Malayalam cinema woke up to a deep sense of loss on Saturday morning with the passing of legendary Sreenivasan, a rare artiste who was never just a performer but a reflection of everyday life. Known for his honesty on screen and sharp understanding of society, he shaped Malayalam cinema with stories that felt real, relatable and deeply rooted in human emotions. His absence has left a silence that words struggle to fill.
According to reports by Mathrubhumi, the 69-year-old had been undergoing treatment for a long-term illness at his residence in Udayamperoor. As his health worsened, he was admitted to a hospital where he passed away on Saturday morning. However, the family has not yet disclosed the exact cause of death.
Tributes Pour In For Sreenivasan From Across the Industry
As news of his demise spread, several actors and filmmakers took to social media to express their grief and gratitude. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran shared on Instagram, “Adieu to one of the greatest ever writer/director/actor! Thank you for the laughs and the thoughts! Rest in peace legend!”
Unni Mukundan wrote, “Our country will never witness another artist of your calibre, an actor and a technician par excellence. Though I never had the privilege of working closely with you, I truly tried, and I will always cherish the moments we shared.”
Kani Kusruti shared a heartfelt note saying, “A loss beyond measure… Always grateful to you for everything you have contributed to our mind.” Also, actor Shane Nigam remembered him with emotional words, “With new chapters of laughter, Sreeniyettan and his movies who were a direct view to the social thoughts of today’s world… Will live in our minds forever as the voice of a common man….”
A Career That Redefined Malayalam Storytelling
For Malayalam audiences, he was an all-rounder in the truest sense. There are very few artistes in world cinema who have excelled equally in all forms of film excellence – from acting, writing, dubbing, direction to production. And for Mollywood, that benchmark was set by Sreenivasan. Asking for a favourite film is never easy because his work spans generations and moods.
Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kerala’s Kannur district, he entertained audiences for over four decades. Acted in more than 225 Malayalam films including Varavelpu, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Nadodikkattu, Aram + Aram = Kinnaram and Kinnaripuzhayoram. Known as the king of satire, his humour always carried meaning. As a writer, he delivered memorable scripts such as Njan Prakashan, Odaruthammava Aalariyam and Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam. He also scripted and directed acclaimed films like Vadakkunokkiyanthram (1989) and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998).
He is survived by his wife Vimala and sons Vineeth and Dhyan, who continue to contribute meaningfully to cinema. While Malayalam cinema moves forward, the honesty, courage and simplicity he brought to storytelling will remain unmatched. His films will continue to speak even in his silence!
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source https://lehren.com/malayalam-cinemas-all-rounder-legend-sreenivasan-passes-away-tributes-pour-in/
