Shaji Kailas

Man, Shaji Kailas is just one of those names that’s basically tattooed across Malayalam cinema. Born smack in the middle of August ’65, right in Thiruvananthapuram (yeah, try saying that three times fast), he grew up soaking in all the classic Kerala flavors. These days, he’s got this rep for making movies that don’t exactly tiptoe around—think big action, bigger attitude, and enough plot twists to make your head spin. People still talk about “News” from ’89, which, by the way, was way ahead of its time with the whole investigative thriller vibe. “Kerala Cafe” is another wild card—he only directed a segment in that anthology, but honestly, his style’s so punchy you could pick it out blindfolded. And then there’s “Simhasanam” from 2012. That one? Pure mass entertainer, loaded with political drama, power plays, and the kind of dialogues you hear echoing in college canteens for years. Shaji’s movies aren’t about subtlety. He loves his heroes larger-than-life, his villains with a side of menace, and every scene just dripping with high voltage energy. Off the set, he’s married to Annie (yeah, the actress Annie), so basically, that’s a power couple right there. If you’ve ever caught yourself humming a background score from a Shaji Kailas movie or quoting a punchline—welcome to the club. His films are not just flicks; they’re like a genre all their own in Malayalam cinema. There’s swagger, there’s chaos, and honestly... wouldn’t have it any other way.