Veteran Malayalam film director and cinematographer Shaji N Karun, passed away on Monday, at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. At 73, Karun was celebrated for his profound contributions to Malayalam cinema, with internationally recognized films like Piravi, Swaham, and Vanaprastham. His death marks the end of an era in Indian art-house filmmaking.
Shaji N Karun, born on January 1, 1952, in Kollam, Kerala, was a pioneering force in Indian cinema. Graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India in 1974, he began his career as a cinematographer, collaborating with renowned directors like G. Aravindan. His transition to directing brought forth Piravi (1988), a film that garnered international acclaim, including a Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival and the Caméra d’Or – Mention d’honneur .
Karun’s subsequent films, Swaham (1994) and Vanaprastham (1999), continued to receive global recognition, with Swaham competing for the Palme d’Or at Cannes . His unique storytelling and visual style brought Malayalam cinema to the forefront of international film discussions.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shaji N Karun received numerous accolades, including seven National Film Awards and seven Kerala State Film Awards. In 2011, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India, and in 1999, he was bestowed the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government .
Beyond filmmaking, Karun played a pivotal role in shaping film culture in Kerala. He was the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and served as the executive chairman of the International Film Festival of Kerala from 1998 to 2001 .
In December 2024, he was awarded the JC Daniel Award, the highest honor in Malayalam cinema, recognizing his lifetime contributions to the industry .
