Kamal

Kamaluddin Mohammed Majeed, mononymously known as Kamal, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer who predominantly works in the Malayalam cinema. He was the former Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. Kamal made his directorial debut with the 1986 film Mizhineerppoovukal. In a career spanning over three decades, Kamal has directed over forty films. His films have won various National Film Awards and Kerala State Film Awards, including for films such as Kakkothi Kaavile Appoppan Thaadikal (1988), Ulladakkam (1991), Mazhayethum Munpe (1995), Niram (1999), Madhuranombarakkattu (2000), Meghamalhar (2001), Nammal (2002), Perumazhakkalam (2004), Karutha Pakshikal (2006), and Celluloid (2013).

Kamal was born on 28 November 1957 in Kodungallur, as the eldest son of the late K.M. Abdul Majeed and late Suleikhabi. He has two younger brothers. He is married to his first cousin, Saburabi. They have two children, Jenuse Mohamed and Hanna Shanu. Jenuse made his debut as a film director in 2015 with the Malayalam film 100 Days of Love.

In April 2020, reports surfaced that an aspiring Mollywood actress had sent the director a legal notice on 26 April 2019, accusing him of sexually assaulting her after promising her a role in his film. Kamal said he suspected a former Chalachitra Academy employee to be behind the recent expose and termed the allegations baseless and intended to defame him.

He started his career by writing the film Thrasam, directed by Padiyan in 1981. He also worked as an associate director in the film.

His first film was Mizhineer Pookkal in 1986 and to date, he has directed more than 43 movies, among which are two non-Malayalam movies, one each in Tamil and Hindi. Apart from his role as a director, Kamal has held several administrative posts within the Malayalam film industry. He had previously acted as the general secretary of the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) and has been an executive member of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy. He is currently the President of the Kerala Director's Union (FEFKA).

His works include Unnikale Oru Katha Parayam, Kakkothikavile Appooppan Thadikal, Thoovalsparsham, Ghazal, Ulladakam, Ee Puzhayam Kadannu, Azhagiya Ravanan, Mazhayethum Munpe, Meghamalhar, Madhuranombarakaattu, Perumazhakkalam, Karutha Pakshikal, Khaddama and Celluloid. His interest in film-making led him to enroll at the Kalabharathi Film Institute in Thrissur.[citation needed ]

Celluloid (2013) is the biopic of J.C Daniel, the father of Malayalam cinema. Smitha at the entertainment site, oneindia.com, stated that the film is one of the best films made in recent times from Indian cinema.

Aami is a biopic of poet and author Kamala Surayya.

National Film Awards