KOCHI : Shafi was hospitalised on January 16 after experiencing severe headaches and insomnia for several days. Following tests, doctors diagnosed him with a brain haemorrhage. Despite undergoing surgery, his health continued to deteriorate, and he was placed on a ventilator.

Shafi passed away on January 25, leaving behind a legacy of impactful films in Malayalam cinema.

He had been in critical condition after suffering a stroke on January 16 and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. Shafi breathed his last on January 25.

Born as MH Rasheed, Shafi was widely recognised by his moniker and was the younger brother of the famous screenwriter-director duo Rafi-Mecartin. He was also the nephew of the late filmmaker Siddique, under whom Shafi worked as an assistant director in the 90s.

Shafi made his directorial debut in 2001 with the film One Man Show, starring Jayaram. The film’s unique narrative, which incorporated a game show format, was ahead of its time, predating films like Slumdog Millionaire and the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup. He went on to deliver a string of successful films, including Kalyanaraman, Pulivaal Kalyanam, and the Mammootty-starrer Thommanum Makkalum.

Despite being known for comedy, Shafi’s films stood out for their realism and logical narratives, never straying into the realm of the unrealistic. His mastery lay in his ability to extract brilliant performances from his cast, many of whom became regular collaborators in his films. Shafi’s focus on everyday situations ensured his films were both humorous and authentic, making him a respected figure in Malayalam cinema.

Shafi also ventured into Tamil cinema with the film Majaa, starring Vikram, Pasupathy, and Asin, which was an official remake of his own Malayalam film Thommanum Makkalum.

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