KOCHI: Kaviyoor Ponnamma was an actress who secured a place for herself in the Malayalam film industry through her portrayal of strong characters. She began acting at the age of 17 and had a 62-year-long acting career, where she gained prominence primarily through her motherly roles. She was the living embodiment of the ideal mother figure in every Malayali household. It's doubtful if any other actress in world cinema has portrayed motherly roles with such depth and excellence.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma's debut film was 'Sree Rama Pattabhishekam,' released in 1962. She entered the film industry through plays. Her debut role was Mandodari, Ravana's wife. She went on to win the Kerala State Government's award for Second Best Actress four times. At just 20 years old, Kaviyoor Ponnamma played the mother of legendary actors Sathyan and Madhu. Her heartfelt performances earned her a permanent place in the hearts of Malayalis.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma's illustrious career boasts a rare feat: playing both lead actress and mother to Sathyan. She also played the mother of Malayalam cinema's beloved superstar Mohanlal in several superhit films. Kaviyoor Ponnamma exclusively holds the distinction of being Mohanlal's on-screen mother in Malayalam cinema. No other actress has played Mohanlal's mother in as many films. In fact, Malayalis find it hard to imagine any other actress as Mohanlal's mother on screen, such has been Ponnamma's enduring impact.