Thiruvananthapuram: The iconic Malayalam film director Shaji N. Karun, whose groundbreaking work earned global recognition for Malayalam cinema, has passed away at the age of 73. He breathed his last at 5 p.m. at his residence on Udarsirumani Road in Vazhuthakkad after battling a prolonged illness.
Karun, who recently received the prestigious J.C. Daniel Award, the highest honor in Malayalam cinema, was a visionary who played a key role in transforming the industry. His last public appearance was during the award ceremony.
Shaji N. Karun’s masterpieces such as Piravi, Swam, and Vanaprastham not only brought Malayalam cinema to the world stage but also won numerous accolades, with over 70 film festival screenings and 31 awards to his name.
His 2009 film Kuttisrank, featuring Mammootty, earned seven national and state awards. Karun was also bestowed with the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government and was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Born in 1952 in Kollam, Shaji N. Karun’s passion for cinema led him to graduate from the University College, Thiruvananthapuram, and later earn a diploma in cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, in 1974. He was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) in 1975 and went on to serve as its chairman. Additionally, Karun was the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, founded in 1998.
Shaji N. Karun’s legacy as a trailblazer in Indian and international cinema will continue to inspire generations to come.
