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News18
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Veteran Malayalam Filmmaker Shaji N Karun Passes Away At 73; Shashi Tharoor Offers Condolences
Last Updated: Veteran filmmaker Shaji N Karun, known for his visually striking storytelling in Malayalam cinema, passed away at 73. His acclaimed works include Piravi, Swaham, and Kutty Srank. Veteran filmmaker and screenwriter Shaji N Karun passed away at the age of 73. His name was considered synonymous with artistic brilliance in Malayalam cinema. Known for his simple yet deep, visually striking storytelling, Shaji had carved a distinct space in the world of parallel cinema. He was known for critically-acclaimed films such as Piravi (1988), Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999), and Kutty Srank (2009), and others. Shaji N Karun was an alumnus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. The institute expressed their condolences via an X (formerly Twitter) post. It read: 'The Film and Television Institute of India, Pune deeply mourns the passing away of our distinguished alumnus, Shri Shaji N Karun. A master storyteller and a pioneer of Malayalam cinema, his work enriched Indian filmmaking. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones." The Film and Television Institute of India, Pune deeply mourns the passing away of our distinguished alumnus, Shri Shaji N Karun.A master storyteller and a pioneer of Malayalam cinema, his work enriched Indian heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. — FTII (@FTIIOfficial) April 28, 2025 Indian National Congress MP Shashi Tharoor offered his condolences. Expressing shock over Shaji N Karun's demise, the politician told PTI, 'I am truly shocked and saddened by this news. Shaji N Karun was one of the greats, no question about it. If you were to name half a dozen of the great Indian directors, he would be one of them. He had such extraordinary success." He continued, 'You remember his first movie, Piravi, when he was just in his mid 30's, was not only a national award winner, but got special mention in Cannes, had global recognition, he went on to make many other fine films, but what is striking that he was the master of depiction of grief, heartbreak, pain, and today he leaves us like almost like a scene in one of his films, in leaving us with a moment of desolation, and loss… I extend my condolences to his family." Shaji N Karun's glorious filmography Shaji N Karun made his directorial debut with Piravi (1988), a powerful film inspired by the real-life tragedy of Rajan's disappearance during the Emergency. The movie was a landmark in Indian cinema, winning the Caméra d'Or – Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival, and several National and international awards. It brought global attention to Malayalam cinema's emotional depth and cultural richness. He followed it up with masterpieces like Swaham (1994), which competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes—a rare achievement for an Indian film. His other notable works include Vanaprastham (1999), starring Mohanlal, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival and received widespread acclaim for its exploration of identity and art. As a cinematographer, Shaji contributed to classics like G Aravindan's Kanchana Sita and Esthappan, showcasing his mastery of visual storytelling long before he turned to direction. His films often delved into themes of human suffering, memory, and existential longing, using stunning imagery and subtle emotions. Apart from filmmaking, Shaji also played a crucial role in shaping India's film culture, serving as the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). In 2024, Shaji N Karun was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. His visionary storytelling will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers across the globe. First Published:
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Ace filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away
Ace filmmaker Shaji N. Karun passed away at his home here on Monday. He was ailing for a while after being diagnosed with cancer. 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.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Vanaprastham' director Shaji N Karun passes away at 73
Legendary Malayalam filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away on Monday (April 28) at the age of 73. He had been unwell for a while and was battling health issues. He was recently honoured with the J. C. Daniel Award for his lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema, and his unique style contributed some of the finest movies to Mollywood, including ' Piravi ' (1988), 'Swaham' (1994), ' Vanaprastham ' (1999), 'Swapaanam' (2013), 'Oolu' (2018) and ' Kutty Srank ' (2010). The filmmaker made his directorial debut with 'Piravi' in 1988, and the movie was screened at several international film festivals. Swaham was screened at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival for the Palme d'Or award. Meanwhile, Shaji's 'Vanaprastham', which defined Mohanlal's career as one of the finest actors of Mollywood, won three awards at the 47th National Film Awards : Best Feature Film, Best Actor for Mohanlal , and Best Editing for A. Sreekar Prasad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1 Teaspoon Before Bed Burns Body Fat - You Will Fit Into Your Clothes Again! Progress Health Learn More Undo His 2010 directorial venture 'Kutty Srank', starring Mammootty , also won the National Award for Best Feature Film. His latest film was 'Olu'. Renowned writer TD Ramakrishnan created the story for the movie, which featured Esther Anil, Shane Nigam, Indrans, and Kani Kusruti in the lead roles. Karun, who was honoured with the Padma Shri and France's prestigious "Order of Arts and Letters," became the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. He also later headed the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). Mohanlal celebrates his 61st birthday with family in Chennai His loss stands as one of the greatest losses for Mollywood, as his excellent storytelling will ensure that his legacy endures.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Master auteur Shaji N Karun passes away at 73
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The world of cinema has lost an icon with the passing of Shaji N Karun, master filmmaker, cinematographer, and one of the country's most profound visual poets. He was 73. His movies depicted grief, not through grand gestures, but through the small, almost invisible fractures of the heart. His death feels eerily familiar, as if one were living inside one of his own stories. The same heavy silence now wraps his admirers. He is best known for his acclaimed films Piravi (1988), Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999), and Kutty Srank (2009). His debut film Piravi won the National Award for Best Director and received the Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. Swaham also travelled to Cannes, becoming only the second Indian film to be selected for the competition section. Vanaprastham won widespread national and international recognition. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Born in 1952 in Kollam, Shaji grew up in a household rich in cultural awareness. His father worked in the revenue department while his mother nurtured his love for literature and classical arts. In 1963, the family moved to Thiruvananthapuram, where Shaji studied at Palkulangara High School and University College. In 1971, he entered the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, graduating in 1974 with a gold medal in cinematography. His graduation film Genesis had already started to turn heads. He spent the first decade of his career behind the camera, working with filmmakers like G Aravindan and K G George. His cinematography in films such as Kummaty , Thampu , Esthappan , and Yavanika showed his excellence in handling light, rhythm and emotional depth. His visuals became the story rather than just accompanying it. Influenced by classical Indian aesthetics and European art cinema, Shaji developed a language all his own. In 1988, he made his directorial debut with Piravi , inspired by a real-life story from India's Emergency era. Without confrontations or melodrama, the film portrayed a father's endless search for his missing son that conveyed an overwhelming sense of absence. His ability to capture silence, waiting, and grief marked him as a filmmaker of rare sensitivity. Swaham followed a woman's battle with fate after the loss of her son. Vanaprastham delved deeper into themes of artistic loneliness and social invisibility, offering one of Malayalam cinema's most artistically ambitious works. His later works included Kutty Srank (2009), Swapaanam (2013), and Olu (2018), Beyond his work as an artist, Shaji shaped Kerala's film culture. As the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, he helped build the International Film Festival of Kerala into one of Asia's most respected showcases for world cinema. Later, as chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, he championed new voices and independent filmmaking. He is survived by his wife Anasuya Warrier and sons Anil and Appu. Like he said, in his hands, cinema truly became a prayer. His films do not always provide closure. Instead, they leave viewers with spaces to linger and questions to live with. His legacy lives on through the timeless works of art he created. Filmography As Director Piravi (1988) Swaham (1994) Vanaprastham (1999) Nishad (2002, Hindi) Kutty Srank (2009) Swapaanam (2013) Olu (2018) Notable Work as Cinematographer Kanchana Sita (1977) – Director: G Aravindan Thampu (1978) – Director: G Aravindan Kummatty (1979) – Director: G Aravindan Esthappan (1979) – Director: G Aravindan Pokkuveyil (1980) – Director: G Aravindan Chidambaram (1985) – Director: G Aravindan Yavanika (1982) – Director: K G George Major Awards and Honors National Film Award for Best Director – Piravi (1988) Caméra d'Or – Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival – Piravi (1989) Kerala State Film Award for Best Director – Swaham (1994) Kerala State Film Award for Best Director – Vanaprastham (1999) Vanaprastham selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes (1999) Piravi and Swaham widely screened and honored at international festivals including Cannes, London, and Locarno Padma Shri Award – Government of India (2011) Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres – Government of France (2019)
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Veteran filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The world of cinema has lost an icon with the passing of Shaji N Karun, master filmmaker, cinematographer, and one of the country's most profound visual poets. His movies depicted grief not through grand gestures but through the small, almost invisible fractures of the heart. His death feels eerily familiar, as if one were living inside one of his own stories. The same heavy silence now wraps his admirers. He is best known for his acclaimed films Piravi (1988), Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999), and Kutty Srank (2009). His debut film Piravi won the National Award for Best Director and received the Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. Swaham also travelled to Cannes, becoming only the second Indian film to be selected for the competition section. Vanaprastham won widespread national and international recognition. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Born in 1952 in Kollam, Shaji grew up in a household rich in cultural awareness. His father worked in the revenue department while his mother nurtured his love for literature and classical arts. In 1963, the family moved to Thiruvananthapuram, where Shaji studied at Palkulangara High School and University College. In 1971, he entered the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, graduating in 1974 with a gold medal in cinematography. His graduation film Genesis had already started to turn heads. He spent the first decade of his career behind the camera, working with filmmakers like G Aravindan and K G George. His cinematography in films such as Kummaty, Thampu, Esthappan, and Yavanika showed his excellence in handling light, rhythm and emotional depth. His visuals became the story rather than just accompanying it. Influenced by classical Indian aesthetics and European art cinema, Shaji developed a language all his own. In 1988, he made his directorial debut with Piravi, inspired by a real-life story from India's Emergency era. Without confrontations or melodrama, the film portrayed a father's endless search for his missing son that conveyed an overwhelming sense of absence. His ability to capture silence, waiting, and grief marked him as a filmmaker of rare sensitivity. Swaham followed a woman's battle with fate after the loss of her delved deeper into themes of artistic loneliness and social invisibility, offering one of Malayalam cinema's most artistically ambitious works. His later works included Kutty Srank (2009), Swapaanam (2013), and Olu (2018), Beyond his work as an artist, Shaji shaped Kerala's film culture. As the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, he helped build the International Film Festival of Kerala into one of Asia's most respected showcases for world cinema. Later, as chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, he championed new voices and independent filmmaking. He is survived by his wife Anasuya Warrier and sons Anil and Appu. Like he said, in his hands, cinema truly became a prayer. His films do not always provide closure. Instead, they leave viewers with spaces to linger and questions to live with. His legacy lives on through the timeless works of art he created. Filmography As Director Piravi (1988) Swaham (1994) Vanaprastham (1999) Nishad (2002, Hindi) Kutty Srank (2009) Swapaanam (2013) Olu (2018) Notable Work as Cinematographer Kanchana Sita (1977) – Director: G Aravindan Thampu (1978) – Director: G Aravindan Kummatty (1979) – Director: G Aravindan Esthappan (1979) – Director: G Aravindan Pokkuveyil (1980) – Director: G Aravindan Chidambaram (1985) – Director: G Aravindan Yavanika (1982) – Director: K G George Major Awards and Honors National Film Award for Best Director – Piravi (1988) Caméra d'Or – Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival – Piravi (1989) Kerala State Film Award for Best Director – Swaham (1994) Kerala State Film Award for Best Director – Vanaprastham (1999) Vanaprastham selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes (1999) Piravi and Swaham widely screened and honored at international festivals including Cannes, London, and Locarno Padma Shri Award – Government of India (2011) Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres – Government of France (2019)
