Aashiq Abu

Aashiq Abu began his directorial career with Daddy Cool (2009) and quickly became one of the central figures of the new-generation wave in Malayalam cinema. His films — among them Salt N' Pepper (2011), 22 Female Kottayam (2012), Mayaanadhi (2017), Virus (2019) and Rifle Club (2024) — are recognised for moving fluidly across genres while keeping a strong grounding in local culture and character.

In 2012 he founded OPM Cinemas, a production house that has since produced acclaimed films including the National Award-winning Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) and has mentored emerging directors, writers and technicians through its OPM Dream Mill Cinemas banner.

Beyond directing, Aashiq Abu works as a producer, cinematographer and occasional actor, and is an active voice on questions of industry reform and workplace accountability in Malayalam cinema.