Veteran actor and screenwriter Sreenivasan passed away in Kochi on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy that redefined political and social satire in Malayalam cinema. He was 69.
Sreenivasan, who created a host of iconic characters loved by Malayalis, effortlessly portrayed both comedic and character roles. Over his career, he acted in more than 225 films and penned several impactful screenplays that showcased the diverse layers of society.
Some of his notable screenplays include Odaruthammava Aalariyam, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Nadodikkattu, Pattanapravesham, Varavelpu, Thalayana Manthram, Sandesam, Midhunam, Mazhayethum Munpe, Azhakiya Ravanan, Oru Maravathoor Kanavu, Udayananu Tharam, Katha Parayumpol, and Njan Prakashan.
In addition to his work as an actor and screenwriter, Sreenivasan also directed two films: Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, both of which earned critical acclaim. Vadakkunokkiyanthram won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film, while Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala received the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.
Born in 1956, Sreenivasan made his acting debut in P.A. Backer’s Manimuzhakkam in 1976. Throughout his nearly five-decade-long career, he received one National Film Award, six Kerala State Film Awards, and two Filmfare Awards.