Director

Faisal Saif

Faisal Saif was a Mumbai-born director who carved out a distinctive niche in Indian cinema by tackling bold, unconventional stories that most filmmakers wouldn't touch. Starting his career as an assistant director on notable projects like Aur Ek Prem Kahani and Grahan, Saif quickly transitioned to directing his own films, earning recognition for his fearless approach to storytelling. His work didn't go unnoticed—he picked up the Best Story award at the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival in 2006 and was honored as Best Director at the Indian Leadership Conclave in 2015, establishing himself as a director with something important to say. What set Saif apart was his willingness to wade into horror and thriller territories that explore social and religious themes, making films like Jigyaasa and Main Hoon Part-Time Killer that pushed boundaries and sparked conversations. He was also a respected film critic and writer who understood cinema deeply, bringing that knowledge into his directorial work. His 2016 film Islamic Exorcist remains one of his most talked-about projects, showcasing his ability to blend genre cinema with meaningful commentary. Though his career spanned from 2006 to 2022, Faisal Saif left behind a body of work that proved Bollywood needed more directors willing to challenge the status quo.