Director Shafi's films and iconic characters etched in Malayali psyche

Director Shafi who passed away after suffering a stroke is best known for delivering a handful of super hit family entertainers. His movies 'Kalyanaraman', Chattambinaadu', 'Pulival Kalyanam' and 'Two Countries' continue to be a personal favourite among Malayalis. While it is the film settings and humour that made these films endearing, the characters from these films have found a bigger space in people's hearts. Here's a look at some of the most iconic characters that have attained prominence among Malayali film enthusiasts .

'Dasamoolam Damu'

Who can forget the iconic character Dasamoolam Damu played by Suraj Venjaramoodu in 'Chattambinaadu'? While Mammootty delivered what the audience was hoping for as Veerendra Mallaya, it was Suraj Venjaramoodu's Dasamoolam Damu who enjoyed cult status for his dialogues and mannerisms in the film. In the mid 2010's, his character made its way into popular culture through memes and trolls. Buoyed by the character's success, Shafi decided to make a film entirely on the character but later entrusted the task to 'Nnna Thaan Case Kodu' director Ratheesh Pothuval.

'Manavalan'

‘Pulival Kalyanam’ featuring Jayasurya and Kavya Madhavan in the lead is one of Shafi's best comedy directorials. He along with the screenwriters Udayakrishna and Sibi Thomas went on to create one of Mollywood's most hilarious characters 'Manavalan' played by Salim Kumar. The scene involving Manavalan smoking a pipe with Harikrishnan (Jayasurya) and Theepori Kuttappan (Harishree Ashokan) at Manavalan's office has been eternalized through trolls.

'Ponjikkara Kesavan'

Most of Shafi's characters are memorable but it is Innocent's characterisation of Ponjikkara Kesavan in 'Kalyanaraman' that takes the cake. The hilarious scene of the wedding feast, where he offers rice to a guest, is still celebrated for its evergreen humour. The film and Innocent's character in it continue to enjoy cult status.