Ace filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away
Karun was a cinematographer, producer and director all moulded into one, which eventually made him the highly respected elder film statesman from Kerala.
The 73-year-old acclaimed cinematographer was later known for his directorial skills, which won him both national and international awards.
He has cranked the camera for 40 films, which include towering directors like G. Aravindan, K.G. George, and M.T. Vasudevan Nair, to name a few.
Later, he began directing, and of the seven films he directed, three of them won national awards and not to mention international awards too.
He was also an able administrator, as he was the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and was the live wire during the now popular International Film Festival of Kerala.
Karun was presently the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.
Though born in Kollam, he was settled in the state capital city.
After his graduation, he joined the prestigious Pune Film Institute in 1971 to learn cinematography.
In his long career, he has bagged seven national awards, which include three best film awards (Piravi, Vanaprasatham and Kutty Srank).
It was in 1977 that he won the first of the eight Kerala State Film Awards for the best cinematographer in the film 'Kanchana Sita'.
In 1979, Karun won his first national award for camera work in the black and white film 'Thampu'.
He was also decorated with the Padma Shri for his contribution to films.
At the Cannes Film Festival in 1989, Shaji's film 'Piravi', which he produced and directed, won a Special Mention, and in 1994, he did one shade better when his film 'Swaham' won the best film award.
His films have also bagged honours at the London Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival and several others. Incidentally, it was just earlier this month that he was presented the most prestigious J.C. Daniel Award for his outstanding contribution to Malayalam films.
Shaji N. Karun is survived by his wife and two sons, and he will be given a state funeral to be held here on Tuesday.
Condolences have started pouring in from several quarters.
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Indian Express
6 hours ago
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His remarks were met with immediate criticism. Pushpavathi PR, Vice Chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, responded by defending the support extended to women and transgender filmmakers as well. 'People from SC/ST communities have not had the opportunity to come to the forefront of cinema. It's been 98 years — that's the reality," said Minister Cherian. 'One of the best decisions taken by this government was to provide Rs 1.5 crore each for two films. We've already released four and are funding two more." 'How many women in our state have directed films? We gave Rs 1.5 crore each for two women-led films and completed three to four projects. We've also launched initiatives for the transgender community. Everyone should have the opportunity to be part of cinema." Responding to concerns about misuse, Cherian said, 'These decisions are not made arbitrarily. A screening committee of respected members from the Malayalam film industry evaluates each project. And the films produced under this scheme have been extraordinary. We are 100 per cent confident that we made the right decision." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
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