Indian cinematographers work in a number of regional film centres: Mumbai for films in Marathi and Hindi, Hyderabad for Telugu films, Chennai for Tamil films, Kochi for films in Malayalam, Kolkata for Bengali films, Bangalore for Kannada films, etc. Most Indian cinematographers are known for their work with one regional industry. Some cinematographers belong to various professional organisations and trade unions.
Sathyan was an Indian actor known for his work in Malayalam cinema. Known for his own style and versatility in acting, Satyan was one of the pioneers of realistic acting in Indian film industry. He is respectfully called Sathyan Master. He was also a soldier in the British Indian Army and later a police officer with the Travancore State Police.
Bharatham is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language musical drama film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. It stars Mohanlal, Urvashi, Nedumudi Venu, Lakshmi, and Murali. The film was produced by Mohanlal through his production house Pranavam Arts. The film features original songs composed by Raveendran and a background score by Johnson. Bharatham is interpreted as a modern-day adaptation of the Ramayana from Bharatha's perspective. How, in the absence of his elder brother, Gopinathan takes the responsibility of the family and hides his griefs is the core of the story.
K. Bhaskaran Nair, professionally credited by his stage name Adoor Bhasi, was an Indian actor and film director. He was mostly cast as sidekicks to protagonists, particularly Prem Nazir. His comedic roles were widely appreciated in Malayalam films of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Bhasi has also done leading and character roles. He directed three Malayalam films in late 1970s. Bhasi is also known for his eloquent speeches in fluent English. He has won Kerala State Film Awards, including two Best Actor and one Second Best Actor.
Padiyath Kochumoideen Kunjalu, known by his stage name Bahadoor, was an Indian actor and comedian who, along with Adoor Bhasi, redefined the way in which comedy and funny scenes were perceived in the Malayalam cinema. They made a significant contribution toward establishing comedy as the predominant genre of Malayalam cinema. Bahadoor also appeared in some serious roles and in professional plays. His last film was Joker, which released shortly after his death.
Vinodaythra is a 2007 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film written and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad, and starring Dileep and Meera Jasmine along with Mukesh, Murali, Innocent, Ganapathi S Poduval, KPAC Lalitha, Nedumudi Venu, Seetha and Parvathy in supporting roles. Few scenes of the film were reported to be inspired by the 2001 Korean film My Sassy Girl. The film became a blockbuster at the box office and completed more than 150 days in theatres.
Odayil Ninnu is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and written by P. Kesavadev based on his novel of the same name. The film deals with the life and struggles of a proud and hardworking rickshaw puller, Pappu. It stars Sathyan, Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Master Dasarath plays the young Pappu. Suresh Gopi made his acting debut with the film, who was then six years old. He appeared as the feudal lord's timid son, who also becomes the root cause for Pappu running away from home.
Nandanam is a 2002 Indian Malayalam-language romantic film written, co-produced, and directed by Ranjith, it stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Revathi, Navya Nair, Aravind Akash, Siddique, and Sai Kumar in main roles. K. J. Yesudas and Sudheesh makes a Cameo Appearance. The film won four Kerala State Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards South. The film also marks the debut of Prithiviraj Sukumaran.
Vettam (transl. Light) is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language screwball comedy film directed by Priyadarshan based on a screenplay he had co-written with Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas from his story. It was produced by Menaka through Revathy Kalamandhir and distributed by Swargachitra Release. The film stars Dileep and Bhavna Pani with Kalabhavan Mani, Innocent, Janardhanan, Nedumudi Venu and Jagathy Sreekumar in supporting roles. It has over the years attained a cult status.
Newspaper Boy is a 1955 Indian Malayalam-language drama film. It is the first neo-realistic film in the language. The film narrates the life of the common man on the street. It is noteworthy in that the entire production programme from script-writing to direction was controlled and executed by students. The group of students were from the school Adarsh Kalamandir and the film was written and directed by P. Ramdas. The screenplay was based on a short story written by Ramadas himself.
Adhyayam Onnu Muthal is a 1985 Malayalam-language drama film, written by John Paul, directed by Sathyan Anthikad and starring Madhavi, Mohanlal, Soman, Balan K. Nair, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Venu Nagavalli and Bahadur.
Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu is a 1958 Malayalam film directed by P. Bhaskaran and written by Uroob based on his own story "Business". Ragini and Sathyan play the lead roles, while Prema, Pankajavalli and T.S. Muthayya appear in major supporting roles. The film received a certificate of merit at the National Film Awards.
Minnunnathellam Ponnalla is a 1957 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by R. Velappan Nair. It is a remake of the 1956 Hindi film CID and stars Sathyan, P. K. Sathyapal and Kumari Thankam. This was A. Janaki's debut Malayalam movie.
Stalin Sivadas is a 1999 Malayalam political conspiracy crime film, directed by T. S. Suresh Babu and written by T. Damodaran. The film stars Mammootty, Madhu,Jagadish, Khushbu, Captain Raju, Nedumudi Venu, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Shankar. The film was released alongside Pathram.
T. S. Muthaiah was a Malayalam and Tamil film actor. He was a very popular actor in both film industries who usually played character and supporting roles in 1950s and 1960s.
Lokaneethi is a 1952 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by R. Velappan Nair and produced by Swami Narayanan. The film stars Sathyan and B. S. Saroja. The film had musical score by V. Dakshinamoorthy.
Puthiya Velicham is a 1979 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Sreekumaran Thampi and produced by S. Kumar. The film stars Jayan, Jayabharathi, Srividya and Jagathy Sreekumar. It is a remake of the Hindi film Phool Aur Patthar.
Kanalkattakal is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language action film directed by A. B. Raj and produced by Thomas Abraham. The film stars Prem Nazir, Vincent, K. P. Ummer, Jayabharathi, Adoor Bhasi and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. The film has musical score by V. Dakshinamoorthy.
T. N. Gopinathan Nair, was an Indian dramatist, novelist, poet, screenwriter and biographer of Malayalam language. One of the prolific among Malayalam playwrights, Nair published 39 plays, besides his four novels, four poetry anthologies and five biographies. He was a member of the council of Kerala Sahitya Akademi and held the char of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. His drama, Pareeksha, received the Vikraman Nair Trophy for the best drama and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi selected his work, Sakshi, for their annual award for drama in 1979.
