular for:
The movie established Aashiq Abu as one of the most influential directors in modern Malayalam cinema.
| Year | Movie |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Daddy Cool |
| 2011 | Salt N’ Pepper |
| 2012 | 22 Female Kottayam |
| 2012 | Da Thadiya |
| 2013 | Idukki Gold |
| 2014 | Gangster |
| 2015 | Rani Padmini |
| 2017 | Mayaanadhi |
| 2019 | Virus |
| 2022 | Naaradan |
| 2023 | Neelavelicham |
| 2024 | Rifle Club |
Mayaanadhi (2017) is widely considered Aashiq Abu’s finest work. The romantic drama starring Tovino Thomas and Aishwarya Lekshmi received massive critical acclaim.
The film became famous for:
Today, Mayaanadhi is regarded as a cult classic in Malayalam cinema.
In Virus, Aashiq Abu recreated the real-life Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala through an intense medical thriller format.
The film was praised for:
It became one of the most important Malayalam films based on real events.
Aashiq Abu has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career.
Aashiq Abu launched his production company:
Under these banners, he has supported several acclaimed Malayalam films and young filmmakers.
Aashiq Abu has actively participated in relief and charity initiatives. He has been associated with community support activities during natural disasters in Kerala.
He is also known for openly supporting:
Aashiq Abu is an Indian filmmaker, producer, cinematographer, and actor working mainly in Malayalam cinema.
He is 48 years old as of 2026.
Aashiq Abu is married to actress Rima Kallingal.
Some of his most acclaimed films include Mayaanadhi, Virus, Salt N’ Pepper, and 22 Female Kottayam.
He is famous for being one of the leading filmmakers of the Malayalam New Generation movement.
Aashiq Abu has played a major role in redefining modern Malayalam cinema through his unique storytelling style, strong visuals, and socially conscious narratives.
From romantic dramas to intense thrillers, his films continue to influence audiences and filmmakers across India. With critically acclaimed movies and successful production ventures, Aashiq Abu remains one of the most respected filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema.
