In a revealing interview that has taken the internet by storm, Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director Alejandro González Iñárritu, a move that surprised both Indian and international cinema enthusiasts. For many actors, an opportunity to work with the visionary behind The Revenant and Birdman would be the career-defining moment they had always dreamed of. But for Fahadh, the decision wasn’t about fame or recognition — it was about passion, conviction, and authenticity.
This incident has now become yet another story in the fascinating career of one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated actors. To understand the weight of this decision, one must look at Fahadh’s journey, his filmography, and his philosophy as an artist.
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Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director Alejandro Iñárritu – The Offer That Never Happened
The news came to light when Fahadh candidly shared that he had been approached for a role in an upcoming Alejandro Iñárritu project. The Oscar-winning director, however, expressed concerns about Fahadh’s accent and requested that the actor undergo three to four months of unpaid training in the United States.
While many would have jumped at the chance, Fahadh simply said no. His reasoning was straightforward:
“They weren’t ready to pay for that. That’s why I skipped it. I didn’t feel the fire.”
In other words, if the role itself didn’t excite him enough to go through that process, then the prestige alone wasn’t worth it. And that’s why headlines now read: Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director.
Fahadh Faasil’s Career: Built on Instinct and Integrity
To fully appreciate this decision, we must look at Fahadh’s filmography. Unlike many who chase stardom, Fahadh has always chosen roles that excite him creatively, whether they are small, offbeat films or larger-than-life characters.
- In Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016), he played an ordinary photographer caught up in a cycle of revenge. The film became a cult classic and showcased how Fahadh could turn the most grounded stories into cinematic magic.
- With Joji (2021), inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Fahadh delivered one of his career-best performances as a morally corrupt man consumed by greed. The film, shot during the pandemic, premiered on streaming platforms and earned international acclaim.
- In Kumbalangi Nights (2019), his portrayal of Shammi, the patriarchal and insecure “perfect” man, was both chilling and iconic. It cemented his ability to embody complex antagonists without caricature.
- In Malik (2021), Fahadh transformed into the role of a political leader spanning decades, once again proving his mastery over immersive performances.
- More recently, his electrifying turn in Aavesham (2024) as the eccentric gangster Ranga brought audiences back to theatres in droves, reminding fans why he is regarded as one of the finest actors in India.
When one looks at this body of work, it’s clear that Fahadh’s choices are never driven by glamour but by the depth of the role. This explains why, when Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director, it wasn’t arrogance — it was consistency with the way he has always approached cinema.
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The Hollywood Temptation vs. Malayalam Loyalty
Malayalam cinema has always been Fahadh’s safe haven. Unlike many Indian stars who shift focus to Bollywood or Hollywood after a point, Fahadh has maintained that his creative spark comes from working in Kerala’s deeply rooted, content-driven industry.
He openly stated: “All the magic in my life has happened here, in Malayalam. Even in the future, if any change happens, I want it to come from Malayalam.”
This philosophy is visible in his career trajectory. While Fahadh did make a mark in Telugu cinema with his role as the sharp villain Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat in Pushpa: The Rise (2021) alongside Allu Arjun, he quickly returned to Malayalam films that offered more layered storytelling.
His choices show that while the lure of global cinema is tempting, Fahadh values artistic satisfaction above international exposure. And this is why the headline — Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director Alejandro Iñárritu — carries such weight. It reflects a rare confidence in one’s roots.
What Could Have Been: A Missed Hollywood Collaboration
Though Fahadh did not specify which film he was approached for, speculation points to Iñárritu’s upcoming untitled project starring Tom Cruise, scheduled for release in 2026. Industry buzz suggests it revolves around themes of power and control, and Fahadh may have been considered for a significant role.
If that were the case, this would have been his chance to act alongside Hollywood royalty. Yet, Fahadh’s refusal highlights his belief that the project must inspire him creatively — otherwise, the scale or co-stars don’t matter.
This echoes his approach back home too. For instance, even in Malayalam, Fahadh has sometimes taken on films like Amen (2013) and North 24 Kaatham (2013), which were experimental and niche, instead of running after mainstream success.
Fans React: Respect Over Regret
The story of how Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director has sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans expressed disappointment that they wouldn’t get to see him in a Hollywood production, many applauded his courage to say no.
Social media has been buzzing with comments like, “Only Fahadh could do this. He doesn’t need Hollywood; Hollywood needs him.”
Film critics, too, have weighed in, noting that this decision perfectly aligns with Fahadh’s identity as an actor driven by scripts rather than stardom.
The Larger Picture: Indian Actors in Hollywood
Fahadh’s story also opens up a bigger conversation about how Indian actors are often treated in Hollywood. Many are offered stereotypical roles, or are expected to adapt without much support. In this case, the fact that Fahadh was asked to self-finance his accent training in the U.S. highlights the imbalances that still exist.
By refusing, Fahadh sent out a subtle message: that Indian actors need not bend over backwards to prove themselves internationally. Instead, they should be valued for their craft.
This is a stark contrast to other Indian stars who have made it big in Hollywood, such as Priyanka Chopra with Quantico or Irrfan Khan with films like Life of Pi and Jurassic World. While they embraced Hollywood opportunities, Fahadh’s story proves there’s no single path to success.
The Road Ahead
Fahadh isn’t slowing down anytime soon. His upcoming film, Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira (OKCK), set to release this Onam, promises to be a quirky comedy. The buzz around the film proves that Fahadh doesn’t need a Hollywood stamp to remain relevant — his presence itself is enough to generate excitement in Indian cinema.
Final Thoughts
The fact that Fahadh Faasil said no to The Revenant director Alejandro Iñárritu isn’t a story of missed chances. It is, instead, a story of an actor who knows his worth, values his roots, and prioritizes passion over prestige.
At a time when global opportunities are considered the pinnacle of success, Fahadh’s choice is refreshing. It reminds us that cinema isn’t about chasing markets but about staying true to storytelling.
And if his track record is anything to go by — from Maheshinte Prathikaaram to Kumbalangi Nights, from Joji to Aavesham — Fahadh Faasil doesn’t need Hollywood validation. He already has something more powerful: the love and respect of audiences who see him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.