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).