Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of one of its most influential creative voices, Sreenivasan, who passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 69. The acclaimed actor, screenwriter, director, and producer had been reportedly battling a long-term illness at his home in Udayamperoor, near Kochi, and was admitted to Trippunithura Taluk Hospital, where he eventually breathed his last around 8:30 AM. His passing marks the end of an era for an industry that he helped shape through nearly five decades of transformative work.
All About Sreenivasan’s Illustrious Malayalam Cinema
Sreenivasan’s contributions to Malayalam cinema are monumental, spanning acting, writing, and directing. Appearing in approximately 225 films, he carved a niche as both a comedic genius and a leading man, consistently portraying the everyman with authenticity, warmth, and nuanced humor.
His on-screen characters often reflected the aspirations, anxieties, and contradictions of the middle class, making his work relatable to audiences across generations.
As a screenwriter, Sreenivasan was a revolutionary force. He authored some of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved classics, including Nadodikkattu, Udayananu Tharam, TP Balagopalan M.A., Gandhinagar Second Street, Thalayana Manthram, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, and Njan Prakashan.
These films were marked by a rare combination of humor and incisive social commentary, tackling bureaucracy, hypocrisy, and everyday struggles with a subtle yet powerful touch. Among his most iconic works was the 1991 political satire Sandesham, which remains a sharp critique of opportunism and ideological rigidity and continues to resonate with viewers decades later.
Sreenivasan’s brilliance extended behind the camera as a director. Films like Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, both of which he wrote and directed, won State and National Film Awards, reflecting his mastery of storytelling, deep understanding of performance, and acute social insight. His direction often highlighted human flaws and societal quirks with a balance of humor and poignancy, cementing his status as a filmmaker whose work was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A Legacy Beyond The Screen
Sreenivasan leaves behind a rich legacy that continues through his family. He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and his sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom have followed in his footsteps in the Malayalam film industry.
Vineeth has established himself as a successful director, actor, and singer, while Dhyan has made a name as a popular actor. Through them, and the countless films he contributed to, Sreenivasan’s influence will remain alive for generations to come.
The impact of his work was evident not only in the audience’s affection but also in the tributes from colleagues and fellow actors.
Mammootty, who shared the screen with Sreenivasan in many iconic films including Nadodikkattu, Katha Parayumbol, Azhakiya Ravanan, Sandesham, Gandhinagar Second Street, and Oru Maravathoor Kanavu, visited Sreenivasan’s residence to offer condolences, standing by Vimala and Vineeth during this difficult time. The bond between the two actors had been a defining feature of Malayalam cinema, blending comedy and drama in unforgettable collaborations.
Tributes Pour In
Actor and director Prithviraj Sukumaran posted on Instagram, writing, “Adieu to one of the greatest ever writer/director/actor! Thank you for the laughs and the thoughts! Rest in peace, legend!” Similarly, Basil Joseph shared a heartfelt tribute: “Srini sir, thank you for all the laughter and warmth you gave us. You were a big part of our childhood and our happiest memories. You may be gone, but you will always live on through your work. Rest in peace, legend.”
Manju Warrier also paid homage, writing in Malayalam, “Being timeless is the most beautiful mark an artist can leave on this earth. Sreeniyettan did it in writing, acting and direction. Not in one way but in many levels, he survives time. For the first time, Sreeniyettan, who ends with a loud laugh at the end, is making me cry. But the last tribute believing that only one body will disappear and that name will live here in different ways for many years.”
Public Homage And Final Farewell
In honor of Sreenivasan, his body was moved from the hospital to his residence and is expected to be placed at Ernakulam Town Hall for public homage, allowing fans and admirers to pay their respects to a man whose work touched countless lives. The industry and audiences alike are uniting in grief, recognizing the profound mark he left on Malayalam cinema.
Sreenivasan’s legacy is multi-layered: a consummate actor who could evoke laughter and empathy, a screenwriter whose words challenged societal norms, and a director whose films combined humor with social consciousness. His influence on Malayalam cinema is immeasurable, his stories timeless, and his characters forever etched in the hearts of viewers. While the world mourns his passing, the laughter, thought-provoking narratives, and warmth he brought to cinema will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
In the annals of Indian cinema, Sreenivasan’s name will remain synonymous with wit, insight, and a rare ability to reflect society through the lens of humor and humanity.
His contributions serve as a benchmark for future storytellers, ensuring that while he may no longer be with us, his legacy will endure, celebrated by audiences, peers, and the Malayalam film community for decades.
