Beyond filmmaking, Shaji N Karun shaped Kerala’s film culture as founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and executive chairman of IFFK, promoting independent cinema and cross-cultural dialogue
Published Apr 28, 2025 | 7:54 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 28, 2025 | 7:54 PM
Acclaimed filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away at 73
Synopsis: Shaji N Karun, acclaimed filmmaker and pioneer of Malayalam cinema, passed away at 73 on 28 April at his residence near Vazhuthacaud. An FTII alumnus, Shaji began his career as a cinematographer, collaborating with director G Aravindan. His technical excellence earned him the Eastman Kodak Award for Excellence in 1990, marking a milestone in his celebrated journey
Shaji N Karun, one of India’s most revered filmmakers and a towering figure in Malayalam cinema, passed away on Monday evening, 28 April, at his residence, Piravi, on Udarashiromani Road near Vazhuthacaud. He was 73 and had been battling cancer.
An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Shaji began his illustrious career as a cinematographer, working closely with legendary director G Aravindan.
His technical brilliance was recognised with the Eastman Kodak Award for Excellence in 1990.
In 1988, Shaji made his directorial debut with Piravi, a poignant exploration of grief and resilience. The film garnered international acclaim, winning 31 awards including the Charlie Chaplin Award at Edinburgh, the Silver Leopard at Locarno, and a Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival.
His subsequent films—Swaham, Vanaprastham, Kutty Srank, and Olu—further established him as a master storyteller celebrated for his profound exploration of human emotions and striking visual style.
Vanaprastham marked his third film to be selected for screening at Cannes.
Beyond his contributions as a filmmaker, Shaji played a transformative role in nurturing Kerala’s film culture. He was the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and served as the executive chairman of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), championing independent cinema and cross-cultural dialogue.
Recognising his contributions, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2010, while France honoured him with the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres in 2000.
Just weeks ago, on 16 April, the Kerala government bestowed on him the J C Daniel Award, the state’s highest film honour, at the 54th Kerala State Film Awards ceremony.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded Shaji as a director who beautifully intertwined cinema with visual art, calling him a rare figure who excelled across multiple facets of filmmaking.
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan condoled the passing of Shaji N. Karun, calling him a talent who elevated Malayalam cinema to the global stage.
In a heartfelt message, he remembered Shaji as a director and cinematographer who made unique contributions to cinema, never compromising on artistic value for commercial gains.
Highlighting his debut film Piravi, the leader noted how it marked the arrival of an exceptionally gifted artist who went on to create timeless classics.
Shaji’s works like Piravi, Swaham, and Vanaprastham being selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s official section was a rare honour in world cinema, the leader observed.
Recalling his close creative bond with iconic director Aravindan, the Opposition Leader said Shaji N. Karun left an indelible mark on cinema with seven National and seven State Awards to his credit.
“He was an artist who turned everything he touched into gold,” the message read, bidding farewell to a master who redefined the aesthetics of Malayalam cinema.
CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan expressed deep grief over the demise of Shaji N Karun, describing him as a “unique film genius” who combined social commitment with artistic excellence.
“Through films like Piravi, Swaham, and Vanaprastham, he earned global recognition for Malayalam cinema.
His contributions as the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and KSFDC chairman will always be remembered,” he said in a condolence message, adding that his passing is an irreparable loss to Kerala’s cultural sphere.
Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer also condoled the demise, recalling Shaji N Karun’s invaluable contributions to cinema.
“His unexpected departure is a great loss. The memories of him receiving the J.C. Daniel Award from the state government are still fresh,” Shamseer noted.
He hailed the veteran as a filmmaker who left an indelible mark through milestone works like Piravi, Swapanam, Vanaprastham, and Kuttisrank, among others.
His body is to be kept at Kalabhavan, Thiruvananthapuram for public homage on Tuesday, 29 April, morning. To be cremated at Santhikavadam with state honours.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
