Shaji N. Karun, an innovative Indian filmmaker known for revolutionizing Malayalam cinema through his contemplative visual style and deeply moving narratives, passed away at his home in Thiruvananthapuram on April 28th after a lengthy fight against cancer. He was 73 years old.
Karun’s introduction to classical arts and literature during his early years served as the basis for his venture into cinema. Upon receiving a gold medal in cinematography from India’s Film and Television Institute in 1975, he embarked on his career behind the camera, working alongside filmmakers like G. Aravindan and K.G. George on projects such as “Thampu,” “Esthappan” and “Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback.
Karun’s first movie as a director, “Piravi” (1988), which tells a heartfelt story of a father trying to find his lost son during India’s Emergency era, received global recognition. The film earned the Caméra d’Or – special mention at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival and won him the National Film Award for best director in India. His later movies, “Swaham” (1994) and “Vanaprastham” (1999), further established his reputation, with “Swaham” being the last film chosen for competition at Cannes until Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” in 2024.
Karun significantly influenced the culture of filmmaking in Kerala beyond just being a filmmaker. In this capacity, he held key positions, such as the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, where he played a crucial part in launching the International Film Festival of Kerala and boosting its global reputation. Additionally, he served as the chair of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, championing independent and regional cinema.
Karun’s efforts were honored with a multitude of awards, such as the Padma Shri of India in 2011 and the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government in 1999. His films, grounded in the cultural essence of Kerala but universally relatable, continue to be timeless examinations of human fortitude and desire.
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2025-04-28 20:47