Here is a comprehensive guide to Vipul Shah, the story producer behind The Kerala, who has directed notable films like Aankhen and Namastey London.
Starring Adah Sharma and directed by Sudipto Sen, The Kerala Story has emerged as the unexpected blockbuster of the year, grossing over Rs 200 crore net at the Indian box office. Furthermore, it is now on track to surpass the Rs 300 crore gross milestone worldwide. The film also features Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, Sonia Balani, Vijay Krishna, Pranay Pachauri, and Pranav Misshra in pivotal supporting roles.
The film has stirred significant controversy in recent times due to its portrayal of the lives of three Hindu women in Kerala who are coerced into converting to Islam and joining the terrorist organization ISIS. The initial claims made by the filmmakers, stating that 32,000 Hindu women in the South Indian state have undergone a similar ordeal, have led to opposition from various political parties.
Yes, it is indeed noteworthy that The Kerala Story has been financed by renowned filmmaker and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, through his production company Sunshine Pictures Private Limited.
Vipul Shah started his career by directing plays in Gujarati theatre before achieving a significant breakthrough with the Sony TV show Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka. This popular Hindi fiction series became the first of its kind to complete 1000 episodes and emerged as one of the longest-running serials on Indian television. Vipul Shah directed the show for a duration of three years, from 1999 to 2002.
Vipul Shah made his directorial debut in Bollywood with the gripping heist thriller Aankhen, which featured renowned actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, and Sushmita Sen, among others. Following this success, in 2005, he directed Waqt: The Race Against Time, which reunited Bachchan and Kumar. Shah’s third directorial venture was the romantic comedy Namastey London, released in 2007.
In 2009, Vipul Shah directed the film London Dreams, featuring Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn in the lead roles. Continuing his collaboration with Akshay Kumar, Shah directed the romantic comedy Action Replayy, with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the leading actress. His most recent directorial venture was Namastey England, starring Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles.
In addition to The Kerala Story, Vipul Shah has produced several other films, including Commando: A One Man Army and its two sequels, Commando 2: The Black Money Trail and Commando 3. He has also produced movies like Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, Force and its sequel Force 2, with a third installment planned for next year. Other films produced by Vipul Shah include Sanak, Singh Is Kinng, and Kucch Luv Jaisaa.
In his personal life, Vipul Shah married the highly acclaimed actress Shefali Shah, known for her notable performances in projects like Delhi Crime, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Darlings. The couple got married in 2000. Prior to her marriage with Vipul, Shefali was married to actor Harsh Chhaya. Vipul and Shefali are blessed with two sons named Aryaman and Maurya.
