Faisal Ali: Framing Stories Through Light
Born in Velloor in Kerala’s Kottayam district, Faisal Ali has spent more than twelve years in the film industry quietly building a career rooted in passion and patience. From a young age, cinema fascinated him beyond simple entertainment. Even during his school days, he watched films with curiosity, trying to understand what made certain scenes powerful and emotionally lasting. Among the many films he watched, The Last Emperor left a deep impression on him. Vittorio Storaro’s extraordinary use of light in the film opened Faisal’s eyes to the idea that lighting itself could tell a story. That realization sparked his interest in cinematography and shaped the way he began to look at cinema.
Before stepping fully into films, Faisal chose to learn photography, believing that images teach him lighting. and visual balance. Photography became his first serious step toward understanding visual storytelling. While cinema remained his ultimate goal, this phase helped him sharpen his eye and develop discipline, preparing him for the demands of motion pictures.
His professional journey as a cinematographer began in 2012 with the film Ordinary. The project was especially meaningful because both Faisal and the film’s director were making their debuts. The director was a close friend and the two entered the industry together with shared dreams and ambitions. What began as a collaboration soon turned into a lasting friendship, and the experience of working on Ordinary became a defining moment in Faisal’s career. The film marked the beginning of his professional identity in cinema and opened doors to future opportunities.
Over the years, Faisal Ali has worked on around fifteen films, steadily strengthening his presence in the industry. Rather than focusing on volume, he chose projects that allowed him to grow creatively and challenge himself visually. His cinematography reflects a clear understanding of narrative needs, using lighting and composition to support the story rather than overpower it. Each film added a new layer to his experience, helping him refine his style and sensibility.
One notable project in his career was Kalamkaval. The opportunity came when the producer personally reached out to him and asked if he would be interested in handling the cinematography. The trust placed in him motivated Faisal to approach the project with complete dedication. The film became another important milestone, further establishing his ability to adapt to different storytelling styles and visual demands.
A particularly meaningful collaboration in his journey was with director Jithin K Jose. They did not know each other personally before working together, but their connection was built through the script. When Faisal received the script, he immediately felt drawn to it, describing it as the kind of story he had been waiting for. As the project progressed, a strong creative understanding developed between them. Faisal speaks highly of Jithin K Jose’s clarity of vision and notes how rare it is to find a director who communicates so precisely through a script. Over time, he reached a point where he could instinctively understand how Jithin envisioned a shot or a scene. The script was executed with precision, and their collaboration resulted in a visually coherent and emotionally grounded film.
Despite years of experience, Faisal continues to draw inspiration from Vittorio Storaro, whose work in The Last Emperor first sparked his interest in cinematography. Storaro’s philosophy of using light as an expressive tool remains a guiding influence in Faisal’s work. For him, cinematography is not merely technical but deeply emotional, shaping how audiences connect with a story.
Looking ahead, Faisal Ali is exploring new possibilities and challenges. He is currently in discussions to work on a Tamil film, signalling a possible expansion of his journey beyond Malayalam cinema. For Faisal, growth lies in stepping into new spaces, collaborating with new voices, and continuing to evolve as a visual storyteller.
With over a decade in the industry, Faisal Ali’s journey stands as a reflection of dedication, quiet persistence, and an unwavering love for cinema. His work speaks through carefully composed frames and thoughtfully crafted lighting, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are told without words.
Selected Filmography:
Kalamkaval (2025), Bramman (2014), Ordinary (2012), Private (2025), Shikkari Shambu (2018), My Santa (2019)
