Aryadan Shoukath

Aryadan Shoukath (born 4 March 1965) is an Indian film producer, screenwriter, and politician from Kerala. He is recognised for his contributions to Malayalam cinema, particularly in producing and writing films that tackle social issues. He also currently serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Nilambur Assembly constituency in Kerala, representing the Indian National Congress under the UDF alliance.^[1][2][3]

Aryadan Shoukath
Aryadan Shoukath in 2020
Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office 23 June 2025 (2025-06-23)
Preceded by	P. V. Anvar
Constituency	Nilambur
Personal details
Born	(1965-03-04) 4 March 1965 (age 60) Nilambur, Kerala, India
Political party	Indian National Congress
Parent(s)	Aryadan Muhammed (father), Mariyumma (mother)
Occupation	MLA Nilambur Film producer Screenwriter Politician Social Worker
Known for	Social-themed cinema, political activism
Awards	National Film Award, Kerala State Film Awards

Early life

Shoukath was born in Nilambur, in the Malappuram district of Kerala, to Aryadan Muhammed, a prominent Congress leader and former Minister for Electricity and Transport (Government of Kerala) in the Oommen Chandy Ministry, and Mariyumma. His family's involvement in politics had a significant influence on his career path from an early age. He is known to be married with children. He has an active social media presence, including on Instagram.^[4]

Career

Film career

Shoukath entered the film industry as a producer and screenwriter with the film Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam in 2003, where he critiqued the treatment of girls' education within the Muslim community. This film was not only commercially successful but also critically acclaimed, earning him the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare.

He continued to produce and write:

- **Vilapangalkkappuram** (2008) - A narrative about a girl's escape from the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat. - **Daivanamathil** (2005) - Addressing issues of religious extremism. - **Varthamanam** (2021) - Tackling contemporary socio-political issues.

His films are recognized for their social commentary, aiming to enlighten and reform through storytelling.

Political career

Shoukath has been an active member of the Indian National Congress. He contested the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election from Nilambur but lost to P.V. Anvar. Earlier, he served as chairman of Nilambur municipality and held various local governance positions. He was also the General Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). In January 2025, he was involved in a public dispute with P.V. Anvar, defending his political standing within the party.^[5] In June 2025 by-elections in Kerala, he defeated CPI(M)'s M Swaraj by 11,077 votes to win the Nilambur Assembly constituency.^[6]

Controversies

In November 2023, he faced disciplinary action for organizing a pro-Palestine rally contrary to party directives.^[7]

Awards and recognition

• National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare for Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam.
• Multiple Kerala State Film Awards.