Sajeed A | Filmmaker | Storyteller

Sajeed A is an award-winning filmmaker whose work explores the profound and untamed dimensions of human narratives, weaving them through the evocative lens of magical realism. His storytelling is an intricate blend of culture, music, and folklore—immersing audiences in worlds both visceral and poetic.

His journey began at MTV India during the 2000s, a defining era for pop culture in the country. Starting as a trainee, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key creative force behind some of MTV’s most iconic and OG shows of the time—programs that not only entertained but shaped the cultural identity of a generation. Shows like MTV Bakra, MTV Most Wanted, MTV Girls Night Out, and many more became the pulse of Indian youth, blending music, humor, and bold storytelling in a way that was fresh, edgy, and irreverent.

Sajeed wasn’t just making content—he was defining what was cool for an entire generation. Whether it was bringing pranks to life with Cyrus Broacha on MTV Bakra, creating India’s first horror reality series MTV Girls Night Out, or crafting the beautiful, must-watch energy of MTV Most Wanted with Shenaz Treasurywala, his creative fingerprint was on the very essence of what made MTV a movement rather than just a channel. These shows weren’t just entertainment; they were cultural statements, capturing the attitude, rebellion, and aspirations of the youth.

A decade later, he spearheaded the video content vertical for 101India.com, creating groundbreaking narratives that gave a voice to India’s subculture and counterculture movements. Under his creative direction, 101India became a space for bold, alternative storytelling, pushing boundaries in documentary and experimental filmmaking.

With a deep-rooted connection to music, nature, and the human experience, Sajeed has helmed numerous award-winning documentaries and music videos. His evocative storytelling shines in films such as “The Man Who Planted a Forest,” a poetic tribute to one man’s relentless mission to nurture a forest—garnering global acclaim, festival favourite across the circuit, garnering accolades at Jackson Wild and Ekotop and showcased at United Nations WildLife Showcase.

His musical documentary “MC Kash” delves into the powerful voice of Kashmiri hip-hop, earning recognition at  many international film festivals including SIFF, Helsinki and striking a universal chord. Similarly, his film “Monsoon,” a mythical and sensory portrayal of India’s monsoons, captivated audiences worldwide and claimed many awards including the Best Documentary Award at Montecatini (2018).

Sajeed’s cinematic vision continues to evolve, with his latest supernatural thriller, “Vadakkan,” making waves at global film festivals, including its landmark Gala premiere at Cannes’ Fantastic Pavilion 2024.  The film has also earned top honors at Fright Night USA, an acclaimed horror and fantasy festival, and received an official selection in competition at the 78th Salerno International Film Festival

Vadakkan’s recognition at Salerno marks a crowning glory for Malayalam cinema, elevating the industry to an international stage. The film also won Best Feature at the REIMS Festival in France, further solidifying Sajeed’s global footprint in genre storytelling.

As a creative force behind “Soorya,” the Bollywood remake of Joseph, he remains committed to bridging genres, cultures, and audiences.

From redefining youth culture at MTV to crafting supernatural thrillers and award-winning documentaries, Sajeed A’s work is fearless, thought-provoking, and boundary-defying—challenging narratives, invoking curiosity, and leaving an indelible imprint long after the screen fades to black.