Eminent Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N Karun dies at 73

Thiruvananthapuram | Legendary Malayalam filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun, known for his pathbreaking films and distinctive style of movie making, died at his residence here on Monday, industry sources said.

He was 73.

Karun had been battling cancer for sometime and his condition became worse this morning, they said.

The demise of the eminent filmmaker comes days after he was honoured with the J C Daniel Award for lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema, the highest film honour instituted by the state government, at a function here.

One of the pioneers of new wave cinema in Malayalam, Shaji Neelakantan Karunakaran, popularly known as Shaji N Karun, was among the few filmmakers who took the legacy of Malayalam cinema to the international audience breaking all the barriers.

Hailing from the southern district of Kollam, he graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune in the year 1974 with a gold medal in cinematography.

He began his filmmcareer as a cinematographer working with legendary filmmakers like G Aravindan and K G George.

His debut film titled 'Piravi' (1988), which was inspired by a real-life story during the time of Emergency, was screened at nearly 70 international film festivals.

Karun's second film, 'Swaham' (1994), was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His 'Vanaprastham' (1999) was also screened at Cannes.

The Mohanlal-starrer "Vanaprastham", which revolves around the life of a Kathakali artist, was regarded as one of the best films in Indian cinema by many critics.

Karun's films have won seven national awards and as many Kerala State Awards. His 'Kutty Srank' bagged the national award for Best Feature Film in 2010.

A recipient of the Padma Shri and the French honour "Order of Arts and Letters," Karun was the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

He also served as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).

Karun is survived by wife Anasuya and two children.

People from various walks of life, including those from politics, the film industry and cultural and literary sectors, condoled the demise of the acclaimed filmmaker and recalled his valuable contributions to Malayalam cinema.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer, various ministers, eminent filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, superstar Mammootty and so on were among those who condoled Karun's death.

"Condolences on the sad demise of Shri Shaji N. Karun, renowned filmmaker and cinematographer. His legacy lives on, a guiding light for filmmakers and movie lovers everywhere. May his soul attain mukti," Governor posted on his X handle.

The CM said a defining era in Indian Cinema comes to an end with the passing of Karun.

"His remarkable contributions as a cinematographer, filmmaker, and policymaker refined and enriched our cinematic culture, elevating our cinema to the global stage," Vijayan said in his X handle.

"A creative voice who remained steadfast in his progressive convictions, Shaji N Karun leaves behind a glorious legacy. Heartfelt tributes," he said.

In a detailed condolence message, the CM recalled his contributions and said with the passing of Karun, Kerala has lost a unique filmmaker who has been a face and pride of Malayalam cinema.

"He was a pioneer and flag-bearer of the new wave of Malayalam cinema," the CM said.

Karun was a director who had constantly marked the Malayalam cinema at both national and international levels and thus upheld the reputation of Keralites, he said.

"Karun was an artist who has gained world recognition both as a cinematographer and director. There are only a very few talents who have proven their abilities in divergent fields of cinema," he said.

It is a matter of pride for all those from Kerala that such an artist existed in the Malayalam film industry, Vijayan added.

Describing Karun's contributions as "invaluable" in nurturing the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) to its current stature, the CM also said that the deceased filmmaker was a strong advocate of progressive politics and a sympathiser of Left movements.

"The demise of Karun, who had tirelessly toiled for the artistic elevation of cinema and the progress of the film industry, was a great loss not only to the movie industry but also to the entire state," Vijayan added.