Shaji N. Karun was an eminent Indian film director and cinematographer, known for his contributions to Malayalam cinema . He passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 73, after battling health issues .
Key Highlights of Shaji N. Karun’s Life and Career:
- Career: He was a legendary Malayalam filmmaker and cinematographer known for his pathbreaking films and distinctive style .
- Death: Shaji N Karun passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on April 28, 2025, at the age of 73 .
- Debut Film: His debut film, Piravi (1988), received international acclaim, screening at nearly 70 international film festivals .
- Cannes Film Festival: His films Swaham (1994) and Vanaprastham (1999) were screened at the Cannes Film Festival, with Swaham being nominated for the Palme d’Or .
- Awards and Recognition: Karun received numerous awards, including seven National Film Awards and several Kerala State Film Awards . He was also a recipient of the Padma Shri and the French honor Order of Arts and Letters . In 2023, he was honored with the J.C. Daniel Award, the highest film honor given by the Kerala government .
- Other Roles: He served as the premiere chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and as chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) .
- Cinematography: Before directing, he worked as a cinematographer for about 40 films, including those by G. Aravindan, K.G. George, and M.T. Vasudevan Nair .
- Themes: His films often depicted pain, solitude, and yearning, using silence and visual storytelling effectively .
- Legacy: Shaji N. Karun is remembered as a pioneer of the new wave cinema in Malayalam, who took the legacy of Malayalam cinema to an international audience .
