Latest news with #ShajiNeelakantanKarunakaran
NDTV
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Legendary 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 here on Monday, industry sources said. He was 73. Shaji N Karun had been unwell for some time and was battling health issues, they said. The death 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. His debut film, 'Piravi' (1988), was screened at nearly 70 international film festivals, while his second film, 'Swaham' (1994), was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His 'Vanaprastham' (1999) was also screened at Cannes. Shaji N 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 premiere chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. He also served as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Legendary filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away
Legendary filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji Neelakantan Karunakaran, better known as Shaji N Karun, passed away on Monday. He was 73. Born on January 1, 1952, in Kollam, Kerala, Shaji grew up in a culturally rich household. His family later moved to Thiruvananthapuram, where he studied at Palkulangara High School and University College. In 1971, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), graduating in 1974 with a gold medal in cinematography. His student film, Genesis, had already hinted at his future promise. Shaji N Karun began his career as a cinematographer, working closely with filmmakers like G. Aravindan and KG George. His work in films such as Kummaty, Thampu, Esthappan, and Yavanika was widely noted for its inventive use of light and rhythm. His directorial debut Piravi — a moving tale about a father's search for his missing son during the Emergency — won him the National Award for Best Director and a Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. His next film Swaham became only the second Indian film after Salaam Bombay! to compete in Cannes' main section. Vanaprastham, starring Mohanlal, further cemented his international reputation, exploring the loneliness of an artiste trapped between tradition and modernity. His later films, including Kutty Srank, Swapaanam, and Olu, continued to create waves for its poignant portrayal of human nature. Until his death, he served as chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, remaining a guiding force for Malayalam cinema.
