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Mon, Jan 19, 2026 | Shaban 1, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema's iconic social critic
Having written for over 50 films and acted in over 200, his use of humour to highlight the common man's problems set Sreenivasan's cinema apart, and made him relatable to the masses of Kerala
After Indian cinema giant Sreenivasan passed away on December 20, tributes have poured in for the actor who graced millions of lives with his real-life storytelling.
Fans took to social media to express their condolences to the legend who had "something so deeply humane about him". Admirers of his craft remembered how Sreenivasan "shined in every department" — acting, writing, direction and production.
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The news of his death has triggered a flood of reactions from the industry, from both those who looked up to him, and those who shared the screen along him.
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Indian actor and politician Mukesh remembered his unwavering commitment to cinema, with a "nature of speaking frankly and openly."
"Even Sreenivasan's laughter has a uniqueness of its own. Even the criticism in his films was laced with humour," he said.
Mukesh said he had wished to co-produce a film with Sreenivasan, which is what brought about the film 'Katha Parayumpol' (remade in Hindi as 'Billu').
Indian actor Prithviraj took to Instagram to bid adieu to "one of the greatest-ever writer/director/actor. Thank you for the laughs and thoughts," he wrote.
Malayalam actor, director Basil Joseph thanked the veteran for "all the laughter and warmth." He wrote: "You were a big part of our childhood and our happiest memories. You may be gone, but you will always live on through your work. Rest in peace, legend."
Shashi Tharoor, member of Lok Sabha and MP of Thiruvananthapuram, said: "Malayalam cinema won't be the same without the genius of Sreenivasan".
The politician paid tribute to "a true master of the craft who redefined what it means to be a 'hero' on screen, & who was an effective director as well. Beyond the actor was a brilliant writer who captured the pulse of Kerala like no other."
"He taught us to laugh at ourselves while thinking deeper. Sreenivasan’s scripts are time capsules of social commentary, humor, and unparalleled wit. There will never be another observer of life quite like him," Tharoor said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Sreenivasan's death as a "personal loss", and "an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema."
"Very few filmmakers have succeeded, as he did, in bringing the life of the common man to the silver screen and in guiding the audience, through humour and reflection, to levels of awareness he intended. Sreenivasan stepped into cinema by breaking several long standing conventions," the Kerala CM said.
Poojaraj Maniyeri
Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.
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