Premium

Sreenivasan, master of satire who made Malayalam moviegoers laugh and reflect, leaves behind a legacy for generations

A six-time recipient of Kerala government film awards, actor-screenwriter Sreenivasan left his imprint in 200-odd movies, and is best known for his films that reflected Kerala’s social and political milieu.

3 min readThiruvananthapuramUpdated: Dec 21, 2025 08:44 AM IST

Sreenivasan, who left a strong imprint in acting, screenplay and direction, was a six-time recipient of Kerala government film awards (file)

Versatile film figure Sreenivasan, who had enthralled Malayalam moviegoers as an actor, director and scenarist, died in Kochi Saturday. He was 69. The gifted comedian, whose films resonate with people generations apart, had been indisposed for the last few years.

A legend known for his multifaceted roles on screen, Sreenivasan is survived by his retired schoolteacher wife, and sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both filmmakers.

Holding up a mirror to society

Sreenivasan, who had acted in 200-odd movies in a career spanning 48 years, is best known for his thought-provoking and satirical films that reflected Kerala’s social and political milieu. His films like Sandesam and Midhunam remain relevant over three decades after their release as they hold up a mirror to everyday life in the state. The movies that Sreenivasan had authored stemmed from a keen microanalysis of the state’s social, cultural and political realities.

A native of Patyam in Kannur, Sreenivasan began his career as an actor in P A Backer’s Manimuzhakkam in 1976. With a professional diploma in acting, he remained before the cameras for the next few years. What redefined his career as well as the fortune of the Malayalam film industry was his decision to venture into screenwriting. In the second half of the 1980s, Sreenivasan penned the script for several movies whose social relevance continues to resonate in Kerala to this day. The 1989 release Varavelpu, in the black comedy genre, depicted the tribulations of an ordinary Gulf returnee who wanted to start an enterprise in Kerala while also depicting the prevalent political environment.

Signature black humour

Along with his favourite director Sathyan Anthikad and actor Mohanlal, Sreenivasan also brought to life several commercially and critically acclaimed films. He had also directed two films – Vadakkunokkiyantram, a poignant drama unfolding in a family due to a husband who suffered from Othello syndrome, and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, which showed how an irresponsible husband’s pilgrimage plans played spoilsport in his family.

His trademark black comedy did not even spare the film industry when Sreenivasan authored the script for Udayananu Tharam, which took a dig at the superstar culture in the Malayalam film industry. He had also acted in lead roles in these films. In the 2007-release Arabikkatha, his writing exposed the degeneration in the Communist movement against the backdrop of the life of an expatriate in the Middle East.

Sreenivasan, who left a strong imprint in acting, screenplay and direction, was a six-time recipient of Kerala government film awards.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...