Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran Malayalam film icon Sreenivasan – an acclaimed actor, screenwriter, director and producer – passed away on Saturday, ending a remarkable career spanning decades that played a key role in shaping the landscape of Malayalam cinema.
The news of Srinivasan’s demise sparked a wave of mourning and political personalities paid emotional tributes on social media.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid his tribute and honored Sreenivasan’s cinematic legacy.
“Sreenivasan’s demise is an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema. What we are losing is a talent who rose to leading positions in every field of film production. Very few filmmakers have succeeded in bringing the life of the common man to the silver screen and guiding the audience to their desired level of awareness through humor and reflection. Sreenivasan stepped into cinema breaking many long-standing traditions,” said CM Vijayan, according to a press release from the Chief Minister’s Office.
CM reflected warmly on Sreenivasan’s contribution to Malayalam cinema and said, “Spanning story, screenplay, direction and acting, Sreenivasan worked across multiple fields and in each of them, established his personality in an extraordinary manner. Many of the characters in his films will remain forever imprinted in the Malayali psyche.”
Calling the actor’s demise a “personal loss” for him, CM Pinarayi Vijayan recalled a warm conversation he had with Srinivasan.
“Srinivasan, who maintained heartfelt personal closeness, stood out as an epitome of affection and friendship,” the statement said.
Among others, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar condoled the demise of the veteran actor and said, “His iconic performance and timeless contribution will always be remembered. Condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Kerala General Education and Labor Minister, V Sivankutty says, “‘Sri’ of Malayalam cinema passes away; heartfelt tribute to Priya Sreenivasan. Priya Sreenivasan’s demise is one of the biggest losses Malayalam cinema has ever suffered.”
Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer said in a statement, “He was a rare talent who brought socially conscious themes to the masses through simple and deeply touching presentations. Through his art, he powerfully portrayed the struggles and hopes of the common people. Blending humor and criticism in equal measure, his contribution to impacting the society will always be remembered in the history of Malayalam cinema. Even in this hour of grief, the void created by his demise will be filled with gratitude.” Will not be able to fill it.”
CPI(M) MLA and actor Mukesh talked about his strong friendship with Srinivasan during a media interaction.
“His nature is to speak clearly and openly. He never compromises when it comes to cinema. Not once have I had even the slightest misunderstanding with Sreenivasan. Even Sreenivasan’s laughter has its own uniqueness. I had expressed my wish that we should produce a film together and thus the film ‘Katha Parayampol’ was jointly produced. The moments spent with Sreenivasan are golden moments. Even That even the criticism of his films was full of humor.” He said.
Veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, director and producer Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday at the age of 69.
Speaking to the media, actor and screenwriter Renji Panicker shared that Sreenivasan’s mortal remains would be taken to his residence and later taken to the Town Hall for the public to pay their respects.
A public viewing will be held at 1 p.m.
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