Debut and breakthrough (2002–2006)
Shafi’s first film appearance was in Khadgam (2002) as the villain Azhar. [1] Critics praised his debut, and he received the Filmfare Award for Best Villain – Telugu for the role. [2]
After Khadgam, he acted in supporting and negative roles in several Telugu films like Praanam (2003), Run (2004), and Varsham (2004). In 2005, he played a key antagonist in S. S. Rajamouli’s Chatrapathi, winning the Cine Goers Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2006, Shafi took his first lead role opposite Nandita Das in Kamli, a Telugu drama directed by K. N. T. Sastry. He played a drunkard coolie, a deeply researched role. [2] The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
He also appeared in films like Maayajaalam (2006), Nuvve (2006), Thenavattu (2008, Tamil), and Sindhanai Sei (2009, Tamil).
Continued success (2007–present)
Through the late 2000s and 2010s, Shafi worked in major films across languages. He had comedic and supporting roles in Ready (2008) and Khaleja (2010), where his role as Sidhappa won him the Bharathamuni Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He also featured in Dookudu (2011) opposite Mahesh Babu, Julayi (2012), and Balupu (2013). His Tamil works include Katha (2009) and Kutti Pisasu (2010). He appeared in the Hindi film Firaaq (2008) as well.
Media sources credit Shafi with over 50 films and a reputation for versatile acting across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. [1]
In 2023, Shafi starred as Thiru in the pan-Indian blockbuster Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire by Prashanth Neel, and will return in Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam. [3]
He also acted in the short film 3:15 AM (2023), directed by Amit Raj Verma, which won Best Thriller at the Los Angeles Film Awards. Shafi was nominated for Best Actor (Short Film) at the Cannes World Film Festival, gaining international recognition. [4] [5]
