TRIBUTE TO SHAFI

Vikram’s late-night call that pulled director Shafi back into cinema

Director Shafi has always been a source of endless laughter for Malayalis. However, the relationship between him and cinema wasn’t always smooth. At one point, Shafi considered quitting the film industry, deeply hurt by unfounded accusations and disheartened by certain experiences. Ironically, this decision came at a time when his film ‘Thommanum Makkalum’ was achieving massive success in theatres.

Recalling that phase, Shafi shared: “There have been painful experiences. But I don’t feel the need to talk about them. Why rake up the past and invite more opposition? While people were roaring with laughter in theatres watching ‘Thommanum Makkalum’, I was at home, crying. That’s the truth! I told myself, ‘Let’s leave cinema behind and live with what we have.’ Even my wife insisted I move on.”

Shafi further revealed how he completely withdrew from the industry: “I stayed at home, upset, and didn’t even answer congratulatory calls from those celebrating the film’s success. But then, one late-night call changed everything. A friend from Chennai called and said, ‘Mr Vikram will contact you soon.’ At first, I thought it must be director Vikram, likely calling to discuss the rights to a story.”

To Shafi’s surprise, the call came from none other than Vikram—the superstar of Tamil cinema! Vikram told him that he had watched ‘Thommanum Makkalum’, wanted to remake it in Tamil, and insisted that Shafi should direct it.

Shafi agreed, and the Tamil remake marked a turning point in his career. Titled ‘Majaa’, the film featured Vikram and Asin in lead roles. It not only reignited Shafi’s passion for cinema but also established him as a recognised director in Tamil Nadu. As Shafi put it, “The film gave me a fresh start and helped me gain recognition in Tamil cinema.”