Shafi (actor)


Mohammed Shafiullah Moinudden, known professionally as Shafi, is an Indian actor primarily recognized for his roles in Telugu cinema. Known for his villainous roles, Shafi gained acclaim in 2002 for his debut film Khadgam, for which he won the Filmfare Award for [Best Villain – Telugu|Filmfare Award for Best Villain – Telugu]. With notable performances in movies like Kamli, Chatrapathi, and Khaleja, he has established himself as a key player in the industry.

Career

Shafi’s first film appearance was in Khadgam as the villain Azhar. Critics praised his debut, and he received the Filmfare Award for Best Villain – Telugu for the role.
After Khadgam, he acted in supporting and negative roles in several Telugu films like Praanam and Varsham. 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. The film won the National [Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu]. He also appeared in films like Mayajalam and Thenavattu.
Through the late 2000s and 2010s, Shafi worked in major films across languages. He had comedic and supporting roles in Ready and Khaleja, where his role as Sidhappa won him the Bharathamuni Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also featured in Dookudu opposite Mahesh Babu, Julayi, and Balupu.
In 2023, Shafi starred in Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire by Prashanth Neel, and will return in Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam. He also acted in the short film 3:15 AM, directed by Amit Raj Verma, which won Best Thriller at the Los Angeles Film Awards. Shafi was nominated for Best Actor at the Cannes World Film Festival, gaining recognition.

Filmography

Other language films

;Television