Hariharan (director)

Hariharan (director) Biography

Hariharan is a leading director of Malayalam cinema who has won both National and State awards. Along with M. T. Vasudevan Nair, he has given numerous classic movies to Malayalam. Nakhakshatangal, Pazzassiraja, Sargam, Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha, Idavazhiyile Poocha Mindappoocha, Aaranyakam, Ennu Swantham Janakikutty, Amrutham Gamaya and Parinayam are a few movies of this amazing combination that have won numerous awards. Ezhamathe varavu, released in the year 2012 was the recent release of this combination and their movies have been always received by much anticipation. Pazzassiraja, released in the year 2009 was a project of this magic duo after Ennu Swantham Janakikutty, released in the year 1998.

Hariharan entered the Malayalam film industry in 1965. Ladies hostel – released in the year 1973 was his first movie as a director. He has worked with all leading actors of time – Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sheela and Jayabharathy. Babumon, released in the year 1975 was one of his earliest hits. A few of his movies during 70’s are Ayalathe sundari, Bhoomi Devi Pushpiniyayi, Panchami, Tholkkan Enikku Manassilla, Sangamam, Sujatha, Sarapancharam, Edavazhiyile Poocha Minda Poocha,  Kanya daanam, Ambili Ammavan Rajahamsam, Love marriage, Themmadi velappan and Rajayogam.

His noted films during 1980’s are Poocha sanyasi, Panchagni, Nakhakshathangal, Amrutham Gamaya, Aranyakam, Oru vadakkan Veeragatha, Sreeman Sreemathi, Lava and Vellam. Later he has given classics like Ennu Swantham Janakikutty, Pazzassiraja, Sargam, Parinayam and Oliyambugal. Many heroines have debut through his movies. Monisha won National awards for her debut movie Nakhashatangal at the age of 14, still an existing record after 28 years! Mamta Mohandas debut through Mayookham, Saleena through Nakhakshatangal and Jomol through Ennu Swantham Janakikutty (for which she got special mention at Jury, National awards) are a few success names.   

Hariharan has won State awards six times - 3 times for best director, once for best film and twice for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value. He has won National awards thrice. Sargam got Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for the 1992, Parinayam for Best Film on Other Social Issues and Pazzassiraja for best Malayalam feature film. His next project is based on M.T’s most popular novel – Randamoozham.

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Updated: October 01, 2017