Veteran Malayalam writer-director-actor Sreenivasan passes away aged 69 after a prolonged illness.
After over four decades of shaping and defining Kerala’s pop culture with his humorous yet nuanced takes on society, Sreenivasan’s contribution to Malayalam cinema remains etched in our hearts and minds after decades.
With his iconic onscreen partnership with legendary actor Mohanlal and his collaborations with directors Sathyan Anthikkad and Priyadarshan, Sreenivasan’s characters, screenplays and dialogues have weaved themselves into the tapestry of Malayalam cinema continuing to be evergreen cinematic masterpieces that only get better with time.
In tribute to one of Malayalam cinema’s genius creative talents, here are eight timeless films written, directed and/or starring Sreenivasan.
Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam
This 1986 comedy-drama is one of many iconic films brought to life by the triad; director Sathyan Anthikkad, writer Sreenivasan and actor Mohanlal. Highlighting the struggles of the middle class with a light-hearted tone and memorable dialogues that remain relatable to this day, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam is a film with enduring appeal to the masses.
Nadodikattu
One of the most popular showcases of the Mohanlal and Sreenivasan pairing, Sathyan Anthikkad’s 1987 film Nadodikattu which highlights the unemployment and poverty rampant in 1980s Kerala is considered one of the best satirical takes in Malayalam cinema. With dialogues that most Malayalees can quote from memory, the Mohanlal-Sreenivasan onscreen combination as the iconic Dasan-Vijayan remain stitched into Malayalam’s pop culture to this day.
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
A beloved comedy rooted in relatable middle class issues such as water scarcity and local politics, this is 1988 film is remembered for its realistic, flawed characters as the Mohanlal-Sreenivasan chemistry once again shines. Directed by Priyadarshan, Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu is brilliant blend of comedy, romance and satire.
Ponmotta Idunna Tharavu
Starring Sreenivasan in the lead role opposite Urvashi, this 1988 Sathyan Anthikkad film explores themes of greed in human relationships. Written by Raghunath Paleri, Ponmotta Idunna Tharavu is a must-watch for any cinephile with its sharp narrative, witty dialogue and brilliant performances.
Varavelpu
This 1989 black comedy film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Sreenivasan was inspired by a real-life incident in Sreenivasan’s father’s life. Depicting the dirty politics and trade union issues of Kerala, this deeply relatable film went on to gain a cult classic status despite being an average grosser upon release.
Vadakkunokkiyantram
Written, directed by and also starring Sreenivasan opposite Parvathy, this 1989 black-comedy highlights marital issues that crop up due to a husband’s Othello syndrome. The film which won three Kerala State Awards was remade in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi.
Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala
Written, directed by and starring Sreenivasan , this 1998 film portrays the titular character’s silent struggle, sacrifice and emancipation, inspired by Chinthavishtayaaya Sita, a renowned work by Malayalam poet and social reformer Kumaran Asan. Marking Sreenivasan’s second directorial foray, the film – which is praised for its strong female protagonist – cemented Sreenivasan’s multi-faceted position in Malayalam cinema.
Udayananu Tharam
Directed by Roshan Andrews and written by Sreenivasan, Udayananu Tharam presented the Malayalam film industry through a satirical view. The 2005 black-comedy film which once again brought the Mohanlal-Sreenivasan combination back on the screen, explored the financial and artistic crisis that plagued the Malayalam industry at the turn of the 21st century.
Farewell Sreenivasan, your films, characters and stories remain forever a part of every Malayalee’s heart.
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