Legendary Malayalam Director Shaji N Karun Dies at 73 | Cinema Mourns
Shaji N Karun, acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker, passed away at 73. Known for Piravi, Swaham, Vanaprastham, and Kutty Srank.
Veteran Malayalam Filmmaker Shaji N Karun Passes Away at 73
The world of cinema mourns the loss of legendary filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun, who passed away at the age of 73. Known for his poetic visual storytelling, Shaji's contribution to Malayalam and Indian cinema remains unparalleled.
Born in 1952 in Kollam, Kerala, Shaji N Karun first made his mark as a brilliant cinematographer, collaborating with stalwarts like G Aravindan and K G George. He later transitioned into directing, with his debut film Piravi (1988) winning the National Film Award for Best Director and a Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival.
His internationally acclaimed works include Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999), and Kutty Srank (2009), each exploring themes of grief, loneliness, and the human condition with deep sensitivity. Swaham notably became only the second Indian film to compete at Cannes.
Beyond filmmaking, Shaji significantly influenced Kerala's cinema culture by leading the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and developing the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
He is survived by his wife Anasuya Warrier and sons Anil and Appu. His legacy continues through his timeless films, which turned silence, longing, and absence into powerful cinematic poetry.
