Biography

Shafi was born on February 18, 1968 in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. He was a director and assistant director, known for Maja (2005), Sherlock Toms (2017) and 101 Weddings (2012). He was married to Shamila. He died on January 26, 2025 in Ernakulam, India.

Has two daughters, Aleema and Salma.

Over the course of his career, Shafi directed more than 10 films, many of which became massive hits in Kerala. In 2002, he directed Kalyanaraman, starring Dileep, Navya Nair, and Kunchako Boban. The film was a huge success, with the character played by Innocent, Mr Ponjikkara, becoming an iconic comedic role in the history of Malayalam cinema.

He began his film career as an assistant director, with director Siddique and the director duo Rafi Mecartin, of whom Rafi is his elder brother.

A recurring trait was in most of Shafi's films, where comedic actors often shone with their riotous humour, memorable catchphrases, and performances that endeared them to fans across generations.

In 2001, Shafi directed his first film, One Man Show, a comedy-drama starring Jayaram, Lal, and Samyuktha Varma.