Sreenivasan: The Legendary Malayalam Actor and Writer Departed at 69

Post by : Mara Rahim

The world of Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of a true icon, Sreenivasan, who died on Sunday at the age of 69 in a Thripunithura government hospital. His 48-year career has profoundly influenced the portrayal of humor within the context of society and the middle class.

Born in 1956 in Kuthuparamba, Kannur, Sreenivasan hailed from a teacher's family with strong Communist roots. He began his journey into acting by enrolling at the Film and Television Institute of India in Chennai in 1977, although his film career initiated earlier with P.A. Backer’s Manimuzhakkam (1976). Over his extensive career, he appeared in more than 200 films, often embodying relatable characters representing the Malayali middle class and their daily lives.

Beyond his acting prowess, Sreenivasan was a respected voice as a dubbing artist for noted personalities like Mammootty. Yet, it was his writing that etched his legacy into the annals of cinema. His breakthrough screenplay in Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984) established him as a writer unafraid to challenge societal norms. This was followed by unforgettable creations like Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, and Nadodikkattu, each coalescing humor with critical social insights.

His iconic satirical film, Sandesham, explores familial ideological rifts while mirroring Kerala's political climate, with memorable lines like "Don't mention Poland." His collaborations with Mohanlal and director Sathyan Anthikad yielded films addressing pressing issues like unemployment and dowry, all rendered with wit and a sense of realism.

As a director, Sreenivasan won the Kerala State Film Award for Vadakkunokkiyantram and received the National Film Award for Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala. His later roles in films like Aanaval Mothiram and Traffic further showcased his knack for nuanced portrayals of moral dilemmas.

A self-identified Communist, Sreenivasan was also an advocate for organic farming and a staunch critic of political violence and false heroism. His legacy continues through his sons, Vineeth and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom are carving out their paths in cinema. Sreenivasan’s profound impact on Malayalam cinema, reshaping narratives on politics, ethics, and daily life through humor and insight, will be felt for generations, and his unique style will be sorely missed.