Malayalam director Shafi passes away after critical health conditions at age 56

New Delhi: Malayalam filmmaker Shafi, known for making movies that often found themselves in Malayalam cinema’s rich repository of comedies, passed away on Saturday. He was 56.

Shafi was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi following a stroke on January 16 and was in critical condition for a few days before breathing his last on January 25 at 12:25 AM, as per a report by The Hindustan Times. The report also states that Shafi’s deceased body was shifted to his residence in Edappally in Kochi.

Further details reveal that the body will be kept at the  Cochin Service Co-operative Bank Hall from 9 AM to 12 PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, for the public to pay last respects. Shafi’s creation ceremony is set to take place at 4 PM at the Kaloor Muslim Juma Masjid on January 26.

Actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan confirmed the news via Facebook and wrote, “Shafi sir has departed, leaving behind laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever. Tributes!!”

Who is filmmaker Shafi?

MH Rasheed, commonly known as Shafi, is part of an iconic duo and the younger brother of renowned screenwriter and director Rafi. He is the other half of the writing duo Rafi-Mecartin. Shafi and Rafi are also the nephews of the late filmmaker Siddique.

Shafi movies

The filmmaker began his career as an assistant director in the 2001 film One Man Show. Over two decades, Shafi went on to earn acclaim for his work in the comedy genre. However, despite the genre, Shafi is known for his mastery of extracting top-quality comedy performances from actors along with films grounded in reality.

The director’s iconic collaborations with Malayalam actor Dileep led to several blockbusters, including Kalyanaraman, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, and Two Countries. Shafi’s most popular works include Thommanum Makkalum, Chattambinadu, Mayavi, and Pulival Kalyanam. Shafi’s last directorial was the 2022 film Aanandam Paramanandam.