P. S. Rafeeque

Biography:

P. S. Rafeeque, born in 1978 in Eriyad village, Kodungallur, Kerala, is an acclaimed Indian short story writer, screenwriter, and lyricist. He has significantly contributed to Malayalam cinema with his insightful screenwriting and literary works. Rafeeque is recognized for his distinctive voice in both literature and film, exploring themes that resonate with contemporary life.

He made his film debut as a screenwriter with Nayakan (2010), a gripping action drama directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. The film earned critical acclaim, with Rediff.com praising its originality and sincerity. His collaboration with Pellissery continued with the romantic drama Amen (2013), which was both a critical and commercial success. The screenplay of Amen was born from a simple one-liner Pellissery shared with Rafeeque, and their collaboration proved to be a winning formula.

Rafeeque’s literary talent extends beyond screenwriting, with notable short story collections such as Saddam’s Barber and Kaduva, as well as a memoir collection titled Ummoommamapalam Kadanna Eppi. His works in literature are known for their sharp, poignant storytelling, and often deal with complex human emotions and societal issues.

In the film industry, Rafeeque continued to make his mark with screenplays for films such as Raja of Utyopya, Thrissivaperur Kliptham, and Thottappan (2019), the latter of which was adapted from a short story by Francis Noronha. Thottappan earned the 50th State Film Award for Best Screenplay (Adaptation), highlighting Rafeeque’s strong command over his craft.

One of his more recent notable works includes Malaikottai Vaaliban, a period drama about wrestling, where he once again teamed up with director Lijo Jose Pellissery. The film, set in a historical backdrop, is expected to showcase Rafeeque’s storytelling prowess in the historical and action genres.

Rafeeque, a graduate in English literature, is the son of Palliparambil Seythu and Kolliyil Kunjibeevathu. His literary background and deep understanding of human emotions reflect in both his written and cinematic works. He remains an influential figure in Malayalam literature and cinema, known for his rich, compelling narratives that captivate audiences both in print and on screen.