Bharathan

Bharathan Biography

Bharathan was a popular director and script writer during 1980’s and 1990’s. He has worked for Malayalam as well as Tamil movies. He along with director Padmarajan are regarded as most talented film directors during this era of Malayalam cinema. Apart from a script writer and director, he was a lyricist, music director, editor, poster designer sculptor, and art director. Directors of 90’s and 2000’s regard these two directors as their idols and many of the leading directors of 90’s have come out of the art school started by Bharathan and Padmarajan.

Among his most noted works – Devaraagam, Churam, Chaamaram, Marmaram, Parvathy, Amaram, Paalangal, Vaisali,  Malootty, Patheyam, Kathodu kathoram, Chamayam, Thaazvaaram, Venkalam, Keli, Ormakkayi, Guruvayur Keshavan, Kaatathe Killikoodu, Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam, Rathi nirvedam and Thakara. His movies are loved most for its melodious tunes too and have won many awards including National awards. Kamal Hassan’s movie ‘Tevar makan’ was directed by Bharthan, that was later remade to Hindi by Priyadarshan as Virasat.  This movie won National awards for best Tamil movie in the year 1992. Apart from Tevar Makan, he has also directed Aavaram poo and Devaragam was also made in two languages, starring Aravind Swami and Sri Devi in pivot roles. His wife K.P.A.C.Lalitha is a talented artist of Malayalam who has worked for many Bharathan movies. His son Sidharth has also acted a few movies, though his real dream is to stand behind the camera.

Director Padmarajan was the scriptwriter for his debut movie – Prayanam in 1975. Their association has given many wonderful pieces of art to medieval era of Malayalam cinema. A few to mention – Eenam, Ozhuvukalam, Loory, Thakara and Ratinirvedam. Along with M.T.Vasudevan Nair, John Paul and Lohitadas also, he has made a dream team up. Director Lohita das started his film journey as a script writer for Bharthan. His powerful stories in association with Bharathan include -  Amaram, Venkalam and Patheyam. Along with the great writer and Jnanapeet award winner, M.T.Vasudevan Nair he has worked for movies like Thaazvaaram and Vaisali. Perhaps his association with John Paul is known most. It started with Ormakkai in 1982. Other movies include – Paalangal, Kathodu kathoram, Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam, Neelakurinji Poothapol, Manjera dwani, Chamayam, Malootty, Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam and Keli.

He has worked with almost all leading actors of the industry – Bharat Gopi, Mamootty and Nedumudi Venu. Yet his association with Mammooty has given many hits – Patheyam, Kathodu kathoram, Pranamam and Ente upasana. He has won numerous state awards. He has won art direction award 6 times and best director award once. He died at a comparatively younger age of 50.     

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Updated: September 28, 2017