Veteran Malayalam actor Sreenivasan passes away at 69

Sreenivasan, a legendary figure who acted in over 225 films and achieved great success as a director and screenwriter, passed away today at a private hospital in Kochi. He was 69 years old and had been undergoing treatment for health-related issues.

Making his debut in 1977 with the film Manimuzhakkam, he quickly carved a niche for himself through his unique comedy and character roles. Beyond acting, he was widely celebrated as a brilliant screenwriter. His sharp social satires and dialogues revolutionized Malayalam cinema. Classics such as Nadodikkattu, Sandhesam, Vandanam, Vadakkunokkiyandhram, and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala continue to be cherished by audiences today.

Sreenivasan appeared in Tamil films like Lesa Lesa and Punnagai Poove. Notably, his hit Malayalam film Kadha Parayumpol, which he scripted and starred in, was remade in Tamil as Kuselan featuring Superstar Rajinikanth.

Throughout his career, Sreenivasan won National Awards and several Kerala State Film Awards. Fans adored him as a “polymath” (Sakalakalavallavan) for his realistic storytelling and effortless acting style.

He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and two sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom are currently prominent actors and directors in the Malayalam film industry.

“The art of telling the pain of the common man through laughter was a craft unique only to Sreenivasan.” Film industry veterans and fans alike are expressing their deep condolences following his passing.