A year of losses for the Malayalam film industry, nine until now

8 years ago

Before the Malayalam film industry could digest actor Kalabhavan Mani’s untimely demise, the news of film director Saji Paravoor’s death has rocked the film fraternity.

Saji is best known as the director of the Mohanlal-Suresh Gopi starrer Janakan which was released in 2010. Most recently, he worked as an associate director in an upcoming Roshan Andrews-Kunchacko Boban film called School Bus. Saji was at home celebrating his son’s birthday when he suddenly collapsed. He later died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

Saji was an associate to the eminent film director Lenin Rajendran in the past. He received a break as independent film director through Janakan in 2010. However, he had produced Janakan under the pseudonym Sanjeev. Though Janakan failed at the box office, film critics did notice it.

Actress, Kalpana – Jan 25, 2016

Kalpana was in Hyderabad shooting for a Telugu film at the time of her death. She was found dead in her hotel room. Doctors from a private hospital later confirmed that Kalpana had died from cardiac arrest.

Singer, Shan Johnson – Feb 05, 2016

Malayalam music composer Johnson Master’s daughter Shan Johnson was found dead in her apartment in Chennai. According to medical reports, she died of a massive heart attack. She was only 29.

Poet/lyricist ONV Kurup – Feb 13, 2016

Ottaplakkal Neelakandan Velu Kurup, dearly known as ONV Kurup was a beloved Malayali poet, teacher and a cherished lyricist. He won the Jnanpith Award in 2007 and had received Padma awards in 1998 and 2011. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram in 2007. Kurup died of geriatric problems.

Cinematographer, Anandakuttan – Feb 14, 2016

U R Anandakuttan was thought of as one of the best cinematographers in the Malayalam film industry. His first film as a cinematographer was P Chandrakumar’s Manasiloru Mayil in 1977. He had worked on more than 150 films, including His Highness Abdulla, Bhratham and Sadayam.

Music director, Rajamani – Feb 14, 2016

Rajamani, son of veteran music director B A Chidambaranath had won the state award for the best background music for the Mohanlal-starrer Aaram Thampuran. He had also contributed to the other film industries from the south. He received three international awards for his work in Laughing Buddha.

Director, Rajesh Pillai – Feb 27, 2016

Pillai was known to have given the Malayalam film industry a new lease of life through his critically acclaimed film Traffic. He died a day after his newest film Vettah was released.

Director, Mohan Roop – March 1, 2016

Mohan Roop, who was 53, was found dead at the Thrissur Mission Quarters. He was 21 years old when he directed Vetta which starred Mohanlal, Mammootty and Sreenivasan.

Actor/comedian Kalabhavan Mani – March 6, 2016

Kalabhavan Mani Passed away on the evening of March 6 at a private hospital in Cochin. He was admitted due to liver-related problems. The actor was being treated for liver and kidney ailments. He was 45.

Mani Raman commonly referred to by his stage name Kalabhavan Mani, started his career as an impressionist in the Kalabhavan troupe based in Ernakulam. He appeared in more than 200 films—including Tamil and Telugu films. He was noted for his versatility. He won the national and state awards for his role as ‘Ramu’ in the film Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum.