The Malayalam film industry is in mourning following the death of the veteran actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan, who passed away in Kochi.
The 69-year-old cinematic icon had been battling prolonged health complications and suffered a sudden deterioration in his condition while travelling to Amrita Hospital for a scheduled dialysis session. He was rushed to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last in the early hours of the morning. His passing marks the end of a prolific career spanning nearly five decades, during which he became the definitive voice of the Malayali middle class through his sharp social satire and relatable storytelling.
Born on April 6, 1956 in Patyam, near Thalassery in the Kannur district of Kerala, Sreenivasan’s journey in cinema began after he graduated from the Madras Film Institute. He made his acting debut in P.A. Backer’s Manimuzhakkam in 1976 and took his first lead role in Sanghaganam in 1979. However, it was his transition into screenwriting with the 1984 film Odaruthammava Aalariyam that truly revolutionised the industry. He became known for creating flawed, everyday characters that resonated deeply with audiences, often collaborating with celebrated directors such as Sathyan Anthikad and Priyadarshan to produce a string of Golden Age hits.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sreenivasan penned some of the most enduring classics in Malayalam cinema, including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, and Varavelpu. His most famous creation remains the “Dasdas and Vijayan” duo from the cult classic Nadodikkattu, which humorously addressed the unemployment crisis of the era. As a director, he achieved critical acclaim with Vadakkunokkiyanthram, which won the Kerala State Best Film award, and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, which earned him a National Film Award for its insightful commentary on social issues.
Even in his later years, Sreenivasan remained a formidable force at the box office and a mentor to the new generation of filmmakers. His scripts for Udayananu Tharam and Katha Parayumpol were remade across multiple Indian languages, while his 2018 film Njan Prakashan became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
He will be remembered by his two sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom have established themselves as successful actors and directors, ensuring that their father’s immense cinematic legacy continues.