Malayalam’s first action hero did over 100 movies in six years; died after he asked retake of dangerous helicopter stunt

From Krishnan Nair to Jayan

The cousin of veteran Malayalam actor Jayabharathi, who had by then become a strong figure in the industry, Krishnan Nair made his debut in Shapamoksham (1974), rechristened as Jayan. He soon began receiving small roles, and thanks to his unique style and perfect physique, Jayan captured the attention of the masses almost instantly. With his strong performance in Panchami (1976) receiving widespread acclaim, Jayan firmly established himself in Malayalam cinema. From Ormakal Marikkumo, Madanolsavam, Adimakkachavadam and Thacholi Ambu to Jayikkaanaay Janichavan, Mukkuvane Snehicha Bhootham, Kadathanaattu Maakkam and Lisa, Jayan expanded his horizons by taking on a wide range of roles without limiting himself.

While his voice, dialogue delivery, and swagger-filled body language were the first to win over audiences, he soon began stealing the spotlight with the precision and sharpness he brought to action sequences. Before long, such scenes — and even entire films that could be categorised as actioners — began being crafted specifically for him. His fiery dialogues, piercing glances, and daring stunts — most of which he performed himself, refusing to endanger stunt doubles — became major talking points. At the same time, his impressive acting abilities also did not go unnoticed. In no time, he became the embodiment of Malayali masculinity. A true macho icon.

Rise to superstardom

Nonetheless, what catapulted him to superstardom was his performance as the antihero in director Hariharan’s Sarapancharam (1979), which redefined the portrayal of men on screen in Malayalam cinema. The iconic scene in which a half-naked Jayan — wearing nothing but shorts and a scarf around his neck — oil-massaged a horse, flaunting every muscle in his chiselled body, left a massive imprint on the Malayali psyche that it continues to rank among the most impactful scenes of all time. Sarapancharam marked the coronation of Jayan as the new superstar and the first out-and-out action hero in Malayalam cinema. The subsequent months saw a slew of movies hitting the screens, most of which leveraged Jayan’s fame to the fullest. This was also the era that marked the birth of the Jayan-Sukumaran-Soman superstar trio. From Mochanam, Sarpam, Avano Atho Avalo and Aavesham to Angakkuri, Theenalangal, Kazhukan and Karipuranda Jeevithangal, Jayan knocked it out of the park almost every time.

1980 proved to be a significant year in his life, primarily because it was in this year that he delivered some of his most iconic movies and performances. Angadi — from which his dialogue “we are not beggars…” entered pop culture and even everyday language — along with Karimbana, Meen, Love in Singapore, Benz Vasu, Moorkhan, and Manushya Mrugam, were among the most significant works he delivered that year. However, 1980 was also the year when his life was tragically cut short in an on-set accident.

The accident on Kolilakkam set that caused Jayan’s death

Renowned for his courage and bravery to perform extremely adventurous and dangerous scenes without stunt doubles, it was his penchant for perfection that eventually led to his untimely demise. On November 16, 1980, the shooting of the climax fight scene of director PN Sundaram’s multi-starrer Kolilakkam was progressing in full swing in Sholavaram, near Madras (now Chennai). At one point, Jayan had to climb onto the pillion seat of co-star Sukumaran’s motorcycle, stand on it, and reach for the helicopter in which the villain (Balan K Nair) was escaping. While others fought on the ground, the rest of the scene was planned to show the action hero hanging from the landing skid of the flying helicopter and fighting the villain.

The initial take went well, and the director was impressed. However, Jayan, being a perfectionist when it comes to stunt scenes, sought a retake. During the second take, the helicopter lost control and crashed. According to The News Minute, while the pilot jumped out of the helicopter, Balan K Nair was thrown off, and both sustained injuries. Unfortunately, Jayan fell and hit his head hard on the ground. Although he was rushed to the hospital and attempts were made to provide him with adequate treatment, Jayan passed away at 6.30 pm.

Jayan during the helicopter scene in Kolilakkam that resulted in his death. (Screenshot: YouTube/MalayalamMovieChannel1)

At the time of his death, Jayan was at the peak of his career, beloved by all Malayalees and commanding a massive fan base. He was nothing short of a phenomenon. Many movies he had agreed to work on had to be recast, and impressionist Alleppey Ashraf completed the few that he had yet to dub. Including Kolilakkam, a couple more of his movies hit the screens posthumously, allowing viewers to catch a glimpse of their beloved star even after he was gone.

Jayan: The pop culture icon

But Jayan’s popularity did not end there. The impact he left was so profound that his performances, particularly the way he delivered dialogues in a uniquely stylised manner, found fresh popularity with the arrival of television and mimicry troupes. Although most mimicry artistes performed his mannerisms in an exaggerated way for comedic and dramatic effect, it never failed to entice the audience. The same can be seen in movies as well, where various actors imitate Jayan in random scenes and moments, almost as a tribute.

The most intriguing part is that even 45 years after his death, Malayali audiences can still identify a Jayan impression almost instantly. Such was the impact he left, despite working as an actor for only six years and appearing in just about 116 films. While the youth of his time embraced Jayan as a symbol of male beauty in cinema, he remains a hero even today for younger generations, too, who weren’t even born during his era.