Islahuddin N S: A Maverick Storyteller

A poet at heart, Islahuddin NS is a dynamic force in the theatre and filmmaking worlds. He began his journey at Rangayana, Mysore, under the tutelage of Mime Ramesh, where he honed his skills in theatre and creative arts. He has also imbibed the art of storytelling and direction under the guidance of renowned theatre director Christian Stuckl of the Volkstheater in Munich. Since then, he has written, directed, and acted in numerous plays, leaving an indelible mark on the stage.

Academically strong, Islahuddin earned a Master of Arts in Communication & Journalism with four gold medals from India’s University of Mysore, fuelling his passion for storytelling. He continued his education with a Master of Arts in Media Production from the University of Sunderland in England.

This path led him to the world of journalism, where he was the Director of Crime and Special Segments at NEWS9. However, his passion for filmmaking eventually drew him in, propelling him into a successful filmmaking career spanning more than a decade. He has directed a wide range of projects, including commercials, documentaries, corporate films, and television shows, demonstrating his versatility.

When Qyuki, a platform co-founded by director Shekhar Kapur and music legend AR Rahman, was looking for a Creative Content Manager, he jumped at the chance to put his artistic skills to use in the digital realm.

Islahuddin made a significant impact in the world of cinema with his first Kannada feature film, “Nodi Swamy Ivanu Irode Heege,” a gripping black comedy about suicide prevention and depression. This thought-provoking film received critical acclaim upon its release on the ZEE5 OTT platform in 2022.

His second Kannada feature film, “Anna,” based on Hanur Channappa’s award-winning short story “Anna,” premiered at the prestigious Bangalore International Film Festival and received praise for its storytelling prowess.

Islahuddin is well-known in the business world for his work on commercials and promotional videos for companies like Hindustan Times, Pepsi, Sunpure, Lunars Walkmate, Purvankara, KSIC Mysore Silks, and Country Delight.

At Tall Tales Production Bangalore, he oversaw the writing and directing of corporate films for BOSCH, Apollo Hospitals, Embassy Group, and Hilton Hotels, among others. And while at Qyuki, he has also directed music videos for emerging artists.

Islahuddin is involved in the film industry in a number of capacities beyond screenwriting and directing, including as a lyricist, script supervisor, mentor to aspiring filmmakers, and contributor to production companies. As a UGC/NET-certified lecturer, Islahuddin shares his filmmaking knowledge through workshops and lectures at universities, fostering the next generation of filmmakers.

Islahuddin NS is a representation of the limitless imagination and skill in storytelling that exists in the world. His life is a testament to his devotion to the craft of storytelling in all its forms, from the stage in Mysore to the big screen around the world.