Jimshi Khalid

Jimshi Khalid  : A Cinematographer Who Chose People over Scripts, and Cinema over Everything

Jimshi Khalid, the cinematographer of Alappuzha Gymkhana, belongs to a rare breed of filmmakers whose journey into cinema was not planned—but destined. Born and brought up in Fort Kochi, Kerala, Jimshi’s life has always been surrounded by images, stories, and human connections. He completed his schooling at Santa Cruz Higher Secondary School, Fort Kochi, and unlike many in the industry today, he never studied cinema academically. Yet, few understand cinema the way he does.

Cinema Began at Home : The strongest influence in Jimshi Khalid’s life was his elder brother, late Shajil, one of the earliest wedding photographers in Fort Kochi during the early 1990s. At a time when wedding photography itself was a developing craft, Shajil was already capturing emotions through frames.

Because of him, Jimshi’s childhood was filled with cassettes, VCDs, film rolls, cameras, and editing tools. What others discovered later in life, Jimshi lived with from his early years. Cinema was never an external ambition—it was part of his everyday environment.

Jimshi Khalid grew up in a creatively charged family:

• Shyju Khalid, his brother, went on to become a respected cinematographer.
• Khalid Rahman, another brother, became one of Malayalam cinema’s most exciting directors, delivering blockbusters like Thallumaala and Alappuzha Gymkhana.

At the center of it all stood their elder brother Shajil. His influence shaped not just careers, but perspectives. Every one of them carries his legacy forward. Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography debut came through Anuraga Karikkin Vellam. Interestingly, this debut was not the result of a calculated career move—it was the result of strange coincidences and trust.

Directors Roby Varghese Raj and Khalid Rahman, close friends, were initially associated with the film. Roby Varghese Raj was the first option to handle cinematography, but due to other commitments, the opportunity moved to Alby, Jimshi’s mentor. When Alby too couldn’t take it up, the responsibility finally reached Jimshi Khalid.

That unplanned moment became the foundation of a remarkable career. Anuraga Karikkin Vellam introduced a cinematographer whose visuals felt honest, rooted, and emotionally alive.

In Jimshi’s own words, many of the films in his early career happened through “stranger things”—unexpected turns, coincidences, and human connections rather than strategic planning. But one pattern stands out clearly: every film he chose turned out to be a success. When you look at Jimshi Khalid’s filmography, it tells a story of instinctive decision-making. That, perhaps, is how a cinematographer should choose films—not just by scripts, but by soul.

From Cinematographer to Producer: Thundu

Thundu marked Jimshi Khalid’s first film as a producer. The director, Riyaz, was once Jimshi Khalid’s assistant. The project reflected Jimshi’s belief in people and their talent—something that defines him more than anything else. More than scripts, Jimshi Khalid trusts people. He believes in sensing a connection—an invisible thread that tells him whether a project will work for him or not. He prefers listening to narrations rather than reading scripts. For him, cinema is oral, emotional, and instinctive. If a narration connects, the film already exists in his mind.

Alappuzha Gymkhana: A Personal Story : Alappuzha Gymkhana is not just another film in Jimshi Khalid’s career—it is his story. A reflection of his life, his brothers’ lives, and the world they grew up in. In many ways, Jimshi Khalid is the story of Alappuzha Gymkhana. His lens didn’t just capture characters; it captured memories.

Visual Poetry: Adios Amigo : In Adios Amigo movie, Jimshi Khalid showcased Idukki, one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India, with stunning visual sensitivity. The hills, landscapes, and atmosphere were not just backdrops—they became characters within the film. That Adios Amigo movie also inspired from his friend’s real life incidents.

Upcoming Films: A Special Phase

Jimshi’s upcoming film I’m Game, starring Dulquer Salman, is especially close to his heart. The project came out exceptionally well, and Jimshi considers it one of his most satisfying works to date. Apart from I’m Game, he also has another major film in the pipeline directed by Khalid Rahman and starring Mammootty—a collaboration eagerly awaited by Malayalam cinema lovers.

A True Cinema Lover : Jimshi Khalid is a huge admirer of director Mysskin from Tamil Cinema Industry and is deeply influenced by his films. Beyond being a cinematographer, Jimshi is also a brilliant narrator, a passionate cinema lover, and someone who genuinely cares for people in the industry.

He has openly spoken with great belief about the future of Malayalam cinema, mentioning emerging talents like Naslen and Sandeep Pradeep as future stars. His concern for the next generation is real, not performative.

The Man behind the Camera

More than anything, Jimshi Khalid is known for his good heart. Friendly, joyful, and warm—meeting him never feels formal. Many, including myself, went to interview him and walked out as good friends. That’s who he is. He takes care of people. He listens. He believes. And he loves cinema with a purity that is becoming rare. Jimshi Khalid is also considered a great narrator, someone who doesn’t just capture light and frame but understands people — their rhythms, emotions, and the way they speak. This ability to connect deeply with collaborators makes him a beloved figure in the Malayalam film community. He’s known for being friendly, joyful, humble, and deeply supportive — qualities that make him not just a craftsman, but a cherished colleague and friend.