Harikumar | Photo: Mathrubhumi Archives
Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned director and screenwriter Harikumar passed away on Monday after a battle with cancer. He took his last breath at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he was undergoing treatment.
Throughout his illustrious career, Harikumar graced the Malayalam film industry with his exceptional talent. With his pen, he crafted the narratives of over 20 films, weaving stories that deeply resonated with audiences. From screenplay to dialogue, his contributions enriched the cinematic landscape.
Harikumar, known as the 'director of litterateurs', brought to life the stories and screenplays of eminent writers such as Perumbadavam Sreedharan, Balachandran Chullikkad, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and M. Mukundan. He provided a platform not solely for commercial success but for films of artistic value, thus elevating such films to prominence.
He made his debut with "Ambalpoovu" in 1981, starring Sukumari and Jagathi Sreekumar as the main leads.
His 1994 release, "Sukrutham," based on M.T. Vasudevan Nair's script, received acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. Mammootty and Gautami portrayed the main characters in "Sukrutham," which won the National Award for Best Malayalam Film.
Noteworthy films include "Jalakam," "Uzham," "Ayanam," and "Udyana Palakan," along with "Swayamvara Panthal."
The 2022 release movie "Autorickshawkarante Bharya," based on M. Mukundan's script and featuring Suraj Venjaramoodu and Ann Augustine in the lead roles, marked his final cinematic contribution.
Beyond his directorial prowess, Harikumar's influence extended to the wider film community. He served as a member of the National Film Awards jury in 2005 and 2008.
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