Published Nov 15, 2026 | 10:18 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 15, 2026 | 10:18 AM
Krishnan’s best-known work, ‘Sakshi’ (Witness), began appearing in Kunkumam Weekly in 1977.
Synopsis: Veteran Malayalam cartoonist PV Krishnan, creator of the political satire series ‘Sakshi’, which chronicled Keralam’s political and social landscape for nearly five decades, has died. Krishnan’s best-known work, ‘Sakshi’ (Witness), began appearing in Kunkumam Weekly in 1977 and became one of the defining features of his career. The Kerala Cartoon Academy conferred its Fellowship on him in 2007 and presented him with the Cartoonist KS Pillai Award in 2009.
Veteran Malayalam cartoonist PV Krishnan, whose political satire series ‘Sakshi’ chronicled Keralam’s political and social landscape for nearly five decades, has died. He was 83.
Born in 1943 at Aroli in Kannur district, Krishnan began his professional career as an art teacher before joining the government’s Directorate of Public Relations as a designer in 1976. His work in the department gave him a close view of the State’s political developments and the leaders who shaped its history. He served during the administrations of former Chief Ministers K Karunakaran, EK Nayanar and AK Antony, while continuing to draw cartoons that held political leaders and the establishment up to scrutiny.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan expressed grief over his death, describing Krishnan’s artistic excellence and journalistic wit as an enduring contribution to Keralam.
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Krishnan’s best-known work, ‘Sakshi’ (Witness), began appearing in Kunkumam Weekly in 1977 and became one of the defining features of his career. Through spare illustrations and a few carefully chosen words, the series conveyed complex political observations with incisive humour.
His cartoons also appeared on the front page of Mathrubhumi, taking his work to a wider readership.
Apart from cartooning, Krishnan was an accomplished photographer and designer. His illustrations and designs appeared on the covers of several prominent magazines and weeklies. He also conducted drawing classes for various television channels and continued contributing cartoons to leading Malayalam newspapers.
The Kerala Cartoon Academy conferred its Fellowship on him in 2007 and presented him with the Cartoonist KS Pillai Award in 2009. He also received several awards for his work in cartooning, photography and poster designing.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
