Legendary Malayalam Actor-Director Sreenivasan Passes Away at 69 After Battling a Long-term Illness

Veteran Malayalam actor and director Sreenivasan was a pivotal figure in Malayalam cinema who breathed his last on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Over the decades, the legendary star carved out a distinctive space in the history of Malayalam cinema. He played a major role in shaping and defining Kerala’s popular culture, analysing and critiquing the various societal complexes, hypocrisies, human connections, and psychology, weaving a sharp social commentary into accessible humour. He passed away at the age of 69 at Ernakulam Taluk Hospital in Kochi. Reportedly, the screenwriter and director had been undergoing treatment at his residence in Udayamperoor for a long-term illness, owing to cardiac and other ailments.

Malayalam Actor-Director Sreenivasan Breathes His Last

Sreenivasan’s cremation will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at his residence in Kandanadu near Thripunitura. Tributes from fans and celebrities are continuously pouring in. He was survived by his wife Vimala, and sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom are prominent figures in Malayalam cinema. To date, the actor’s characters, roles, and screenplays are part of Malayali cinematic folklore, with some of the dialogues a part of everyday life.

Born on 6 April 1956 in Patyam, near Thalassery, Kerala, the star worked in over 200 films, spanning across five decades. In 1977, the talented artist made his acting debut with P.A. Backer’s Manimuzhakkam, and over the years, he was regarded as one of Malayalam cinema’s most respected actors. He wrote screenplays for several landmark movies and directed a handful of films that continue to redefine Malayalam cinema’s golden years.

Some of his notable screenplays include Sandesham, Azhakiya Ravanan, Varavelpu, Nadodikattu, and Thalayanamanthram. Through the perfect blend of humour and critique, the veteran left an unforgettable imprint on generations of Malayali viewers, filmmakers, and directors alike. Undoubtedly, the entertainment industry is mourning with great loss.