Public viewing on Tuesday morning, funeral to be held on same day; prominent figures express condolences for Shaji N. Karun

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film lovers are shocked by the demise of Shaji N Karun, a director who made Malayalam cinema famous at the national and international levels. He passed away at 4 pm at his residence in Piravi, Vazhuthakad, Thiruvananthapuram. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer for a long time. There will be a public viewing at Kalabhavan tomorrow from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 4 pm. Many prominent people have expressed their condolences on the death of Shaji N Karun.

Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer condoled the demise of Shaji N Karun. 'It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing away of renowned film director and cinematographer Shaji N Karun. His unexpected departure is a great loss to Malayalam cinema. He is the Chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. It is painful that this sad news comes before the memories of him receiving the JC Daniel Award from the state government have faded away. Shaji N Karun was a unique talent who marked Malayalam cinema in his own style at the national and international levels. The fact that he has done cinematography for about 40 films is a perfect example of his artistic expertise. Each film directed by Shaji N Karun, such as Piravi, Swapaanam, Swaham, Vanaprastham, Nishad, Kuttisrank, AKG, etc., are milestones in the history of Malayalam cinema. His debut film, 'Piravi', won several awards, including a special mention at the Golden Camera at the Cannes Film Festival, in recognition of his talent. I express my condolences on the demise of Shaji N Karun and share the grief of his family and friends," the Speaker said.

Minister for Culture Saji Cherian also expressed his condolences. Saji Cherian said that the demise of Shaji N. Karun sir is a great blow to Malayalam cinema and the cultural world. "Shaji N Karun is a director who has left his mark on Malayalam cinema at both the national and international levels. He has worked as a cinematographer for over 40 films and as G Aravindan's cinematographer, he has infused creative energy into the new wave of Malayalam cinema. He has won seven National Awards and seven State Awards. He has also received the French government's international recognition for his contribution to the field of art and culture, 'The Order of Arts and Letters' and the Padma Shri. 'Piravi', which was screened at over 70 film festivals and won 31 awards, was based on the atrocities of the Emergency, and 'Swaham' was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and was selected in the official category at Cannes. Shaji N. Karun, who has won prestigious recognition for Malayalam cinema at the international level through films like 'Vanaprastam', was presented with the 2023 J.C. Daniel Award for Lifetime Contribution to Malayalam Cinema. The efforts he made for the growth of our cinema sector are immense. He played a key role in the planning of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation during its formation in 1975. He took charge as a film officer at KSFDC in 1976. He was the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, which was formed in 1998. It was during his tenure as chairman that the competition section of the IFFK was started and the festival received FIAF recognition. He was currently serving as the Chairman of KSFDC when he passed away. The formulation of the state film policy was in its final stages under his leadership.
Shaji sir was also the chief organizer of the upcoming film conclave. As the state president of the Progressive Arts and Literature Association, he stood as a beacon of progressive ideas in our cultural field. Since I took charge as the Minister of Culture, his suggestions and ideas on matters related to cinema have been very helpful to me. He had a brotherly closeness and love for me. This separation causes great pain to me personally. I share the grief of everyone who is suffering from the demise of Shaji N Karun sir," the minister said. Minister R Bindu, CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan, Opposition Leader VD Satheeshan and others also expressed their condolences.