Shaji Kailas is an Indian film director best known for his hard-hitting Malayalam commercial films. He got a break in the industry with the comedy film Dr. Pasupathy (1990). He's known for his collaboration with screenwriters Renji Panicker and Ranijth. With Renji Panicker, Shaji made popular political thrillers such as Thalastaanam (1992), Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans (1993), Ekalavyan (1993), Mafia (1993), Commissioner (1994), and The King (1995). Shaji's collaboration with Ranijth brought forth stories set in a feudal background, such as Aaraam Thampuran (1997), Narasimham (2000), and Valliettan (2000).
Career
Shaji Kailas's debut as a director was in 1989 with News, starring Suresh Gopi in the lead role. Scripted by Jagadish, this investigative thriller was an average grosser. But, with this film, Shaji succeeded in gaining attention of film viewers. But his second release Sunday 7 PM, came out in 1990 was a big flop. Later in the same year, he directed Dr. Pasupathy, a political satire, with Innocent in a leading role. Dr. Pashupathi, written by Renji Panicker, ended up as one of the biggest grosser of the year. This film also marked the beginning of Shaji Kailas- Renji Panicker combo, which later went into making of several super hits. But, the success of Dr. Pashupathy was followed by two huge flops Souhrudam, starring Mukesh and Saikumar in the leading roles and Kilukkampetti, with Jayaram as hero. Shaji Kailas then switched to action films.