Sudden stroke claims former film director Faththaah

Famed former film director Abdul Faththah, 54 suddenly passed away last night, having been claimed by a stroke, as sources told Mihaaru News.

He was being treated for the stroke before he passed.

Faththaah was a native of HA. Kelaa and lived his life there before suffering a stroke last night and being taken for emergency treatment at HA. Dhidhdhoo, where he had passed while being treated.

Before he passed, Faththaah was preparing to run for President of Kelaa Council in the upcoming Local Council Election on 4th April 2026. He had also received a PNC ticket.

In an earlier Facebook post, he stated that he was running for President of Kelaa Council with the intention of providing good governance.

Faththaah, one of the most decorated directors of Maldivian cinema, is an artist who has worked in the film industry for a number of years and made a variety of successful movies and drama series.

Faththaah was famous for directing very "different" romance movies, with his latest film being "Hahdhu" in 2017. He had since retired from the film industry and completely stepped away from filmmaking.

He moved to Kelaa in 2018 and began a restaurant business.

Faththaah has made films, dramas, music videos and advertisements during his time as a director. He has also written stories and scripts for films and dramas. He has also created television programs. The Vattafaalhi program, which showed island life in its purest form, was a highlight of his.

Faththaah's first movie he had directed was in 2000, named "Himeyn Dhuniye" starring Mariyam Nisha and Ali Khalid in leading roles.

Other films he had directed include Ranmuiy, Aan... Aharenves Loabivin, Vehey Vaarey Therein, 14 Vileyrey, Jinni, Hureemey Inthizaarugaa and Eynaa.

Faththaah's most successful film was Vehey Vaarey Therein in 2003, starring Yoosuf Shafeeu (Yooppe) and Jamsheedha Ahmed in leading roles. The movie won Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction and Best Makeup Awards at the fourth National Film Awards, with Faththaah having done the aforementioned.

Dramas beloved by many from Faththaah include Aisha, Reysham, Dopatta, Fahu Fiyavalhu, Maafukuraashey and Thiey Mi Hithuge Vindhakee.

The government awarded him a national award in 2004, acknowledging his work in the entertainment industry.