Fahadh Faasil still uses a minimalistic keypad phone, but what's behind its whopping ₹10 lakh price tag?

Time of India

3 days ago

In an age of ultra-slim foldables and
AI-powered smartphones
, Malayalam actor
Fahadh Faasil
has sparked a surprising conversation—not about his upcoming films, but about his phone. At a recent puja ceremony in Kerala for Abhinav Sundar Nayak's next film starring Naslen, the soft-spoken superstar was spotted carrying what looked like a basic keypad phone. But fans and tech buffs alike were stunned when they discovered the true cost of that humble-looking device.
According to a report by Mid-Day, the device isn't just any old keypad phone. It's a
Vertu
Ascent Retro Classic—a luxury model handcrafted by Vertu, the world-renowned maker of elite mobile phones. The model currently sells for a jaw-dropping $11,920, or around ₹10.2 lakh. What looks like a throwback to the early 2000s is, in fact, an elite fashion statement wrapped in titanium, sapphire crystal, and top-tier leather.
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Vertu: Vintage outside, opulent inside
Vertu was founded in 1998 as a luxury arm of Nokia and quickly became the go-to brand for celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals who wanted their phones to be more than just functional—they had to be fashionable. The Economist once captured Vertu's ethos perfectly: "If you can spend $20,000 on a watch, why not on a phone?"
The brand was designed to elevate the mobile phone to the level of jewelry, and Fahadh's model reflects exactly that.
Vertu, a luxury arm of Nokia founded in 1998 became the go-to brand for celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals. (Images: Vertu)
More than a phone, a philosophy?
Fahadh Faasil's decision to carry a keypad phone might seem odd to some, but it aligns with the actor's minimalistic public persona. Known for his intense, layered performances in
Malayalam cinema
and beyond, Fahadh keeps a low profile off-screen. While many celebrities are launching apps or flaunting foldable tech, his old-school choice suggests a certain intentional detachment from the hyper-connected world.
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Perhaps it's a nod to a simpler time, or perhaps it's a conscious effort to stay grounded while riding the high waves of stardom. Either way, it speaks volumes—quietly.
'Mareesan' gears up for release
Fahadh is all set to return to the big screen in Mareesan, a travel thriller directed by Sudeesh Shankar. The film, which also stars legendary Tamil actor Vadivelu, has already created buzz with its teaser and soundtrack. The recently released single 'Fa Fa', written by Madhan Karky and composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, blends philosophy and humour in a way few others can.
The teaser cleverly uses the iconic track 'Aaha Inba Nilavinile...' from Mayabazaar to hint at tension and adventure between the lead characters as they embark on a journey through fields, towns, and hidden corners of South India. The film, which features actors like Vivek Prasanna, Renuka, and Sithara in key roles, is scheduled to release on 25 July, 2025.