Shahi Kabir is a former police officer turned award-winning screenwriter and director in Malayalam cinema. With a background in law enforcement and a deep understanding of human psychology, his films stand out for their authenticity, moral complexity, and emotional resonance.

He made a powerful entry into cinema with the critically acclaimed Joseph (2018), which told the story of a retired cop haunted by personal tragedy. But it was Nayattu (2021), a gripping political thriller, that established him as one of India’s most thoughtful screenwriters. The film explored how systems of power scapegoat the powerless, especially within the police force. For Nayattu, he received the National Film Award for Best Screenplay and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story in 2023.

Shahi Kabir made his directorial debut with Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022), a dark, atmospheric crime drama that earned him the Kerala State Award for Best Debut Director. His second directorial, Ronth (2025), was a slow-burning psychological drama that follows two night-shift officers dealing with trauma, guilt, and unexpected revelations. The film was widely praised for its realism, nuanced characters, and restrained storytelling.

What sets Shahi Kabir apart is his ability to humanize police officers depicting them not as heroes or villains, but as layered individuals navigating a flawed system. Drawing from his own experiences, he crafts narratives that are grounded, socially relevant, and emotionally honest. With each project, Shahi Kabir continues to reshape the landscape of Malayalam cinema, offering stories that are as thought-provoking as they are powerful.