Mohamed Rifshan (born 7 April 1985) is a Maldivian film actor.

Before pursuing a career in acting, Rifshan appeared in minor roles in short films and television series filmed in his home island, K. Thulusdhoo.^[1]

In 2009, Rifshan appeared alongside Fathimath Fareela in Loaiybahtakaa (2009), a romantic drama written and directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu, where he portrayed a thug harassing a young woman.^[2] That same year, he acted in several short films, including Dheulhi Ehnuvi Dhiulhi, 01 January, Seedhibe and Dheke Dhekeves 5, all filmed in Thulusdhoo.^[3]

In 2011, Rifshan reprised his role as a thug in Yoosuf Shafeeu's action drama film Insaaf, which explores the tensions between two districts of an island.^[1][4] The film received mixed to positive reviews upon release.^[5] He also appeared in television series such as Adhives Eloaibah Gadharu Kuran where he played a supportive friend to an aspiring vocalist, marking a departure from his usual gangster roles.^[6] Subsequently, he portrayed antagonistic characters in the series Kaiveni and Vakivumuge Kurin.^[7]

In 2017, Rifshan appeared in a comedic role alongside an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Saeed and Ali Seezan in the romantic comedy film Naughty 40.^[8] The film, centered on three middle-aged friends embracing a youthful outlook, featured Rifshan as Hanim, a womanizer and family member targeting a rival businessman.^[9] The film achieved critical and commercial success, becoming one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.^[10][11] He also starred in the first Maldivian web series, Huvaa, a romantic drama by Fathimath Nahula. He played a thug whose accidental murder sets off a series of tragic events within a happy family.^[12][13]

In 2019, Rishfan collaborated with Dark Rain Entertainment on two films. He had a brief role in Ahmed Sinan's crime thriller Goh Raalhu and he appeared in Ali Shifau's comedy film Maamui, as a gangster’s bodyguard willing to go to great lengths for a bottle of honey, which holds unexpected value.^[14] The latter received positive reviews.^[15][16] Rifshan also played a recurring role in Dark Rain Entertainment's romantic comedy sitcom Rumi á Jannat, explores the dynamics of a newlywed couple with contrasting personalities.^[17][18] The same year, he featured in Mohamed Faisal's romantic web series Loabi Vias and films such as Faree (2021), portraying characters often aligned with his established "thug" persona.^[19][20]

In 2022, Rifshan worked with Ali Seezan for his romantic web series Dhoadhi.^[21] The series follows the story of two troubled individuals whose fates intertwine as they cross the sea in search of love and affection.^[22] The series received mostly negative reviews from critics.^[22] He also collaborated with Ismail Shafeeq for his suspense thriller web series Hissu which narrates the struggles of a man searching for his missing wife.^[23] The following year, he reunited with Yoosuf Shafeeu for his comedy film Jokaru (2023).^[24] The plot revolves around three thugs chasing a suitcase, resulting in comedic escapades.^[25] Aminath Luba from The Press described it as a "laughing riot" and praised the performance of the actors.^[26]

• Mohamed Rifshan at IMDb