“Some Artists Entertain, Some Enlighten — Sreenivasan Did It All”: Film Fraternity in Mourning

Kochi: The Malayalam film industry is struggling to come to terms with the passing of Sreenivasan, the veteran actor, screenwriter and director whose words, humour and social insight shaped the emotional grammar of Malayalam cinema for nearly five decades. His death on Saturday has left colleagues, friends and admirers grappling with a loss that feels deeply personal, cutting across generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

Messages of condolence from leading film personalities reflected not only Sreenivasan’s stature as a creative force in Malayalam cinema but also the enduring friendships he built over decades. Many of those who worked closely with him spoke of his warmth, sharp intellect and the unique blend of humour and social insight that defined both his work and his personal interactions.

Superstar Rajinikanth, recalling a friendship that predates their cinematic journeys, described the news as “deeply painful.” In a condolence message, he said Sreenivasan was his junior at the Adyar Film Institute in Chennai and remembered him as “a brilliant actor and, above all, a very good human being.” Their bond, forged during student days, later found a memorable professional expression when Kathaparayumbol, written by and starring Sreenivasan, was remade in Tamil and Telugu, with Rajinikanth stepping into the role originally played by Mammootty.

Actor Kamal Haasan remembered Sreenivasan as an artist who defied easy categorisation. “Some artists entertain, some enlighten, some provoke. Sreenivasan did it all,” Kamal wrote, describing him as a “remarkable mind” whose work carried truth, responsibility and quiet courage.

A visibly emotional Mohanlal offered one of the most personal tributes, saying Sreenivasan left without saying goodbye. “Our bond went far beyond cinema,” he said, recalling a relationship that mirrored the deep connection Malayalis felt with Sreenivasan’s characters. “They saw their own pains and joys, their losses and hopes reflected through him. Who else could portray the dreams and shattered dreams of the middle class so powerfully?” Mohanlal said, adding that iconic characters like Dasan and Vijayan became timeless because of the magic and humanity in Sreenivasan’s writing. “A beloved soul who wrapped pain in laughter,” he said.

Director Priyadarshan, a close friend and long-time collaborator, described Sreenivasan as someone who saw the world through laughter. “There will never be another like him,” he said, recalling years of shared dreams, intense story discussions, disagreements and reconciliations. “The goodness in his thoughts and actions—that was Sreeni’s signature.”

Filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, struggling to contain his emotions, said he never believed Sreenivasan would leave so soon. Recalling their last meeting, he said Sreenivasan had spoken with an unexpected sense of finality, even as his clarity of thought remained intact despite illness. Unable to continue, the director paused mid-sentence and quietly walked away, tears in his eyes.

Director Kamal described Sreenivasan as irreplaceable in Malayalam cinema, noting that some of the finest films of his career were shaped by his screenplays. He said Sreenivasan’s satire, rooted firmly in social consciousness, responded to society’s contradictions through self-criticism and humour, ensuring his place in the history of Malayalam cinema.

Actor Urvashi said Sreenivasan’s demise was completely unexpected and deeply personal. Reflecting on her long association with him, she said many of the most important roles in her career were written by Sreenivasan. “He always wanted me to do well. I never imagined this farewell,” she said, calling him a rare talent who gifted Malayalam cinema unforgettable stories and characters.

Actor Manju Warrier said Sreenivasan transcended time through his work in writing, acting and direction. “For the first time, Sreeni ettan has made me cry,” she said, adding that while the body may disappear, his name and creations would continue to live on in many forms for years to come.

Veteran actor Maniyanpilla Raju recalled Sreenivasan’s unmatched humour, saying that even illness never dulled his wit. “Whatever he said jokingly carried many layers of meaning. His departure is an irreparable loss. There will never be another like him,” he said.

Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty described the void left behind as impossible to fill. “A face we will never forget, a voice we will never tire of hearing,” he wrote, calling Sreenivasan a conscience that constantly tried to converse with society and show it a different way of seeing the world.

Renowned playback singer K S Chithra also mourned Sreenivasan’s passing, recalling her long association with his films. “I was fortunate enough to sing for so many of his movies. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” she wrote.

Actor-director Basil Joseph paid tribute to Sreenivasan as an enduring presence in Malayali childhoods and collective memory. “Thank you for all the laughter and warmth you gave us. You were a big part of our childhood and our happiest memories. You may be gone, but you will always live on through your work,” he wrote.

Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran described Sreenivasan as one of the greatest figures Malayalam cinema has ever produced. “Adieu to one of the greatest ever writer, director and actor. Thank you for the laughs and the thoughts,” he said.

His brother, actor Indrajith Sukumaran, echoed similar sentiments, recalling Sreenivasan’s deep imprint on his earliest cinema memories. “Always a part of my childhood core cinema memories. It was a pleasure sharing screen space and speaking your lines. Thank you for all the laughs and the entertainment. Will miss you, Sreeni etta,” he wrote.