Renowned Malayalam Filmmaker Shaji N. Karun Passes Away at 73

Thiruvananthapuram: Shaji N. Karun, the renowned Indian film director and cinematographer, passed away today at the age of 73. He died at 5 p.m. at his residence, 'Piravi,' in Vazhuthakkad, Thiruvananthapuram. He is survived by his wife, Anasuya Warrier, and their children, Appu Karun and Karun Anil.
Born on January 1, 1952, in Kollam, Kerala, Shaji's journey in cinema began after completing his schooling at Palkulangara H.S. and earning a bachelor's degree from University College, Thiruvananthapuram. In 1971, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to pursue a diploma in cinematography. Later, he was appointed to the State Film Academy when it was established.
A pivotal moment in Shaji's career came when he met filmmaker G. Aravindan. Under Aravindan’s guidance, Shaji worked as a cinematographer on numerous films, significantly contributing to the Malayalam New Wave movement. He also collaborated with other prominent directors, including K.G. George, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and the late Aravindan himself, contributing cinematography to over 40 films.
Shaji made his directorial debut with Piravi (1988), which earned international acclaim, receiving a special mention at the Cannes Film Festival and the Caméra d'Or – Mention d'honneur. His subsequent films, including Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999), and Kutty Srank (2009), solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. Swaham was notably the only Malayalam film selected for competition at Cannes, while Vanaprastham was screened there and Swam earned a nomination in the official selection.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shaji’s work was showcased at over seventy film festivals, winning 31 awards. His films played a key role in bringing international recognition to Malayalam cinema, earning praise for their artistic excellence and global appeal.
Shaji received numerous accolades, including the National Award for Best Cinematographer, three Kerala State Film Awards, and seven other national and state honors. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India and the prestigious French honor, the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et Lettres. He was also recently awarded the state’s prestigious J.C. Daniel Award for the previous year.

Beyond his filmmaking achievements, Shaji played a vital role in shaping the future of Malayalam cinema. He served as the first chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and was instrumental in establishing the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). His leadership extended to policy-making, including his appointment as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Shaji was a passionate advocate for artistic freedom and stood firm in defending the integrity of Indian cinema, as seen in his participation in recent protests against the Sangh Parivar’s attacks on Empuran, advocating for filmmakers' right to express their vision freely.
Shaji N. Karun's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. His legacy will continue to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles around the world.