Popular Malayalam filmmaker Shafi passes away at 56

Rasheed MH was undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke on January 16 and remained in critical condition for several days before his demise, say hospital sources

Kochi: Filmmaker Shafi, known for bringing laughter to Malayali audiences with his popular films, died at a private hospital in Kochi past midnight on Saturday. He was 56.

Rasheed M H, fondly known as Shafi, was undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke on January 16 and remained in critical condition for several days before his demise, hospital sources said. He breathed his last at 12.25 am, they added.

---

Actor Vishnu Unnikrishnan confirmed the news, sharing a post on his Facebook page. “Shafi sir has departed, leaving behind laughter and unforgettable stories that will be cherished forever. Tributes!!,” he posted.

Shafi began his career as an assistant director under noted filmmaker Rajasenan and made his mark in the Malayalam film industry with his debut film ‘One Man Show’ in 2001. Over a career spanning two decades, Shafi directed over 10 films, earning acclaim for his expertise in comedy.

His collaborations with actor Dileep led to several blockbusters, including ‘Kalyanaraman’, ‘Marykkundoru Kunjaadu’, and ‘Two Countries’. Among his other celebrated works are ‘Pulival Kalyanam’, ‘Thommanum Makkalum’, ‘Mayavi’, and ‘Chattambinadu’, solidifying his reputation as a prominent director in Malayalam cinema.
His last directorial venture was the 2022 film ‘Aanandam Paramanandam’.

According to family sources, his body was shifted to his residence on BTS Road in Edappally here on Sunday morning. A large number of people, including family members and friends, gathered at Shafi’s residence early in the morning to bid him a final farewell. Union Minister Suresh Gopi was among the prominent figures who visited the house and expressed condolences to the grieving family.

The body was kept at the Cochin Service Co-operative Bank hall in Kaloor on Sunday from 9 am to 12 pm, allowing the public to pay their respects. Several celebrities, including Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manoj K Jayan, Namitha Pramod, Sibi Malayil, Vinayan, B. Unnikrishnan, and Minister P Rajeeve, joined other film industry figures in paying homage to Shafi.