Mohamed Jumayyil

In 2014, Jumayyil made his film debut in Ahmed Nimal's Aniyaa, where he appeared alongside Niuma Mohamed, Ismail Rasheed and Fathimath Fareela.[2][3] The film failed to generate much hype during its screening and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, achieving moderate success at the box office.[4][5]

Jumayyil at Niuma Mohamed's Silver Jubilee celebration event, 2019

The subsequent year, Jumayyil appeared in Ali Shifau-directed romantic film Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen opposite Mariyam Majudha, where he portrayed the role of Ryan.[6] The film received critical acclaim for its "engaging storyline", with Jumayyil's performance also earning positive feedback. In a pre-premiere review featured in Vaguthu, Ismail Nail lauded the on-screen chemistry between Jumayyil and Majudha and noted significant improvements in Jumayyil's acting compared to his previous work in Aniyaa.[7] The film was the highest-grossing Maldivian release of the year.[8]

Jumayyil next starred in Ali Shifau-directed romantic comedy Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (2016) opposite Mariyam Majudha. In the film, he played the role of Ziyad, a carefree person with a very different personality compared to his partner.[9] His performance garnered positive reviews, with Ahmed Nadheem from Avas noting significant improvement in Jumayyil's acting compared to his previous work. Nadheem even rated Jumayyil on par with Majudha, whom he considered the best actor in the film.[10] The film emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.[11] At the 8th Gaumee Film Awards Jumayyil received the Best Actor award for his role in the film while also earning a nomination for his performance in Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen.[12][13] Additionally, he received the Best Male Debut award for his role in Aniyaa.[12]

Later in the same year, Jumayyil appeared in Fathimath Nahula's horror film 4426, where he portrayed the charatcer Suja, a member of a group of friends trapped in a haunted house.[14] Upon its release, the film received mostly positive reviews from critics. Ahmed Nadheem of Avas praised the film as a "masterpiece" but found Jumayyil's performance to be "average" in his role.[15] 4426 was declared as the highest-grossing Maldivian film of the year.[16]

In 2017, Jumayyil's first release was the Ali Musthafa-directed family drama film Malikaa in which he played the supportive boyfriend of the titular character.[17] Featuring Ismail Zahir, Nuzuhath Shuaib, Fathimath Azifa, Ahmed Asim, Ali Azim and Neena Saleem in prominent roles, the film received mixed reviews from critics.[18] Ahmed Nadheem, reviewing for Avas criticised Jumayyil for "showing no improvement" from his previous film in terms of acting ability.[19] Despite low expectations from trade analysts, the film performed moderately well at the box office.[20][21] He then starred alongside Mariyam Azza in the romantic comedy film Mee Loaybakee, directed by Ali Shifau.[22] The film became one of the highest-grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[20][23]

The following year, Jumayyil appeared in Ali Shifau's family drama Vakin Loabin (2018), marking his second collaboration with Nuzuhath Shuaib and his third collaboration with Mariyam Majudha.[24] The film explores the impact of a young couple's divorce on those around them.[25] Upon its release, received positive reviews from critics, particularly for its toned-down melodrama and departure from genre stereotypes.[26] In a pre-premiere review by Raajje.mv, Ismail Naail Nasheed praised the character development and reduced melodrama in the film, highlighting Jumayyil's versatility in portraying a range of emotions.[26]

Jumayyil's first release in 2019 was the Ahmed Sinan-directed crime thriller Goh Raalhu (2019) which delves into themes of criminality and misdemeanors as a young man strives to prove the sincerity of his love.[27][28] It received widespread positive reviews from critics, with Aminath Luba of Sun describing it as a "five-star worthy blockbuster film" and wrote: "Jumayyil yet again proved that he is here to stay and entertain the audience with his authentic performance, no matter what the genre is".[29] Furthermore, some reviews also suggested that he excels in crime-related roles over romantic ones.[29] This was followed by his appearance as a conflicted husband and son in Ali Shifau-directed comedy film Maamui.[30] Upon its release, the film received mainly positive reviews from critics, while Jumayyil's performance was perceived by critics as "good but nothing great". Ifraz Ali from Dho? found the dialogue delivery by Jumayyil to be "unrealistic" in the film.[31][32] Later in the year, the first Maldivian anthology film was released, featuring Jumayyil as a drug dealer in the segment directed by Ravee Farooq, titled Gaathil.[33] This project, shot in 2013, was digitally released six years later due to post-production delays.[34]

Following controversies related to his personal life, Jumayyil experienced changes in his project lineup, with some roles being reassigned to other contemporary actors.[35] However, he was retained in certain films due to the progress of filming.[35] In 2023, Jumayyil appeared in Ilyas Waheed's crime thriller Nina (2023), where he portrayed the character Zafar.[36] Originally scheduled for a theatrical release in late 2020, the film was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[37] Upon its eventual release, the film received positive reviews from critics.[38] Akram Abdulla of 'Dhauru' praised it as a thrilling experience with commendable performances, offering an excellent cinematic experience to viewers.[38]