With only a handful of lead roles, Nazriya Nazim has built one of the most devoted fan bases in South Indian cinema. Her mix of playful charm, natural acting and impeccable comic timing made her an instant favourite in 2013–14, and her selective comeback since 2018 has only increased her appeal. This guide covers the best Nazriya Nazim movies, her career journey and her growing role as a producer.
Quick Profile
- Born: 20 December 1994, Thiruvananthapuram
- Child artist debut: Palunku (2006)
- Lead debut: Maad Dad (2013)
- Key awards: Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress (for Ohm Shanthi Oshaana and Bangalore Days), Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South (Neram)
- Spouse: actor Fahadh Faasil
Table of Contents
Early Life and Child Roles
Born in Thiruvananthapuram and raised partly in the UAE, Nazriya started as a child artist, appearing alongside Mammootty in Blessy’s Palunku (2006) and in a few other films. She also became familiar to Malayali audiences as a young television anchor before moving into lead roles.
The 2013–14 Breakthrough
Few actors have had a launch as explosive as Nazriya’s. In 2013 she appeared in Maad Dad, then in Alphonse Puthren’s bilingual Neram (Malayalam–Tamil) opposite Nivin Pauly, which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. The same year she starred in the Tamil hit Raja Rani, directed by Atlee, as the bubbly Keerthana.
2014 made her a superstar. Jude Anthany Joseph’s Ohm Shanthi Oshaana told a love story from the girl’s point of view, with Nazriya’s fearless Pooja at its heart. Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days, where she played Divya, became one of the biggest hits of the decade. She won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for both films.
Best Nazriya Nazim Movies
| Film | Year | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palunku | 2006 | Malayalam | Child artist |
| Neram | 2013 | Malayalam/Tamil | Jeena |
| Raja Rani | 2013 | Tamil | Keerthana |
| Ohm Shanthi Oshaana | 2014 | Malayalam | Pooja Mathew |
| Bangalore Days | 2014 | Malayalam | Divya |
| Vaayai Moodi Pesavum | 2014 | Tamil/Malayalam | Anjana |
| Koode | 2018 | Malayalam | Jenny |
| Trance | 2020 | Malayalam | Esther Lopez |
| Ante Sundaraniki | 2022 | Telugu | Leela Thomas |
| Sookshmadarshini | 2024 | Malayalam | Priyadarshini |
The Comeback: Choosing Roles Carefully
After marrying Fahadh Faasil in 2014, Nazriya stepped away from acting for four years. She returned in Anjali Menon’s Koode (2018) as Jenny, a free-spirited young woman whose presence transforms her brother’s life — a role that showed a more mature, emotional side.
In Anwar Rasheed’s Trance (2020), she played a complex, troubled character opposite Fahadh, and critics noted her growth as a performer. She made her Telugu debut in Vivek Athreya’s Ante Sundaraniki (2022) with Nani, playing a photographer in an inter-faith romance.
Her biggest recent success was M.C. Jithin’s Sookshmadarshini (2024), a neighbourhood mystery co-starring Basil Joseph. As Priyadarshini, a curious homemaker who suspects her new neighbour, she carried a film that slowly shifts from comedy to suspense — and it became a major box office hit. Read about it in our list of the best Malayalam thriller movies.
Nazriya the Producer
Nazriya is also a successful producer. She co-produced Varathan (2018) and is associated with Fahadh Faasil and Friends, the banner behind Kumbalangi Nights. Most notably, she produced Aavesham (2024) with Anwar Rasheed — one of the biggest Malayalam hits of that year. Read our Aavesham review and our Fahadh Faasil movies guide.
Memorable Songs From Nazriya’s Films
Part of the nostalgia around her early career comes from music. Neram‘s “Pistah” became a viral hit long before viral songs were common, and the soundtrack of Bangalore Days — including “Ethu Kari Raavilum” and “Thudakkam Maangalyam” — remains a staple at Kerala weddings and college events. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana also featured several popular songs, and Nazriya herself sang “Ente Kannil Ninakkai” in Bangalore Days, adding to her charm with fans.
These songs are a big reason why Nazriya Nazim movies are rewatched so often: they capture a particular, joyful moment in Malayalam pop culture.
Why Audiences Love Nazriya
Nazriya’s appeal lies in her authenticity. Her characters feel like real young women — impulsive, funny, stubborn and kind — rather than idealised heroines. She rarely gives interviews or chases publicity, which only adds to the excitement whenever a new film is announced. Because she chooses so few projects, each new entry among Nazriya Nazim movies is treated as an event by fans.
Upcoming projects
Nazriya has been reported to be part of new projects in Tamil and Malayalam, including a film with Suriya. Release details are yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on our upcoming Malayalam movies page.
A quick viewing guide
New to her work? Start with Ohm Shanthi Oshaana for pure fun, move to Bangalore Days for the full ensemble magic, then watch Koode and Sookshmadarshini to see how much she has grown as an actor. Together, these four films capture her journey from bubbly newcomer to confident lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nazriya Nazim’s best movie?
Bangalore Days and Ohm Shanthi Oshaana are her most loved films, while Sookshmadarshini is her biggest recent hit.
Who is Nazriya Nazim’s husband?
She is married to actor Fahadh Faasil. They acted together in Bangalore Days and Trance.
Did Nazriya produce Aavesham?
Yes, Nazriya Nazim produced Aavesham along with Anwar Rasheed.
Has Nazriya acted in Telugu films?
Yes, she made her Telugu debut with Ante Sundaraniki (2022), opposite Nani.
Did Nazriya Nazim sing in any film?
Yes. She sang “Ente Kannil Ninakkai” in Bangalore Days, which became a fan favourite.
How old was Nazriya when she became a lead actress?
She played her first lead roles in 2013, when she was around 18 years old.
Where can I find more Malayalam cinema coverage?
Cinemas Diary publishes daily news, reviews, OTT guides, celebrity profiles and trailer breakdowns. Browse our Malayalam Cinema, Movie Reviews and OTT Releases sections for more articles like this one.
Conclusion
Nazriya Nazim movies may be few in number, but almost every one has become a fan favourite. Whether you start with the joy of Ohm Shanthi Oshaana or the suspense of Sookshmadarshini, you will see why she remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved stars. For more, visit Wikipedia.
