Actor Punnapra Appachan passes away

ALAPPUZHA: Malayalam film actor Punnapra Appachan (77) has passed away. He had been undergoing treatment after a fall that caused internal bleeding in the head. His health deteriorated while he was admitted to Ernakulam Medical Trust Hospital, after which he was shifted to Vandanam Medical College Hospital.

Appachan hailed from Punnapra in Alappuzha. He made his acting debut in 1965 through the film Othenante Makan, starring Sathyan in the lead role. He gained recognition for his performance in Anubhavangal Palichakal, in which he portrayed a workers’ leader.

He also appeared in Anantharam, directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and went on to act in many of Adoor’s subsequent films. Over his long career, Punnapra Appachan acted alongside almost all major superstars of Malayalam cinema. He was known for his roles as both villain and character actor. Some of his notable films include Kanyakumari, Nakshathrangale Kaaval, Ivar, Visham, Oppol, Kolilakkam, Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam, Attakkalasham, Asthram, Paavam Krooran and Pingami.