Shahad Nilambur is an Indian film director who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. He made his feature directorial debut with Prakashan Parakkatte (2022), followed by Anuragam (2023) and Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar (2026).
Early life and career Shahad grew up in Nilambur, Kerala. He developed an interest in filmmaking during his teenage years and began making short films while still in school. While studying in Plus One, he made his first short film, Motta. He later directed several short films under the banner Village Shades. His short film Oppana was selected as the best film at the 2020 Chetana Fest.
Shahad later moved to Kochi to pursue a career in the Malayalam film industry. In an interview with Malayala Manorama, he recalled his early struggles in the industry, including working in a hotel while pursuing opportunities in filmmaking. He subsequently worked in assistant and associate directing roles before moving into feature-film direction.
Assistant and associate director Before becoming a feature-film director, Shahad worked as an assistant and associate director on several Malayalam films. His credited work includes Adi Kapyare Kootamani (2015), Popcorn (2016), Crossroad (2017), Pretham Undu Sookshikkuka (2017), Love Action Drama (2019) and Uriyadi (2020).
He was credited as an assistant director on Adi Kapyare Kootamani, Popcorn and Crossroad, as an associate director on Pretham Undu Sookshikkuka and Love Action Drama, and as chief associate director on Uriyadi.
According to Malayala Manorama, Shahad's experience working in these roles helped him develop professional relationships within the Malayalam film industry before he moved into feature-film direction.
Filmography
As director YearFilmRole2022Prakashan ParakkatteDirector2023AnuragamDirector2026Pradhama Drishtiya KuttakkarDirector
Assistant and associate director YearFilmRole2015Adi Kapyare KootamaniAssistant director2016PopcornAssistant director / Second assistant director2017CrossroadAssistant director2017Pretham Undu SookshikkukaAssociate director2019Love Action DramaAssociate director2020UriyadiChief associate director
References