
Ilyas Waheed is a prominent Maldivian film director, producer, screenwriter, and editor, widely regarded for his contribution to contemporary Maldivian cinema. Active in the industry since 2019, he began his creative career in television before establishing his own production company, IFilms, which marked his full transition into filmmaking and content creation.
He made his directorial debut with the psychological thriller Bavathi, a film that received critical acclaim and introduced him as a filmmaker with a strong narrative voice and a flair for genre storytelling. Since then, Waheed has built a diverse and ambitious body of work across films and web series. His projects include the anthology web series Mazloom, the crime-thriller series Dharaka, and the horror anthology Biruveri Vaahaka, each showcasing his ability to explore different themes and formats.
As a filmmaker, Ilyas Waheed has demonstrated notable versatility through feature films such as Nina, Free Delivery, Kanbalhi, Dheydharu Ruin, and Loabin…?, balancing mainstream appeal with experimental storytelling. His work often blends psychological depth, social commentary, and genre-driven narratives, resonating strongly with Maldivian audiences.
In addition to directing and producing, Waheed is also recognized for his writing, having received accolades at the MSPA Film Awards, including recognition for Best Story. With a growing influence in the industry, Ilyas Waheed continues to be a key figure shaping modern Maldivian cinema through consistent output and creative ambition.