Ali Azim

Azim expressed his interest in acting at a very young age. Before he pursued a career in acting Azim worked as a dancer and stage performer. He was first recognized by the audience for his facial expressions while dancing. While working in the Animation Dance Group, the team made a short children's film Lollypop with "no serious intention but for entertainment". The film which features Azim in a "forgettable" role did not much help to accelerate his career.{{cite news |url=https://www.muniavas.com/3933 |title=Ali Azim (Dhon Ayya): A promising actor |language=Divehi |work=Muni Avas |last=Rasheed |first=Ahmed |date=22 January 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190325161355/https://www.muniavas.com/3933 |url-status=dead |archivedate=25 March 2019 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |df=dmy-all }} This was followed by Abdul Faththaah's 5 episodes drama series Kaiveni, starred opposite Mariyam Zuhura. In 2013, Azim starred in a small role as a gang member in Hussain Munawwar's second direction, revenge thriller film Dhilakani (2013) along with Ismail Rasheed, Niuma Mohamed, Mohamed Manik, Mohamed Faisal and Aminath Rishfa.{{cite news|url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/137436 |title="Dhilakani" to be released next month |language=Divehi |work=Haveeru |last=Ahmed |first=Fazeena |date=10 January 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515172139/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/137436 |url-status=dead |archivedate=15 May 2013 |accessdate=27 October 2018}} The film deals with a man's tumultuous journey to seek vengeance and the demolition of family bond over a girl.{{cite news |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv:80/dhivehi/entertainment/132620 |title="Dhilakani" is originated from "Sazaa"'s experience |language=Divehi |work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=10 January 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613131401/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/132620 |url-status=dead |archivedate=13 June 2013 |accessdate=27 October 2018 |df=dmy-all }} The film attracted negative reception from critics while Nadheem wrote: "Embraced with futile characters, impractical scenes and out-dated music, the film has problems in each department".{{cite news|url=http://haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/film_review/139893 |title="Dhilakani" Review |language=Divehi|work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=19 June 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003125755/https://archive.mv/dv/articles/a9lJ5 |url-status=dead |archivedate=3 October 2018 |accessdate=3 October 2018 |df=dmy-all}}

Azim made his official film debut in Abdul Faththaah's romantic drama Aadheys starring Niuma Mohamed, Hussain Sobah, Amira Ismail, Moosa Zakariyya and Fathimath Azifa in pivotal roles.{{cite news|url=http://haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/109791 |title=Filming for "Aadheys" completed |language=Divehi |work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=8 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704165450/http://haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/109791 |url-status=dead |archivedate=4 July 2012 |accessdate=3 November 2018}} Filming was completed in 2011, though it was released three years following the death of film producer Hassain Ali.{{cite news|url=https://www.addulive.com/10638 |title=Release of Aadheys postponed |language=Divehi |work=Addu Live |last=Faisal |first=Ibrahim |date=24 April 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103072806/https://www.addulive.com/10638 |url-status=live |archivedate=3 November 2018 |accessdate=3 November 2018}} It revolves around a sacrificing mother and her affection towards her child. Azim played the role of Fahud, only son of a wealthy family whose marriage has been disputed by his parents. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics and failed to leave an impression commercially. Ismail Naail reviewing from Vaguthu wrote: "Azim as a newcomer shines in the established cast".{{cite news|url=https://vaguthu.mv/?p=177285 |title=Aadheys: A mixed bag |language=Divehi |work=Vaguthu |last=Nail |first=Ismail |date=10 October 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103074140/https://archive.mv/dv/articles/namOG |url-status=dead |archivedate=3 November 2018 |accessdate=3 November 2018}} At the 8th Gaumee Film Awards he received a nomination for Best Male Debut nomination for his role in the film.

Mohamed Aboobakuru-directed Randhari was Azim's first release of 2015.{{cite news |url=https://avas.mv/1951 |title=With over advertising, "Randhari" has been exposed |language=dv |publisher=Avas |author=Nadheem, Ahmed |date=20 February 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613083801/https://avas.mv/1951 |archivedate=2016-06-13 |accessdate=13 June 2016 |url-status=dead }} His portrayal of the character Shahid, along with the film, received negative reviews from critics and the film performed below average at the box office.{{cite news |url=http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/maldives-film-industry/276537/ |title="Aniyaa" and "Ran Dhari" released |language=dv |publisher=Vaguthu |author=Naail, Ismail |date=25 May 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609171910/http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/maldives-film-industry/276537/ |archivedate=2016-06-09 |accessdate=9 June 2016 |url-status=dead }} He was then seen in the Ali Shifau-directed romantic film Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen alongside Mohamed Jumayyil and Mariyam Majudha.{{cite news|url=http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/maldives-film-industry/254622/ |title="Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen": A big success with repeat audience |language=Divehi|publisher=Vaguthu |author=Naail, Ismail |date=7 April 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610083108/http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/maldives-film-industry/254622/ |archivedate=10 June 2016 |accessdate=10 June 2016}} In a pre-premiere review from Vaguthu, Ismail Nail noted Azim's "upgrade" in acting skills when compared to his previous works.{{cite news|url=http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/review/253783/ |title=Pre-premiere Review: "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen" A new benchmark to romantic films |language=Divehi|publisher=Vaguthu |author=Naail, Ismail |date=5 April 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610083407/http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/review/253783/ |archivedate=10 June 2016 |accessdate=10 June 2016}} The film was the highest grossing Maldivian film of the year, and was a commercial success.{{cite news|url=http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/maldives-film-industry/255964/ |title=Unlimited compliments for "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen" |language=Divehi|publisher=Vaguthu |author=Naail, Ismail |date=10 April 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610083616/http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/maldives-film-industry/255964/ |archivedate=10 June 2016 |accessdate=10 June 2016}}

Azim's first release of 2017 came in the Ali Musthafa-directed Malikaa which performed badly at the box office.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/11594 |title=Malika Releasing on March 2 |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=13 January 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326140615/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/11594|archivedate=26 March 2018 |accessdate=26 March 2018 }}{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/28542 |title=2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry? |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=31 December 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326162251/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/28542 |archivedate=26 March 2018 |accessdate=26 March 2018 }} He next featured alongside an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Saeed and Ali Seezan in the romantic comedy film Naughty 40 which was directed by Shafeeu.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/12917 |title="Naughty 40" featuring notable celebrities launched |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=13 February 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326152524/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/12917 |archivedate=26 March 2018 |accessdate=26 March 2018}} The film met with both critical and commercial success, emerging as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.{{cite news|url=https://avas.mv/36883 |title="Naughty 40": A mixture of all tastes |language=Divehi|work=Avas |last=Maaha |first=Aishath|date=6 August 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327033332/https://avas.mv/36883 |url-status=live |archivedate=27 March 2018 |accessdate=27 March 2018 |df=dmy-all}} He next appeared in Abdul Faththaah-directed film Hahdhu.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/12792 |title=Haddhu will break records: Fatthah |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=9 February 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326151354/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/12792 |archivedate=26 March 2018 |accessdate=26 March 2018}} Though the film met with mixed reviews, Azim was particularly praised for his portrayal of the character, Hamza, a religious saint. Aishath Maaha of Avas wrote: "Perceived as a negative character, his acting skill during the emotional scenes, definitely proved that he is a wonderful actor".{{cite news|url=https://avas.mv/38237 |title=Review" Praising 'Hahdhu" in a limit |language=Divehi|work=Avas |last=Maaha |first=Aishath|date=8 September 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327062618/https://avas.mv/38237 |url-status=live |archivedate=27 March 2018 |accessdate=27 March 2018 |df=dmy-all}} Azim regarded his performance in the film as a breakthrough performance in his career, which led him being offered several film projects afterwards. The film proved to be another successful venture for Azim, becoming the third highest-grossing film of the year.

2018 was a dull year for Maldivian film-industry with regards to 2018 Maldivian presidential election, hence only one film of Faisal was released during the year; a suspense thriller film Dhevansoora (2018) written and directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/25449 |title="Dhevansoora": A suspense thriller by Eupe |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=21 October 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328111609/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/25449|url-status=live |archivedate=28 March 2018 |accessdate=28 March 2018 |df=dmy-all}} The film marks Shafeeu's thirtieth direction and features an ensemble cast of twenty-one actors. Revolving around a murder investigating, Azim played a character with dissociative identity disorder and the accused murderer.{{cite news|url=https://sun.mv/96653 |title=Dhevansoora is a must watch |language=Divehi |work=Sun |last=Fareeha |first=Aishath |date=4 November 2017 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181120063343/https://sun.mv/96464 |url-status=live |archivedate=20 November 2018 |accessdate=20 November 2018 |df=dmy-all}} The film received positive reviews from critics and was considered a "norm-breaker" of the Maldivian cinema. Ahmed Hameed Adam reviewing from VNews considered Azim's performance as the "one of the best performances of the film"; "Seen as Shafeeu's imaginary self in his youth, each and every scene of Azim shine with his cinematic brilliance".{{cite news|url=http://vnews.mv/95298 |title=Dhevansoora: Re-writing History of Maldivian Cinema |language=Divehi |work=VNews |last=Adam |first=Ahmed Hameed |date=8 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190419092414/http://vnews.mv/95298 |url-status=live |archivedate=19 April 2019 |accessdate=19 April 2019 |df=dmy-all}} Ismail Nail Rasheed from Raajje.mv wrote: {{blockquote|"Azim's intense role as a mentally retarded man is the best performance Maldivian cinema has ever witnessed. He has dominated each scene that he was featured on irrespective of the experience as compared to other actors".}}{{cite news |url=https://raajje.mv/news/26789 |title=Dhevansoora: an Olympus unfriendly film, but a must watch |language=Divehi |work=Raajje.mv |last=Rasheed |first=Ismail Naail |date=11 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190419092614/https://raajje.mv/news/26789 |url-status=live |archivedate=19 April 2019 |accessdate=19 April 2019 |df=dmy-all }} He then starred in the first Maldivian web-series, a romantic drama by Fathimath Nahula, Huvaa.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/31773 |title=Huvaa: Nahula starts her web-series |work=Mihaaru |language=Divehi |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=27 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181130093034/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/31773 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |accessdate=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}} The series consisting of sixty episodes and streamed through the digital platform Baiskoafu, centers around a happy and radiant family which breaks into despairing pieces after a tragic incident that led to an unaccountable loss.{{cite news|url=http://sun.mv/110406 |title="Huvaa" is a hard work, it will be nice! |work=Sun |language=Divehi |last=Musthafa |first=Mohamed |date=18 October 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181130111442/http://sun.mv/110406 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |accessdate=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/43404 |title="Huvaa" can be viewed through Baiskoafu application |work=Mihaaru |language=Divehi |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=7 October 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181130104538/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/43404 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |accessdate=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}} The series and his performance as the youngest sibling seeking vengeance for his deceased brother were positively received.{{cite news|url=http://sun.mv/111524 |title=Nahula's "Huvaa" to be released for streaming tomorrow |work=Sun |language=Divehi |last=Musthafa |first=Mohamed |date=28 November 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181130112656/http://sun.mv/112249 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |accessdate=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://sun.mv/112336 |title=First episode of "Huvaa" was a success |work=Sun |language=Divehi |last=Musthafa |first=Mohamed |date=30 November 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181130113141/http://sun.mv/112336 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |accessdate=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}}

2019 was a successful year for Azim where he had multiple film releases. He first starred in Yoosuf Shafeeu's horror comedy film 40+ (2019), a sequel to 2017 released comedy film Naughty 40, which was well received both critically and commercially.{{cite news |url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/46017 |title=40+ to be released on February 27 |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=3 January 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190109121637/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/46017 |url-status=live |archivedate=9 January 2019 |accessdate=9 January 2019 |df=dmy-all }} Later during the year, the first Maldivian anthology film was released which featured him a victim of verbal and sexual abuse in the segment directed by Abdul Faththaah, titled Dharifiri .{{cite news |url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/62002 |title=After a six years' gap, Hatharu Halha to release in Baiskoafu |work=Mihaaru |language=Divehi |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=29 September 2020 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20200910180054/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/62002 |url-status=live |archivedate=10 September 2020 |accessdate=10 September 2020 |df=dmy-all }} The project was shot in 2013 and digitally released six years later due to several delays in post-production.{{cite news |url=https://avas.mv/14072 |title=Ravee on Hot seat in Hatharu Halha project |work=Avas |language=Divehi |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=4 March 2016 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20200911091728/https://avas.mv/14072 |url-status=live |archivedate=11 September 2020 |accessdate=10 September 2020 |df=dmy-all }} Their next collaboration, Nafrathuvumun (2019) played alongside Shafeeu, Mariyam Azza and Ahmed Easa revolves around a guesthouse, the only source of income for a woman who is convinced by several men to sell the property.{{cite news |url=https://www.muniavas.com/12893 |title=Trailer of Nafrathuvumun released |language=Divehi |work=MuniAvas |last=Rasheed |first=Ahmed |date=4 April 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190407081252/https://www.muniavas.com/12893 |url-status=live |archivedate=7 April 2019 |accessdate=7 April 2019 |df=dmy-all }} Mariyam Waheedha from Miadhu picked his performance as the best from the cast. This was followed by another direction from Shafeeu, the romantic horror film Dhauvath (2019), which follows a happily married couple who goes on a honeymoon trip and the paranormal activities they experience due to black-magic.{{cite news |url=http://www.muniavas.com/14257 |title=First Look of Dhauvath released |language=Divehi |work=MuniAvas |last=Milna |first=Mariyam |date=1 March 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190301113502/https://www.muniavas.com/11824 |url-status=live |archivedate=1 March 2019 |accessdate=1 March 2019 |df=dmy-all }} Mariyam Waheedha from Miadhu considers his performance to be the "usual good" though it lacks the "seriousness" which his character Razeen shall possess.{{cite news |url=https://miadhu.mv/article/read/48520 |title=Review: With sudden shocks, Dhauvath pierced directly into hearts |language=Divehi |work=Miadhu Daily |last=Waheedha |first=Mariyam |date=15 June 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190627040920/https://miadhu.mv/article/read/48520 |url-status=live |archivedate=27 June 2019 |accessdate=27 June 2019 |df=dmy-all }}

In 2022, Azim collaborated with Ahmed Nimal for three releases; the first is a family drama web series Lafuzu, starring opposite Mariyam Shifa, where he played the role of a one-sided lover.{{cite news|url=https://www.muniavas.com/40244 |title=Muhamma's "Lafuzu" premiered |work=MuniAvas |language=Divehi |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=26 February 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227125835/https://www.muniavas.com/40244 |url-status=live |archivedate=27 February 2022 |accessdate=27 February 2022}} The team reunited for a mini web series titled Balgish, which narrates the life of an unfortunate child and the misfortunes which surround her.{{cite news|url=https://www.muniavas.com/40390 |title=Dhekedhekeves working on two projects; "Balgish" and "Siyaasee Manjoalhi" |work=MuniAvas |language=Divehi |last=Rasheed |first=Ahmed |date=14 March 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820055449/https://www.muniavas.com/40390 |url-status=live |archivedate=20 August 2022 |accessdate=20 August 2022}} Apart from starring in a small role in Ali Seezan's web series Dhoadhi, he worked alongside an ensemble cast in the suspense thriller film Hehes (2022) by playing the role of an aspiring politician, which received mainly positive reviews from critics.{{cite news|url=https://cnm.mv/news/41576 |title=Shooting begins for Seezan's "Dhoadhi" |work=CNM |language=Divehi |last=Musthafa |first=Mohamed |date=4 November 2021 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20220812063313/https://cnm.mv/news/41576 |url-status=live |archivedate=12 August 2022 |accessdate=12 August 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://avas.mv/117474 |title=Hehes: Eid gift to the audience |language=Divehi |work=Avas |last=Adam |first=Ahmed Hameed |date=2 May 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507051523/https://avas.mv/117474 |url-status=live |archivedate=7 May 2022 |accessdate=7 April 2022|df=dmy-all}} His last release of the year was Aminath Rinaza and Ali Rasheed's web series Yasna, which narrates the story of two past lovers whose reunion is challenged by other commitments.{{cite news|url=https://www.muniavas.com/42821 |title=Excitement grown with each episode of "Yasna" |work=MuniAvas |language=Divehi |last=Rasheed |first=Ahmed |date=16 September 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210115408/https://www.muniavas.com/42821 |url-status=live |archivedate=10 February 2023 |accessdate=10 February 2023}} The series received mixed to positive reviews, where the critics found the screenplay to be slow and dragging while the actors tried to give their best in an otherwise over the top melodrama.{{cite news|url=https://www.muniavas.com/42511 |title=Second episode of "Yasna" available for streaming |work=MuniAvas |language=Divehi |last=Rasheed |first=Ahmed |date=23 August 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210115306/https://www.muniavas.com/42511 |url-status=live |archivedate=10 February 2023 |accessdate=10 February 2023}}

In 2023, Azim played the role of a violent gang member in Ali Seezan's erotic thriller Loabi Vevijje, which follows a married man who becomes infatuated with a woman after a one-night stand.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/67368 |title=End of filming for Loabi Vevijje |work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=10 April 2020 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20200820115617/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/67368 |url-status=live|archivedate=20 August 2020 |accessdate=20 August 2020 |df=dmy-all}} The film which was announced in 2019, but halted due to COVID-19 pandemic, opened to generally positive reviews from critics, where as his performance received mixed exceptionally good reviews from critics.{{cite news |url=https://www.muniavas.com/40898 |title=Rishmy is in love |work=MuniAvas |last=Rasheed |first=Ahmed |date=30 May 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811153406/https://www.muniavas.com/40898 |url-status=live |archivedate=11 August 2022 |access-date=11 August 2022 |df=dmy-all }} Calling Azim's performance as her personal favorite performance from the film, Aminath Luba reviewing from The Press wrote: "Despite the minimal dialogues, Azim portrayed the character to its perfection; one which only him could justify".{{cite news|url=https://thepress.mv/144033 |title="Loabi Vevijje": A film which will make you fall in love |work=The Press |last=Luba |first=Aminath |date=9 May 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513063148/https://thepress.mv/144033 |url-status=live|archivedate=13 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |df=dmy-all}} Similarly, Ahmed Nadheem from Dhauru applauded Azim for compensating "the bad acting from the rest of cast" with his brilliant portrayal of the character.{{cite news|url=https://dhauru.com/post/entertainment/18189 |title=Seezan is not the reason: but in love |work=Dhauru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=8 May 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513065109/https://dhauru.com/post/entertainment/18189 |url-status=live|archivedate=13 May 2023 |access-date=13 May 2023 |df=dmy-all}}

On 6 October 2019, Azim married Hawwa Jeena and they welcomes their first child on 5 December 2021.{{cite news |url=https://www.muniavas.com/17591 |title=Actor Ali Azim got married |work=MuniAvas |language=Divehi |last=Rasheedh |first=Ahmed |date=6 October 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20200911101839/https://www.muniavas.com/17591 |url-status=live |archivedate=11 September 2020 |accessdate=31 March 2019 |df=dmy-all }}

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Category:Living people

Category:Male actors from Malé

Category:21st-century Maldivian male actors

Category:Maldivian male film actors

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)