The film 'Achani', released in 1973, gave him the name Achani Ravi. It ran for 50 days in theatres and grossed ₹14 lakh.
Achani Ravi. (Supplied)
Malayalam film producer and industrialist K Ravindranathan Nair who is known as Achani Ravi passed away on Saturday, 8 July.
He died at his residence in Kollam. He was 90 years old and is survived by three children.
Achani Ravi turned 90 last Monday, 26 June. The veteran producer bankrolled 14 movies. He also acted in Esthappan (1980), directed by G Aravindan.
The funeral will be held on the premises of his residence.
Achani Ravi was considered a visionary filmmaker whose filmography didn’t contain mass masala movies but classics.
An industrialist, he was born into a wealthy family in Kollam.
He started his own banner General Pictures under which he bankrolled a series of critically acclaimed and award-winning movies during the 1970s-1980s.
His notable film Achani, which was released in 1973 gave him the name Achani Ravi.
Achani turned out to be a profitable venture for Ravi. It ran for 50 days in theatres and grossed ₹14 lakh.
Ravi also built a public library in Kollam with the money he earned through Achani. Various functions are still organised at this library.
Interestingly, Achani Ravi’s Thampu (1978), directed by the late filmmaker G Aravindan, was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
His other films like Kanchana Sita (1978), Thampu (1978), Kummatty (1979), Esthappan (1980), Pokkuveyil (1982), Elippathayam (1982), Manju (1983) Mukhamukham (1984), Anantaram (1987), and Vidheyan (1994) received critical appreciation and are considered classics.
The ace producer earned 18 National and State awards.
He also received the JC Daniel Award, National Award, and Kerala State Film Award.
Achani Ravi was born into a wealthy family that was involved in the exporting business of cashew nuts in Kollam.
He was passionate about literature and arts since childhood. He debuted in the film industry with Anweshichu Kandethiyilla (1967) directed by P Bhaskaran.
He then joined hands with Bhaskaran for his next two films — Kattukurangu (1969) and Lakshaprabhu (1968). Ravi was also successful in the cashew export industry.
He married playback singer Usha who died in 2013.
Ravi also owned two cinema halls in Kollam — Usha Theatre and Pranavam Theatre.
He was a member of the National Film Awards Committee, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the Film Development Corporation.
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