He bankrolled more than 60 projects under Aroma Movie International and Sunitha Productions, in addition to directing films.
Published Jul 14, 2024 | 7:49 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 14, 2024 | 7:50 PM
Condolences for the veteran producer Mani are pouring in from across the country. (Google)
Renowned Malayalam producer M Mani, known as Aroma Mani, breathed his last on Sunday, 14 July, at his residence in Kunnukuzhy, Thiruvananthapuram, owing to age-related ailments.
He was 84. His body will be kept at Bharat Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram from 10 am to 11.30 am tomorrow (15 July) for the public to pay their respects, with cremation to follow at 1.30 pm.
Mani produced 62 films under Aroma Movie International and Sunitha Productions, the highest number for any Malayalam producer, according to veteran scriptwriter Kaloor Dennis.
He debuted with the 1977 film, Dheerasameere Yamuna Theere, starring Madhu, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, and Unnimary. The film has musical score by Shyam.
Mani’s notable films include Thinkalaazhcha Nalla Divasam (1985), which won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam, and Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam (1986). Iconic hits produced by Mani include Irupatham Noottandu (1987), Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988), August 1 (1988), Jagratha (1989), Kottayam Kunjachan (1990), Commissioner (1994), and Balettan (2003).
‘Thinkalazhcha Nalla Divasam’ poster. (Google)
He also directed films such as Aa Divasam (1982), Kuyiline Thedi (1983), Engane Nee Marakkum (1983), Muthodu Muthu (1984), Ente Kalithozhan (1984), Aanakkorumma (1985), and Pacha Velicham (1985).
Mani, additionally, produced Tamil films like Arangetra Velai (1990), Unnudan (1998), Kasi (2001), and Gomathi Nayagam (2005).
His last production was Artist (2013) directed by Shyama Prasad.
Mani’s passing is a significant loss to the Malayalam film industry, where he was known for producing a record number of successful films.
In a 2014 interview with The New Indian Express, Aroma Mani reflected on a time when films were synonymous with the production house. He noted that many prominent producers and production houses from the golden era of Malayalam cinema are no longer active.
Mani attributed this decline to rising production costs, the growing emphasis on star power, and the emergence of new-generation producers who rely heavily on satellite rights. These factors, he observed, contributed to a crisis that compelled older players to step back from the industry.
Meanwhile, condolences for the veteran producer are pouring in from across the country. Mani is survived by his wife and three children.
(With inputs from Arjun Ramachandran; edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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