Legendary Filmmaker Shaji N. Karun Passes Away at 73
Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N. Karun died at 73, leaving behind a legacy of globally celebrated cinema.
Key Highlights:
Shaji N. Karun Death: Malayalam Filmmaker Dies at 73 – Iconic Director Passes Away Today
Celebrated Indian filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N. Karun passed away at the age of 73 on April 28, 2025. Known for his poignant storytelling and visually evocative cinema, Karun breathed his last at his residence ‘Piravi’ in Thiruvananthapuram around 5 PM.
His death marks the end of a golden chapter in Malayalam and Indian parallel cinema, a field he pioneered with deeply introspective and internationally acclaimed works.
A Life Dedicated to Artistic Cinema
Shaji N. Karun began his illustrious career as a cinematographer before transitioning into direction. His directorial debut, Piravi (1988), won the Caméra d’Or – Mention d’honneur at the Cannes Film Festival, and multiple National Awards in India. His other landmark films include:
- Swaham (1994) – Official entry at Cannes competition
- Vanaprastham (1999) – Screened at Cannes, produced by Mohanlal
- Kutty Srank (2009) – National Film Award for Best Feature Film
Each of his films explored themes of loss, identity, and the human condition, often interwoven with Kerala’s cultural textures.
Honours and International Recognition
Shaji N. Karun was the recipient of numerous national and international accolades:
- Padma Shri – One of India’s highest civilian honors
- Ordre des Arts et des Lettres – Conferred by the French Government
- National Film Awards – Multiple wins as director and cinematographer
- Kerala State Film Awards – Recognized consistently for excellence
He was also the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and played a pivotal role in shaping the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Tributes Pour In from the Film World
Following the news of Shaji N. Karun’s death, tributes have poured in from across the Indian film fraternity.
- Mammootty tweeted, “A true visionary. Your silence now speaks louder than your frames ever did.”
- Mohanlal, his long-time collaborator, expressed “deep personal loss” and called him “the soul of Malayalam cinema’s global identity.”
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called Karun’s passing “an irreparable loss to Indian culture.”
Funeral Arrangements and Survivors
Shaji N. Karun is survived by his wife, Anasuya Devaki Warrier, and their two children, Appu Karun and Karun Anil. Funeral arrangements are underway and are expected to be held with full state honors.
The Final Word
Shaji N. Karun’s death leaves a void not only in Malayalam cinema but in world cinema. His films, rich with emotional depth and visual lyricism, elevated Indian filmmaking to international platforms. As cinephiles and artists mourn his passing, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of storytellers.
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