Sharfu : A Voice of the New Wave Malayalam Cinema
Sharfu is a Malayalam screenwriter and lyricist whose work has come to represent a grounded, emotionally aware voice in contemporary cinema. His writing stands out for its realism, moral complexity, and strong sense of character, often drawing from lived experiences and social observation rather than cinematic excess. Over time, Sharfu has built a body of work that reflects both personal intimacy and wider social consciousness, earning him recognition as part of a new generation shaping modern Malayalam storytelling.
Originally from Kozhikode, Sharfu did not begin his journey in cinema through a conventional artistic route. Like many of his contemporaries, he comes from an engineering background. His transition into films was gradual, shaped by curiosity, independent thinking, and sustained engagement with short films and online creative spaces. It was through the short film circuit and social media networks that he met Suhas, a fellow engineer from Thripunithura. Their shared passion for cinema soon evolved into a long-term creative partnership.
Before stepping into screenwriting, Sharfu gained hands-on experience in filmmaking by working as an associate director, while Suhas worked as an assistant director. They were part of the team behind Sudani From Nigeria, an experience that exposed them to the collaborative and practical realities of filmmaking. During this period, they came in contact with cinematographer and producer Sameer Thahir, one of the producers of the film. This connection eventually led them to director Amal Neerad, a meeting that proved pivotal in Sharfu’s career.
Sharfu made his screenwriting debut with Varathan, co-written with Suhas. The film’s success marked a major breakthrough and established him as a writer with a strong grasp of atmosphere, tension, and human psychology. The film’s reception brought Sharfu and Suhas into the spotlight, leading to further collaborations with prominent filmmakers.
Following this, director Aashiq Abu invited Sharfu and Suhas to co-write Virus, along with Muhsin Parari. The film, which dealt with a real-life health crisis, was noted for its restraint, research-oriented narrative, and emotional authenticity. Sharfu’s contribution to the screenplay showcased his ability to balance large-scale social realities with personal stories, without resorting to melodrama.
Sharfu’s work soon extended beyond Malayalam cinema when he joined as a co-writer for the Tamil film Maaran, directed by Karthick Naren and starring Dhanush. While the film received mixed responses, it marked an important phase in Sharfu’s career, reflecting his willingness to explore different cinematic spaces and storytelling forms.
He continued to explore darker and more introspective themes with Puzhu, a film that examined power structures, patriarchy, and psychological control within a domestic setting. The film further reinforced Sharfu’s reputation as a writer unafraid to engage with uncomfortable ideas, using silence, subtext, and moral ambiguity as narrative tools. This was followed by Dear Friend, which explored friendship, identity, and emotional distance, once again highlighting Sharfu’s interest in internal conflicts over external spectacle.
Alongside screenwriting, Sharfu has also built a parallel identity as a lyricist. He made his debut in songwriting by writing the song “Thonnal” for a music video directed by Ahaana Krishna. The song was appreciated for its simplicity and emotional honesty, qualities that closely align with his narrative sensibilities as a writer. Since then, he has penned songs for several Malayalam films including Madhuram, Jana Gana Mana, Adi, Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham, and Jackson Bazaar Youth. His lyrics often echo the same understated emotional depth seen in his screenplays, focusing on feeling and meaning rather than ornamentation.
Sharfu continues to evolve as a storyteller, with his later works reflecting sharper social observation and deeper character studies. Films like Rifle Club demonstrate his growing confidence in blending genre elements with intimate human drama. Known for his collaborative spirit, contemporary sensibility, and commitment to truthful storytelling, Sharfu has emerged as a significant voice in the new wave of Malayalam cinema, with a creative journey that continues to expand across languages and forms.
Filmography (as Co-Writer)
Varathan — Debut
Virus — Co-written with Muhsin Parari and suhas
Maaran — Tamil film, additional screenplay
Puzhu — Co-written
Dear Friend — Co-written
Rifle Club — Co-written
( As a lyricist)
Madhuram
Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham
Jackson Bazaar Youth
Thonnal ( musical album)
Adi
Jana Gana Mana
Abhilasham
Shaadi Masti ( musical album)
Aashakal aayiram
