Sreenivasan Remembered for His Many Facets On and Off Screen

Thiruvananthapuram: Filmmakers, actors, and contemporaries of the late actor and director Sreenivasan fondly recalled his multifaceted creativity and personal warmth during a special session titled “Kind-Hearted Sreeni” held on the final day of the 4th Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival.

The session featured recollections by Transport Minister and actor K B Ganesh Kumar, directors Priyadarshan and Kamal, actor and former Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Prem Kumar, and filmmaker and close relative M Mohanan.

Minister Ganesh Kumar highlighted the political and social consciousness in Sreenivasan’s films. Through his cinema, he often portrayed human flaws, sometimes even embodying self-deprecating villain characters. His political outlook was reflected in domestic narratives and family scenes, subtly inviting audiences to reflect on societal issues. According to the minister, Sreenivasan was a distinctive personality both in his personal life and as a writer and actor.

Priyadarshan recalled meeting Sreenivasan during the filming of “Odaruthammava Aalariyam,” when he entrusted the screenplay to him. Sreenivasan had remarked, with a smile, that he could only write after hearing the sound of the generator. Priyadarshan also reminisced about Sreenivasan’s time at the Madras Film Institute, noting his unconventional appearance and demeanor. Even though he did not fit the conventional hero image, his dedication and talent earned him memorable roles in cinema. “That faith in him lasted until the very end. Everything he did was infused with humour and subtle wit. Through his films, he portrayed humanity in all its complexity,” Priyadarshan said.

Director Kamal shared memories of seeing Sreenivasan in Chennai, where he would meticulously read Malayalam newspapers at a local shop, collecting information and insights. Kamal also revealed that Sreenivasan had secretly worked as a ghostwriter for a Malayalam journalist, writing articles despite his busy schedule. “He even took care of his two daughters’ studies while navigating the demands of cinema,” Kamal added, praising his empathy and kindness.

Prem Kumar described Sreenivasan as a genius who viewed life and humanity from a unique perspective. “Often, when observing extraordinary personalities from afar, we admire them. But with Sreeni, that greatness became even more luminous upon getting closer. He had a deep understanding of the world and believed that an artist must be socially committed,” he said.

M Mohanan spoke of how Sreenivasan shaped his career. “When I wanted to pursue cinema, he gave me the opportunity to work with Sathyan Antikkad. I had to wait for some time and then started narrating stories to him myself. The last film we did together was ‘Aravindante Athidhikal.’ He was supposed to play the role of Vineeth’s father in my final film, but his health didn’t permit it,” Mohanan said.

The session was moderated by C Ajoy, Secretary of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.