Famous director Mohan passes away, one of main pioneers of Malayalam films

KOCHI: Famous director Mohan, who ushered in the new wave in Malayalam cinema with films such as ‘Vida Parayum Munpe’, Shalini Ente Kottukari and Randu Pen Kuttikal Nagarikakal, passed away Tuesday. He died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. His first film was Vadakaveedu in 1978. He was noticed after his film ‘Shalini Ente Koottukari’ became a hit.

His films were artistically and commercially ahead. Mohan's movies were characterized by a new story background, new actors and new visual charm. Mohan was creating history through Randu Pen Kuttikal with a theme that had not been seen in Malayalam cinema till then.

He entered the film industry with the film Vadaka Veedu which was released in 1978. The best performance of the actress Shobha came to the screen through Shalini Ente Koottukari. Vida Parayum Munpe was a film that garnered the hearts of the audience with Nedumudi Venu's brilliant acting. He has directed 23 films including ‘Vida Parayum Munpe’ with Nedumudi Venu in the lead role, Randu Penkuttikal, Ilakkangal, Idavela, Alolam, Rachana, Mangalam Nerunnu, Theertham, Sruthi, Oru Katha Oru Nunakkatha, Isabella, Pakshe, Sakshyam, Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu etc. His last film Campus released in 2005.

He undergraduate education was at Irinjalakuda Christ College. He was interested in photography. It was through his father's friend that he met director M Krishnan Nair. He had assisted Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, A B Raj, Madhu and P Venu. He was assistant director of Hariharan’s 'Rajahamsam'.

Actress Anupama is his wife. The couple has two sons Purandar Mohan and Upendhar Mohan.