Soubin Shahir is a well-known Indian actor and film director who works mainly in the Malayalam film industry. He started his career behind the camera as an assistant director before becoming one of the most loved actors in Kerala cinema. Known for his natural acting style and relatable characters, Soubin has starred in many successful films such as Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Sudani from Nigeria, Kumbalangi Nights, and Manjummel Boys.
In 2025, Soubin found himself in the headlines not only for his movies but also because of a fraud case related to Manjummel Boys, one of the year’s biggest Malayalam hits. Despite the controversy, his career and popularity remain strong.
Soubin Shahir Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
| Full Name | Soubin Shahir |
| Date of Birth | 12 October 1983 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 41 years |
| Birth Place | Cochin, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Director |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Famous For | Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Sudani from Nigeria, Kumbalangi Nights, Manjummel Boys |
Early Life
Soubin Shahir was born on 12 October 1983 in Cochin, Kerala. He grew up in a family with close connections to the film world — his father worked as an assistant director in Malayalam cinema. This early exposure gave Soubin a chance to see the movie industry up close from a young age.
Even though he was interested in acting, Soubin did not start as an actor. He first worked behind the camera, which gave him a strong understanding of how films are made. This background would later help him become a better performer and filmmaker.
Career as an Assistant Director
Soubin entered the film industry in 2003, working as an assistant director. He gained experience by working with many respected filmmakers like Siddique, Fazil, Rafi-Mecartin, Santhosh Sivan, and Amal Neerad. Over the years, he was part of several big projects and learned the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking.
This long period of working behind the scenes shaped his understanding of acting, storytelling, and camera work.
Acting Career
Soubin made his acting debut in 2013 with the film Annayum Rasoolum. At first, he only appeared in small roles, but his unique style and comic timing soon caught the attention of directors.
His big breakthrough came in 2016 with Maheshinte Prathikaaram. In the movie, he played Crispin, a quirky and lovable photographer’s assistant. Audiences loved his natural expressions and humor, making him one of the most promising actors in the industry.
Over the years, Soubin has played a wide variety of roles — from light comedy to deep emotional characters. Some of his most notable films include:
| Year | Film | Role |
| 2016 | Maheshinte Prathikaaram | Crispin |
| 2018 | Sudani from Nigeria | Majeed |
| 2019 | Kumbalangi Nights | Saji |
| 2024 | Manjummel Boys | Member of the friends group |
Directorial Work
Soubin always had an interest in storytelling, and in 2017, he made his directorial debut with Parava. The film was set in Mattancherry and followed the lives of two teenage boys who are passionate about pigeon racing.
Parava was praised by critics for its fresh story and realistic portrayal of life in Kochi. It also performed well at the box office, proving that Soubin could succeed both in front of and behind the camera.
Major Successes
Many of Soubin’s films have been praised for their heartwarming stories and relatable characters.
- Sudani from Nigeria (2018): A touching drama about a Nigerian footballer in Kerala. Soubin’s performance as Majeed earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.
- Kumbalangi Nights (2019): A family drama that became a modern classic in Malayalam cinema. His role as Saji, a flawed but loving brother, was widely appreciated.
- Manjummel Boys (2024): An adventure drama about a group of friends. The film became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
Controversy in 2025
In August 2025, Soubin Shahir was named in a fraud case linked to Manjummel Boys. The producer of the movie filed a complaint alleging that there had been financial irregularities during the film’s making. Reports suggest that Soubin was among several people mentioned in the complaint.
The case gained huge media attention because of the film’s massive success earlier that year. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and Soubin has not made a detailed public statement about the issue.
Awards and Achievements
Soubin’s work has earned him both critical praise and awards:
- Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor (Sudani from Nigeria, 2018)
- Kerala State Film Award – Special Mention for Direction (Parava, 2017)
- Multiple nominations at various South Indian film award shows
Net Worth
As of 2025, Soubin Shahir’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. His income comes mainly from acting, directing, brand endorsements, and occasional television appearances.
Legacy and Influence
Soubin Shahir’s journey from assistant director to award-winning actor and director is inspiring for many young talents in the Malayalam film industry. His ability to bring authenticity to his characters and tell grounded, heartfelt stories has made him a favorite among audiences.
Even with recent controversies, his fans believe that his contribution to cinema will continue to grow in the coming years.
Sources: The Hindu, Onmanorama, IMDb
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