Murali (actor)
Encyclopedia
Murali was an India
n actor and author. He was closely associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
. He mainly acted in Malayalam
and Tamil
films. He won the National Award
for Best Actor for his portrayal of a communist freedom fighter and professional weaver in the film Neythukaran
(2002). He was also a stage actor and television actor. He was known for his powerful portrayal of character roles, lead roles, and negative roles. His last film was Aadhavan
.
Besides acting, he was the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy from 2006 until his death. He also authored five books, and was also a Sangeetha Nataka Academy award winner. He contested the 1999 Lok Sabha polls as a communist candidate without success. He was also the Director of the CPI(M) promoted television company Malayalam Communications, which runs Malayalam TV channels Kairali TV, People TV and WE TV.
He started his film career playing villain roles and soon turned into a character actor. The 1992 film Aadhaaram
, in which he played the lead role, gave a 'break' to his career. The film was well received in the box office and Murali ascended to the status of a star in Malayalam film, which he enjoyed for a couple of years.
, Kerala, India. He did his schooling from Kudavattoor L. P. School and Thrikannamangalam S. K. V. High School. He passed the pre-degree from M.G. College
, Thiruvananthapuram
and his Degree from Devaswom Board College, Sasthamkotta
. He was an active member of the Students Federation of India
. He took an Ll. B degree from the Thiruvananthapuram
Law Academy. After studies, he worked for some years as Lower Division Clerk in the Department of Health, Government of Kerala
and as Upper Division Clerk in the office of Kerala University
.
, directed by Bharath Gopi
. But the film was never released. He then got chance to act in Chidambaram, directed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Aravindan
. He then acted in Meenamasathile Sooryan and Panchagni, directed by Lenin Rajendran
and Hariharan
, respectively. Panchagni got released first and it gave him the break in his acting career. He soon established himself as a powerful actor in the Malayalam film industry. Aadhaaram
, directed by George Kittu, was the first film to be released with Murali in a lead role. He acted in a variety of roles, ranging from lead roles to villain roles, and won accolades. Some of his other notable films include Nee Ethra Dhanya, Dhanam, The King, Pathram, Veeralippattu, Achan Kombathu Amma Varambathu, Meenamasathile Sooryan, Swarnam, Kaarunyam and The Truth.
Murali acted in the longest TV commercial ever on Indian TV, spanning 150 seconds. This was for Air Deccan
in 2005.
. Murali won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ravana
in the Malayalam play Lanka Lakshmi, which was based on C. N. Sreekantan Nair's novel of the same name.
constituency as a Left Democratic Front
candidate, but lost to V. M. Sudheeran
of Indian National Congress
.
on 6 August 2009 at the age of 55, due to acute diabetes which led to a heart attack
at 8.20 PM IST.
:
Kerala State Film Awards:
Filmfare Awards
:
Other awards:
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n actor and author. He was closely associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Communist Party of India (Marxist)
The Communist Party of India is a political party in India. It has a strong presence in the states of Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura. As of 2011, CPI is leading the state government in Tripura. It leads the Left Front coalition of leftist parties in various states and the national parliament of...
. He mainly acted in Malayalam
Malayalam cinema
The Cinema of Kerala or Malayalam cinema refers to the film industry in the Indian state of Kerala, which makes films in the Malayalam language. Malayalam movies typically portray social or family issues and are considered more realistic than films from other parts of India. Malayalam cinema has...
and Tamil
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
films. He won the National Award
National Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
for Best Actor for his portrayal of a communist freedom fighter and professional weaver in the film Neythukaran
Neythukaran
Neythukaran is a 2002 Malayalam movie directed by debutant Priyanandanan starring Murali. The movie told the story of a weaver, a supporter of E. M. S...
(2002). He was also a stage actor and television actor. He was known for his powerful portrayal of character roles, lead roles, and negative roles. His last film was Aadhavan
Aadhavan
Aadhavan is a 2009 Tamil action thriller, directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Ramesh Khanna. The film features Surya Sivakumar in the title role along with Nayantara in lead roles and Murali, Vadivelu, Anand Babu, Ramesh Khanna, B. Saroja Devi, Rahul Dev, Sayaji Shinde in its supporting...
.
Besides acting, he was the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy from 2006 until his death. He also authored five books, and was also a Sangeetha Nataka Academy award winner. He contested the 1999 Lok Sabha polls as a communist candidate without success. He was also the Director of the CPI(M) promoted television company Malayalam Communications, which runs Malayalam TV channels Kairali TV, People TV and WE TV.
He started his film career playing villain roles and soon turned into a character actor. The 1992 film Aadhaaram
Aadhaaram
Aadhaaram is a 1992 Malayalam film directed by George Kithu, written by Lohithadas, and starring Murali, Suresh Gopi, Geetha, and Sudheesh. The film was well received in the box office...
, in which he played the lead role, gave a 'break' to his career. The film was well received in the box office and Murali ascended to the status of a star in Malayalam film, which he enjoyed for a couple of years.
Early life
Murali was born on 25 May 1954 as the first of five children to P. Krishna Pillai and K. Devaki Amma at Kudavattoor, KollamKollam
Kollam , often anglicized as ', is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake on the Arabian sea coast and is situated about north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram...
, Kerala, India. He did his schooling from Kudavattoor L. P. School and Thrikannamangalam S. K. V. High School. He passed the pre-degree from M.G. College
Mahatma Gandhi College
Mahatma Gandhi College is situated in Thiruvananthapuram city in the state of Kerala, India. It owes its origin to Mannathu Padmanabhan, the founder of Nair Service Society...
, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
and his Degree from Devaswom Board College, Sasthamkotta
Sasthamkotta
Sasthamkotta is a village in the Kunnathoor Tehsil of Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is from Kollam, the district headquarters. It is the location of the Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple.-Demographics:...
. He was an active member of the Students Federation of India
Students Federation of India
Students Federation of India is one of the major student organisations in India. SFI is politically linked to the Communist Party of India . Founded in 1970, it claimed a membership strength of nearly 4.2 million school and university students as of 2010.SFI is currently led at the All India level...
. He took an Ll. B degree from the Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
Law Academy. After studies, he worked for some years as Lower Division Clerk in the Department of Health, Government of Kerala
Government of Kerala
The Government of Kerala is a democratically elected body that governs the State of Kerala, India for a period of 5 years. The state government is headed by the Governor of Kerala as the nominal head of state, with a democratically elected Chief Minister as real head of the executive. The state...
and as Upper Division Clerk in the office of Kerala University
Kerala University
The University of Kerala, formerly the University of Travancore, is an affiliating university located in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India. It was established in 1937, long before the birth of the state of Kerala in India...
.
Film actor
Murali debuted in films with the lead role in NjattadiNjattadi
Njattadi is a 1979 Malayalam movie directed by Bharath Gopi and written by T.K. Kochu Narayanan, starring Bharat Murali, K.N. Sreenivasan, Sunil, Girija and Kalamandalam Devaki. It marked the debut directorial venture by Bharath Gopi and acting debut by Bharat Murali.-Plot:The film is based on...
, directed by Bharath Gopi
Bharath Gopi
V. Gopinathan Nair, popularly known as Bharath Gopi was an Indian film actor, producer, and director. He was one of the first actors to be associated with the New Wave cinema movement in Kerala....
. But the film was never released. He then got chance to act in Chidambaram, directed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Aravindan
Aravindan
Aravindan may refer to* G. Aravindan, Indian film director and writer* Aravindan Neelakandan, Indian writer...
. He then acted in Meenamasathile Sooryan and Panchagni, directed by Lenin Rajendran
Lenin Rajendran
Lenin Rajendran is an Indian film director and screenwriter who has worked in Malayalam cinema.- Career :Beginning his film-making career as an assistant to director P. A. Backer, Rajendran made his directorial debut with Venal...
and Hariharan
Hariharan (director)
Hariharan is a Malayali film director. His movies mainly revolved around the cultural and relational aspects of a typical Kerala society. His notable works include Pazhassi Raja, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Sargam, Parinayam, Amrutham Gamaya and Nakhakshathangal, which won him national...
, respectively. Panchagni got released first and it gave him the break in his acting career. He soon established himself as a powerful actor in the Malayalam film industry. Aadhaaram
Aadhaaram
Aadhaaram is a 1992 Malayalam film directed by George Kithu, written by Lohithadas, and starring Murali, Suresh Gopi, Geetha, and Sudheesh. The film was well received in the box office...
, directed by George Kittu, was the first film to be released with Murali in a lead role. He acted in a variety of roles, ranging from lead roles to villain roles, and won accolades. Some of his other notable films include Nee Ethra Dhanya, Dhanam, The King, Pathram, Veeralippattu, Achan Kombathu Amma Varambathu, Meenamasathile Sooryan, Swarnam, Kaarunyam and The Truth.
Murali acted in the longest TV commercial ever on Indian TV, spanning 150 seconds. This was for Air Deccan
Air Deccan
Kingfisher Red, known formerly as Simplifly Deccan and prior to that as Air Deccan, is a low-cost brand run by Kingfisher Airlines. It is headquartered in Mumbai, India....
in 2005.
Stage actor
Murali was actively involved with Natyagriham, a drama venture started by actor Narendra PrasadNarendra prasad
Narendra Prasad was a popular Indian movie actor, playwright, director, teacher and literary critic. He was born at Mavelikara, Alappuzha District, in the south Indian state of Kerala....
. Murali won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ravana
Ravana
' is the primary antagonist character of the Hindu legend, the Ramayana; who is the great king of Lanka. In the classic text, he is mainly depicted negatively, kidnapping Rama's wife Sita, to claim vengeance on Rama and his brother Lakshmana for having cut off the nose of his sister...
in the Malayalam play Lanka Lakshmi, which was based on C. N. Sreekantan Nair's novel of the same name.
Author
Murali authored five books. His book on Kumaranasan, Abhinethavum Asante Kavithayum (Actor and Asan's Poetry) won him the Sangeetha Nataka Academy award. One of his other critically acclaimed books was Abhinyathinte Rasathanthram (Chemistry of Acting).Politician
Murali contested the 1999 Lok Sabha polls from the AlappuzhaAlappuzha
Alappuzha , also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. As per 2001 census Alleppey is the sixth largest city in Kerala with an urban population of 177,029. Alleppey is situated to the south of Kochi and north of Trivandrum...
constituency as a Left Democratic Front
Left Democratic Front
Left Democratic Front is a coalition of left winged political parties in the state of Kerala, in India. This is one of the two major political coalitions in Kerala, each of which have been in power alternatively for the last two decades. LDF is the coalition that is presently in oppposition...
candidate, but lost to V. M. Sudheeran
V. M. Sudheeran
V. M. Sudheeran , The former Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly and Health Minister, is an active social and political leader in Kerala and an active member of the Indian National Congress. He was born to V. S. Mama and Girija at a small village named Padiyam in Anthicad Panchayat of Thrissur...
of Indian National Congress
Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
.
Death
Murali died in ThiruvananthapuramThiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
on 6 August 2009 at the age of 55, due to acute diabetes which led to a heart attack
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
at 8.20 PM IST.
Awards
National Film AwardsNational Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
:
- 2002 - Best ActorNational Film Award for Best ActorThe National Film Award for Best Actor is an honor presented annually at the National Film Awards of India to an actor who has delivered the best performance in a leading role within the Indian film industry.-Background:The Directorate of Film Festivals makes awards annually in several categories...
- Neythukaaran
Kerala State Film Awards:
- 1992 - Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor has been awarded annually in India since 1969. The Kerala State Film Awards were managed directly by the Government of Kerala's Department of Cultural Affairs until 1997; they are now given by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, an autonomous non-profit...
- AadhaaramAadhaaramAadhaaram is a 1992 Malayalam film directed by George Kithu, written by Lohithadas, and starring Murali, Suresh Gopi, Geetha, and Sudheesh. The film was well received in the box office... - 1996 - Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor has been awarded annually in India since 1969. The Kerala State Film Awards were managed directly by the Government of Kerala's Department of Cultural Affairs until 1997; they are now given by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, an autonomous non-profit...
- Kaanakkinavu - 1998 - Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor has been awarded annually in India since 1969. The Kerala State Film Awards were managed directly by the Government of Kerala's Department of Cultural Affairs until 1997; they are now given by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, an autonomous non-profit...
- Thalolam - 2001 - Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor has been awarded annually in India since 1969. The Kerala State Film Awards were managed directly by the Government of Kerala's Department of Cultural Affairs until 1997; they are now given by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, an autonomous non-profit...
- Neythukaaran
- 1990 - Second Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Second Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor winners:- Best Comedy Artist :The Kerala State Film Award for Best Comedy Artist winners:-References:**...
- Amaram - 2007 - Second Best ActorKerala State Film Award for Second Best ActorThe Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor winners:- Best Comedy Artist :The Kerala State Film Award for Best Comedy Artist winners:-References:**...
- Veeralipattu, Pranayakalam
Filmfare Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the South Indian film industry. The awards are separately given for Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films...
:
- 2001 - Best ActorFilmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam)The Filmfare Best Actor Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Malayalam film lead actors. The award was first given in 1972 with Madhu being the first recipient....
- Neythukaaran
Other awards:
- Madras Film Fans Award
- Kerala Film Critics Award
- Shivaram Award
- Best columnist award: for his feature "Vyazhaporul" in the Malayala ManoramaMalayala ManoramaMalayala Manorama is a daily news paper, in Malayalam language, published in the state of Kerala, India. It was first published as a weekly on 14 March 1890, and currently has a readership of over 16 million . The Malayalam word "manorama" roughly translates to "entertainer"...
newspaper
Selected filmography
- Nidhiyude Katha
- AadhavanAadhavanAadhavan is a 2009 Tamil action thriller, directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Ramesh Khanna. The film features Surya Sivakumar in the title role along with Nayantara in lead roles and Murali, Vadivelu, Anand Babu, Ramesh Khanna, B. Saroja Devi, Rahul Dev, Sayaji Shinde in its supporting...
(Tamil) - Pollathavan (Tamil)
- Ekadasi
- Kareebians
- Raam (Tamil)
- VinodayathraVinodayathraVinodaythra is a 2007 Malayalam film written and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad, produced by Dileep, and starring Dileep, Meera Jasmine, Mukesh, Innocent, KPAC Lalitha, and Nedumudi Venu.-Plot:...
- Ekantham
- PulijanmamPulijanmamPulijanmam is an award-winning Malayalam feature film directed by Priyanandanan. It stars Murali, Vineeth Kumar, Salim Kumar, Samvrutha Sunil and Sindhu Menon. It was released in May 2006 and won the Swarna Kamal Award for the Best Feature Film in the 54th National Film Awards, 2006...
- Photographer
- Vadakkum Nathan
- The Tiger
- Maja (Tamil)
- Kochi Rajavu
- Runway
- Anyar
- C.I.D. MoosaC.I.D. MoosaC.I.D.Moosa is a 2003 Malayalam slapstick comedy film written by the duo Udayakrishna and Siby K. Thomas, directed by Johny Antony, and co-produced by and starring Dileep in the title role. The film also stars Harisree Ashokan, Cochin Haneefa, Jagathy Sreekumar, Bhavana, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Saleem...
- Gramaphone
- NizhalkuthuNizhalkuthuNizhalkuthu is a 2002 Indian film directed, written and co-produced by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The film explores the recesses of the human consciousness. The film stars Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Narain , Murali, Sukumari, Reeja, Nedumudi Venu, Vijayaraghavan, Jagathi Sreekumar and Tara Kalyan...
- Sivam
- Gemini (Tamil)
- Dumm Dumm DummDumm Dumm DummDumm Dumm Dumm is a 2001 Tamil drama film co-written and directed by Azhagam Perumal and produced by noted director Mani Ratnam under his home studio, Madras Talkies. The film features Madhavan and Jyothika in the leading roles with Vivek, Manivannan and Murali portraying other pivotal roles...
(Tamil) - Neyythukaaran
- Kasoor
- Dada Sahib
- Devadoothan
- The Godman
- Independence
- Pathram
- The Truth
- Deseeya Geetham (Tamil)
- Kaikudunna Nilavu
- Kallu Kondoru Pennu
- Kattathoru Penpoovu
- Rakthasakshikal SindabadRakthasakshikal SindabadRakthasakshikal Sindabad is a Malayalam movie released in 1998 directed by Venu Nagavalli and featuring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Sukanya.- Cast :* Mohanlal - Siva Subrahmanya Iyyar* Suresh Gopi - Urnees* Nassar - Divan* Murali* Nedumudi Venu* Sukanya...
- Bhoopathi
- Gangothri
- Guru
- Karunyam
- Sankeerthanampole
- Kanakkinavu
- The King
- Chaitanyam
- Aabhas
- Indian Military Intelligence
- Mangala Soothram
- Prayikkara Pappan
- Sakshyam
- AadhaaramAadhaaramAadhaaram is a 1992 Malayalam film directed by George Kithu, written by Lohithadas, and starring Murali, Suresh Gopi, Geetha, and Sudheesh. The film was well received in the box office...
- Chakoram
- SammohanamSammohanamSammohanam is a 1994 Indian film in Malayalam directed by C. P. Padmakumar, starring Murali, Nedumudi Venu and Archana in the lead roles. The film received the Best of the Fest Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 1995...
- AkashadoothuAkashadoothuAkashadoothu is a 1993 Malayalam-language drama film directed by Sibi Malayil with Madhavi and Murali in title roles. One of the most influential melodramas of the nineties, the film tells the tale of a widow suffering from leukemia...
- Bhoomi Geetham
- ChamayamChamayamChamayam is a 1993 Malayalam film directed by Bharathan, and starring Manoj K. Jayan, Murali and Sithara in the lead roles.-Cast:*Manoj K. Jayan as Anto*Murali as Esthappan Aasan*Sithara as Liza*Ranjitha as Ammu*Saikumar as Charlie...
- Janam
- Narayam
- Venkalam
- Mahanagaram
- Kauravar
- Adharam
- Champakkulam Thachan
- My Dear Muthachan
- Snehasagaram
- Valayam
- Kanalkkattu
- Inspector Balram
- AmaramAmaramAmaram is a 1991 Malayalam film directed by Bharathan and written by A. K. Lohithadas, starring Mammootty, Murali, Maathu, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Balan K. Nair, Ashokan, Chitra, and Kuthiravattam Pappu in the main roles. The film score is composed by Johnson while the songs are by Raveendran.The...
- Aakasha Kottayile Sultan
- Dhanam
- Idhayam
- Kadavu
- Keli
- Ulladakkam
- MathilukalMathilukalThis article has details about the novel as well as its film adaptation.Mathilukal is a Malayalam novel written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer in 1965. It is one of the most cherished and well-known love stories in Malayalam. Its hero, Basheer himself, and heroine, Narayani, never meet, yet they love...
- Kalikkalam
- Appu
- Aye AutoAye AutoAye Auto is an Indian film in Malayalam language by Venu Nagavalli starring Mohanlal and Rekha. The film is about the life of auto drivers in the city of Calicut.-Plot:...
- Ee Kannikoodi
- Lal Salam
- Maala Yogam
- Orukkam
- Vidhyarambham
- Ardham
- Dasharatham
- Kaalal Pada
- Kireedam
- Naaduvazhikal
- Moonnam Mura
- Padippura
- Nombarathi Poovu
- Panchagni
- Neeyethra Dhanya
- Meenamasathile Sooryan
- Pagal Nilavu
- Porutham
- NjattadiNjattadiNjattadi is a 1979 Malayalam movie directed by Bharath Gopi and written by T.K. Kochu Narayanan, starring Bharat Murali, K.N. Sreenivasan, Sunil, Girija and Kalamandalam Devaki. It marked the debut directorial venture by Bharath Gopi and acting debut by Bharat Murali.-Plot:The film is based on...