Sreenivasan was a legendary figure in the Malayalam film industry, known not just as an actor but also as a well-known writer, director, producer, and one of the most influential storytellers in South Indian films. He passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 69, and the news has triggered widespread mourning across the film industry and among audiences in Kerala and beyond.
Career and Contribution
Sreenivasan worked for nearly five decades in Malayalam cinema and acted in more than 225 films. His acting was known for being natural, subtle, and deeply relatable, often portraying ordinary, everyday people rather than superhero roles. He wrote the screenplays for many of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic films, such as
- Nadodikkattu
- Sandesam
- Gandhinagar 2nd Street
- Varavelpu
- Njan Prakashan
These scripts are known for mixing humour with sharp social commentary, making viewers laugh while making them think about real-life issues.
He also directed films like Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, which received major honours such as the National Film Award and Kerala State Film Awards for their deep emotional and social narratives.
Unlike typical movie stars, Sreenivasan’s strength was in portraying realistic characters that audiences connected with, middle-class struggles, family dynamics, political satire and everyday life. His dialogues and scenes with many are still quoted and referenced years later.
Why He Is Trending Now
Sreenivasan’s death on December 20, 2025 has been widely covered by national and regional media. He passed away at 69 after a period of illness, and Kerala’s film community and fans are paying tribute to his legacy. His colleagues and other Indian stars, including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Manju Warrier, have shared emotional tributes. His death is being mourned as the loss of a “filmmaker who could make us laugh, think and reflect.”
Sreenivasan’s influence went beyond just making films; his scripts shaped the way Malayalam cinema blended comedy with social truths, politics with personal stories, and realism with emotional depth. Fans and film lovers online are remembering not only his movies but also the way his work mirrored everyday Malayali life — his humour, sharp social insights, and even his memorable dialogues. This has sparked discussions about his contribution not just to cinema but to Kerala’s cultural identity.