Pushpa Actor Fahadh Faasil’s Rs 10 Lakh Keypad Phone Steals the Spotlight
Malayalam cinema’s acclaimed actor Fahadh Faasil, known for his intense performances in films like Pushpa 2: The Rule, has once again captured public attention—not for his acting, but for his choice of mobile phone. On July 16, 2025, during a puja ceremony for his upcoming film Mollywood Times in Kerala, a viral video showed Fahadh using what appeared to be a simple keypad phone. However, this unassuming device turned out to be a luxury Vertu Ascent Retro Classic, priced at approximately $11,920 (over Rs 10.2 lakh)—a cost that dwarfs even the latest iPhone, sparking widespread fascination online.
A Luxury Phone Masquerading as Simplicity
At first glance, Fahadh’s phone looks like a relic from the early 2000s, reminiscent of the iconic Nokia 3310. But the Vertu Ascent Retro Classic is anything but ordinary. Handcrafted by the UK-based luxury brand Vertu, founded in 1998 as a premium arm of Nokia, this phone is a status symbol designed for the ultra-wealthy. Its titanium body, sapphire crystal display, and hand-stitched leather finish elevate it to the level of fine jewelry, with some models reportedly priced as high as Rs 70 lakh. Despite its retro 2G and 3G capabilities, the phone offers modern features like Bluetooth, SMS, MMS, and a 24/7 concierge service accessible in over 170 countries via a dedicated side button.
The device, which weighs 173 grams and measures 22 mm thick, is currently out of stock on Vertu’s official website, suggesting Fahadh may have owned this piece for years, possibly since its launch nearly two decades ago when it retailed for around Rs 5–10 lakh. This rarity only adds to its allure, with fans on X marveling at its blend of vintage charm and opulence. One user, @saloon_kada, posted, “Fahadh Faasil is Using A Vertu Ascent Classic Keypad Phone Which Costs Around 8 - 10 Lakhs🤯🔥 These Phones Are Handcrafted Using Sapphire Crystal - Titanium & Exotic Leather!!”
A Reflection of Fahadh’s Minimalist Lifestyle
Fahadh’s choice of a keypad phone aligns with his well-documented preference for a low-profile, tech-averse lifestyle. The 42-year-old actor, celebrated for roles in Aavesham, Vettaiyan, and Pushpa 2, has consistently shunned smartphones and social media. In a 2023 interview with Pinkvilla, he explained, “I never had a social media account. I was on Facebook in my college days, and that’s all. I prefer to connect with people on a personal basis rather than on social media. I have always been like this, and I don’t want to change.” His co-star Vinay Forrt recently reinforced this, telling Club FM that Fahadh “avoids smartphones and social media entirely, and prefers using a basic keypad phone.”
This deliberate detachment from the digital world resonates with fans, who admire Fahadh’s grounded persona. Posts on X, like one from @CNNnews18, noted, “Fahadh Faasil’s Rs 10.2 lakh Vertu keypad phone catches fans’ eyes during a rare public appearance,” highlighting how his choice stands out in an era of AI-powered smartphones and celebrity endorsements. The phone’s exorbitant price—20 times that of an iPhone 16, which starts at around Rs 79,900—adds an ironic twist, blending minimalism with extravagance.
Why the Vertu Ascent Retro Classic?
Vertu phones are more than just communication devices; they’re crafted as symbols of exclusivity and status, appealing to celebrities, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals. The Ascent Retro Classic’s premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship justify its steep price, but its limited functionality—no apps or high-speed internet—makes it a bold statement in today’s tech-obsessed world. For Fahadh, who rarely appears at public events and maintains a private life, the phone complements his philosophy of staying disconnected yet sophisticated.
Speculation about the exact model varies, with some sources like TimelineDaily suggesting Fahadh might use a MetaVertu, a high-end device with prices ranging from Rs 4 to 40 lakh, designed for privacy and digital security. However, most reports, including those from Hindustan Times and The Economic Times, confirm the Vertu Ascent Retro Classic as the likely model, given its distinctive design in the viral video.
Fahadh’s Rising Star and Upcoming Projects
While his phone has stolen the spotlight, Fahadh’s professional achievements continue to shine. Following a blockbuster 2024 with films like Aavesham, Vettaiyan, Bougainvillea, and Pushpa 2: The Rule, where he played the menacing SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat IPS alongside Allu Arjun, Fahadh is gearing up for a busy 2025. His upcoming projects include Maareesan, a Tamil travel thriller with Vadivelu, set for release on July 25, as well as Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, Karate Chandran, Patriot, and Don’t Trouble The Trouble. Reports also suggest a potential Bollywood debut in Imtiaz Ali’s The Idiot of Istanbul.
However, recent posts on X indicate mixed sentiments about his Pushpa 2 role, with some fans speculating he was unhappy with the character’s arc, citing a Reddit thread that claimed he might avoid Telugu films for now. These claims remain unverified, but they highlight Fahadh’s reputation for prioritizing performance-driven roles over commercial appeal.
A Symbol of Quiet Elegance
Fahadh Faasil’s choice of a Rs 10.2 lakh Vertu keypad phone encapsulates his unique blend of simplicity and sophistication. In a world dominated by smartphones and social media, his commitment to a minimalist, offline lifestyle—paired with a device that screams exclusivity—has sparked admiration and curiosity. As one X user, @LetsOTTxCinema, put it, “These Phones Are Handcrafted Using Sapphire Crystal - Titanium & Exotic Leather!!” The viral video from the Mollywood Times event has not only showcased Fahadh’s personal ethos but also reminded fans that true style often lies in the unexpected.
For more entertainment news and updates on Fahadh Faasil’s projects, check out The Economic Times or News18.
