Sathyaneshan Nadar
Encyclopedia
Manuel Sathyaneshan Nadar (11 November 1912 - 15 June 1971) commonly known by his stage name
Sathyan, was an Indian film actor
known for his work in Malayalam cinema
. He has won the Kerala State Film Award twice and is renowned for his acting skills. His popularity was at its peak in the 1950s and 1960s and is often considered one of the greatest pure actors in Indian cinema, in terms of critical acclaim. He is remembered for his versatile and natural acting, when compared to his colleagues who at that time essentially followed the drama-style rendering of the dialogues.
family in the village of Aramada, near Thirumala
at Thrikkannapuram in Southern Travancore
on 9 November 1912 as the first child of Cheruvilakathu Veettil Manuel and Lilly. Sathyan passed the Vidwan exam, equivalent to Master of Arts
before joining Saint Joseph's School, Trivandrum as a teacher. After some time, he got job as a clerk in the Kerala Secretariat and worked there for about a year. He joined the army in 1941 and got posted as a Commissioned Officer
of the Viceroy of India. He served the British army
in Manipur
, Burma (now Myanmar
) and British Malaya
(now Malaysia) during the World War II
period. After finishing his term in the army, he returned home and joined the then Travancore State Police as a police inspector. During the communist riots in 1947–1948, Sathyan was the inspector at Alappuzha
North Police Station.
during his tenure as Inspector in Alappuzha
North Police Station. The musician introduced Sathyan to various film personalities and one producer promised to cast him in a film; however, Sathyan did not get any calls from the producer. Sathyan came to know about a film that Kaumudi
Chief Editor K. Balakrishnan was planning. He met Balakrishnan and the latter was impressed by Sathyan. Balakrishnan cast him as the protagonist in the film written and produced by him, titled Thyagaseema. Sathyan resigned from his job with the police to concentrate in acting and shortened his name to Sathyan from Sathyaneshan . However, the film was never released. That was in 1951.
and directed by Ramu Karyat-P. Bhaskaran
duo. The songs in the film written by P. Bhaskaran
and set to tunes by K. Raghavan were superhits. The film became the first Malayalam film to win national recognition when it was awarded the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award). The film's success at the box office raised Sathyan and his co-star Miss Kumari to stardom.
, A. Vincent
and Ramu Karyat. Sathyan's roles in various films directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan
like Pappu in Odayil Ninnu, Jayarajan in Daham, Prof. Sreeni in Yakshi(first psychological thriller in malayalam) and the pratogonist in Vazhve Mayam were well appreciated. Sathyan's other major performances include those in Snehaseema, Nair Pidicha Pulival, Mudiyanaya Puthran, Bharya, Sakunthala, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Adimakal and Karakanakadal. His famous title character 'Othenan' in the film "Thacholi Othenan" became highly popular among the masses. His role in "Chemmeen
", the poignant love story set against the background of the coast of Alappuzha
did not win him the best actor award for the year, but is one of the most popular roles of his career. He acted in over 150 Malayalam films and two Tamil films.
Sathyan won the first Kerala State Film Award
for Best Actor in 1969 for the double role in Kadalpalam.
for Best Actor in 1971 for his performance in Karakanakadal. He was the first superstar in the history of malayalam industry who passed away during the peak period of his career & at the height of popularity (a scenario that would ironically repeat itself nearly a decade later with Jayan
).
. During late 1950s & the whole of 1960s, he and Prem Nazir
formed a bipolar industry with a considerable number of films starring at least one of them. He won the inaugural Kerala State Film Award for best actor in 1969 & again posthumously in 1971. He is also the most critically acclaimed lead actor in Malayalam cinema due to the originality in performance and his natural acting style.
Film Film Awards:
Sathyan Award: An award instituted by the Kerala Cultural Forum. The award carries a sum of Rs. 10000 and a plaque.
Sathyan Memorial Film Award: An award instituted by the Sathyan Memorial Arts and Sports Club. The award is given in various fields including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Anti-Hero, Best Comedian, Best Newcomer and Best Singers (Male and Female), taking the last year's performances into consideration.
2007
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
Sathyan, was an Indian film actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
known for his work in Malayalam cinema
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...
. He has won the Kerala State Film Award twice and is renowned for his acting skills. His popularity was at its peak in the 1950s and 1960s and is often considered one of the greatest pure actors in Indian cinema, in terms of critical acclaim. He is remembered for his versatile and natural acting, when compared to his colleagues who at that time essentially followed the drama-style rendering of the dialogues.
Early life
Sathyan was born to a ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
family in the village of Aramada, near Thirumala
Thirumala, Thiruvananthapuram
Thirumala is a suburb of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. The name Thiru- mala means holy hill and the suburb's name therefore derives from the ancient temple atop a hill here called Parakoil, where now there is a Krishna temple...
at Thrikkannapuram in Southern Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
on 9 November 1912 as the first child of Cheruvilakathu Veettil Manuel and Lilly. Sathyan passed the Vidwan exam, equivalent to Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
before joining Saint Joseph's School, Trivandrum as a teacher. After some time, he got job as a clerk in the Kerala Secretariat and worked there for about a year. He joined the army in 1941 and got posted as a Commissioned Officer
Viceroy's Commissioned Officer
A viceroy's commissioned officer was a senior Indian member of the British Indian Army. VCOs were senior in rank to warrant officers in the British Army, and held a commission issued by the viceroy...
of the Viceroy of India. He served the British army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
in Manipur
Manipur
Manipur is a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. Manipur is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west; it also borders Burma to the east. It covers an area of...
, Burma (now Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
) and British Malaya
British Malaya
British Malaya loosely described a set of states on the Malay Peninsula and the Island of Singapore that were brought under British control between the 18th and the 20th centuries...
(now Malaysia) during the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
period. After finishing his term in the army, he returned home and joined the then Travancore State Police as a police inspector. During the communist riots in 1947–1948, Sathyan was the inspector at Alappuzha
Alappuzha
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...
North Police Station.
Entry to films
Sathyan's entry into the field of acting started during his tenure as the police officer. At that time he acted in several amateur plays and that experience made him more interested in acting. His entry to film industry was accidental. He got introduced to a film musician Sebastian Kunjukunju BhagavatharSebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar
Sebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar was a Malayalam theatre actor, singer, and author. He is known for his contributions to Malayalam sangeetha natakam...
during his tenure as Inspector in Alappuzha
Alappuzha
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...
North Police Station. The musician introduced Sathyan to various film personalities and one producer promised to cast him in a film; however, Sathyan did not get any calls from the producer. Sathyan came to know about a film that Kaumudi
Kaumudi
Kaumudi may refer to:*the Vijñānakaumudī by Ananda Bhatta*the Siddhāntakaumudī by Bhaṭṭoji Dīkṣita*the Sambad Kaumudi newspaper*the Kerala Kaumudi newspaper...
Chief Editor K. Balakrishnan was planning. He met Balakrishnan and the latter was impressed by Sathyan. Balakrishnan cast him as the protagonist in the film written and produced by him, titled Thyagaseema. Sathyan resigned from his job with the police to concentrate in acting and shortened his name to Sathyan from Sathyaneshan . However, the film was never released. That was in 1951.
Rise to stardom
In 1952, Sathyan' first film got released. The film was titled Athmasakhi and it earned him recognition in the industry. Sathyan rose to fame with the legendary Neelakkuyil (1954). The film was also a milestone in Malayalam film history. It was the first film to have an authentic Malayalam story. The film was written by renowned literary figure UroobUroob
Uroob was a famous Malayalam writer from Kerala state, South India. He along with writers like Basheer, Thakazhi, Kesavadev, and Pottekkatt formed the progressive writers in Malayalam during the twentieth century. Uroob is a recipient of Kendra Sahithya Academy Award for his novel Sundarikalum...
and directed by Ramu Karyat-P. Bhaskaran
P. Bhaskaran
Pulloottupadathu Bhaskara Menon , better known as P. Bhaskaran, was a famous Malayalam poet and lyricist of Malayalam film songs. He penned more than 3000 songs for about 250 films. He also directed 44 Malayalam feature films and 3 documentaries, produced 6 feature films and acted in several movies...
duo. The songs in the film written by P. Bhaskaran
P. Bhaskaran
Pulloottupadathu Bhaskara Menon , better known as P. Bhaskaran, was a famous Malayalam poet and lyricist of Malayalam film songs. He penned more than 3000 songs for about 250 films. He also directed 44 Malayalam feature films and 3 documentaries, produced 6 feature films and acted in several movies...
and set to tunes by K. Raghavan were superhits. The film became the first Malayalam film to win national recognition when it was awarded the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award). The film's success at the box office raised Sathyan and his co-star Miss Kumari to stardom.
Peak time
Sathyan's career was influenced by great directors like K. S. SethumadhavanK. S. Sethumadhavan
K. S. Sethumadhavan is an Indian director of Malayalam films. He has also directed films in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Since the early 1960s he has directed over 60 movies...
, A. Vincent
A. Vincent
Aloysius Vincent born June 14, 1928 in Calicut, Kerala, India is an Indian cinematographer of Hindi movies and director of Malayalam movies. Since the mid 1960s he has directed some 30 movies...
and Ramu Karyat. Sathyan's roles in various films directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan
K. S. Sethumadhavan
K. S. Sethumadhavan is an Indian director of Malayalam films. He has also directed films in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Since the early 1960s he has directed over 60 movies...
like Pappu in Odayil Ninnu, Jayarajan in Daham, Prof. Sreeni in Yakshi(first psychological thriller in malayalam) and the pratogonist in Vazhve Mayam were well appreciated. Sathyan's other major performances include those in Snehaseema, Nair Pidicha Pulival, Mudiyanaya Puthran, Bharya, Sakunthala, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Adimakal and Karakanakadal. His famous title character 'Othenan' in the film "Thacholi Othenan" became highly popular among the masses. His role in "Chemmeen
Chemmeen
Chemmeen is a 1965 Malayalam romantic drama film based on the highly acclaimed novel of the same name by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and directed by Ramu Kariat from a screenplay by S. L...
", the poignant love story set against the background of the coast of Alappuzha
Alappuzha
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...
did not win him the best actor award for the year, but is one of the most popular roles of his career. He acted in over 150 Malayalam films and two Tamil films.
Sathyan won the first Kerala State Film Award
Kerala State Film Award
The Kerala State Film Awards are the most prestigious film awards for a motion picture made in Kerala. The awards have been bestowed by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy since 1998 on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, India....
for Best Actor in 1969 for the double role in Kadalpalam.
Final films
Vazhve Mayam, Anubhavangal Palichakal, Karakanakadal which won high critical acclaim were among his final films. Other releases were Bhikara Nimishankal, Aranazhikaneram & Oru Penninte Katha(as Madhavan Thambi). He was posthumously awarded the Kerala State Film AwardKerala State Film Award
The Kerala State Film Awards are the most prestigious film awards for a motion picture made in Kerala. The awards have been bestowed by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy since 1998 on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, India....
for Best Actor in 1971 for his performance in Karakanakadal. He was the first superstar in the history of malayalam industry who passed away during the peak period of his career & at the height of popularity (a scenario that would ironically repeat itself nearly a decade later with Jayan
Jayan
Krishnan Nair , better known by his stage name Jayan , was an Indian film actor, former sailor, stunt performer and 1970s style icon. He worked in Malayalam cinema, a sector of the Indian movie industry...
).
Accolades and Legacy
Sathyan was the first prominent actor to be considered a superstar in malayalam film industry after Thikkurissy Sukumaran NairThikkurissy Sukumaran Nair
Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair was a Malayali Indian poet, playwright, script writer, lyricist, orator, film director and actor, though he is best known as an actor in Malayalam cinema. He is the recipient of Padmashri from the Government of India, which is one of the highest civilian honours in India....
. During late 1950s & the whole of 1960s, he and Prem Nazir
Prem Nazir
Abdul Khader , better known by his stage name Prem Nazir , was an Indian film actor. He is considered one of the all time super stars in Malayalam cinema...
formed a bipolar industry with a considerable number of films starring at least one of them. He won the inaugural Kerala State Film Award for best actor in 1969 & again posthumously in 1971. He is also the most critically acclaimed lead actor in Malayalam cinema due to the originality in performance and his natural acting style.
Awards & Recognitions
Kerala State Film Awards:- 1969: 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...
- KadalpalamKadalpalamKadalpalam is a 1969 Malayalam language film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan. Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi, Sheela, Bahadoor and Adoor Bhasi star in the lead. The film is an adaptation of the very popular professional stage play of the same name authored by the renowned dramatist K. T....
(First State Award receiver) - 1971: 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...
- Karakanakkadal, SarasayyaSarasayyaSarasayya is a 1971 Malayalam language film written and directed by Thoppil Bhasi. It stars Sathyan, Madhu, Sheela, Jayabharathi, Adoor Bhasi, S. P. Pillai, Alummoodan, N. Govindankutty, Thoppil Krishna Pillai and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. It won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film....
Film Film Awards:
- 1969: Adimakal
Acting style and Influence
Sathyan began his acting career at a time when malayalam cinema was in its early stage of development and dominated by actors from the stage with a drama style. During his time, Sathyan introduced and pioneered a realistic behavioural style of film acting which changed the industry forever and has been influencing new age film actors ever since. The roles played by him became popular for their manly characteristics and he had a more masculine screen image in contrast to others like Nazir who had a romantic image. The emphasis on masculinity triggered off by roles played by him would later create a wave of future lead actors with manly screen images.Popular Roles
Below are a few of the most popular & critically praised characters played by Sathyan:- Neelakkuyil (1954)-Sreedharan Nair
- Thacholi Othenan (1964)-Othenan
- Odayil Ninnu (1965)-Pappu
- Chemmeen (1965)-Palani
- Yakshi (1968)-Sreeni
- Kadalpalam (1969)-Double Role
- Mooladhanam (1969)-multistarrer with Nazeer
- Vazhve Mayam (1970)-Sudhi
- Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971)-Chellappan
- Karakanakkadal (1971)-posthumous state award winner
Awards established in his name
Sathyan National Award: An award instituted by the Sathyan Foundation to honour various persons from the field of cinema.- Winners: Nedumudi Venu (2006), K. S. Chithra (2007)
Sathyan Award: An award instituted by the Kerala Cultural Forum. The award carries a sum of Rs. 10000 and a plaque.
- Winner: Innocent (2007)
Sathyan Memorial Film Award: An award instituted by the Sathyan Memorial Arts and Sports Club. The award is given in various fields including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Anti-Hero, Best Comedian, Best Newcomer and Best Singers (Male and Female), taking the last year's performances into consideration.
- Winners:
2007
- Actors: PrithvirajPrithvirajPrithviraj may refer to:* Prithviraj Chauhan , a king of the Chauhan dynasty* Prithviraj Kapoor, a famous Indian theatre and cinema personality best known for his work in Hindi cinema....
, Kavya MadhavanKavya MadhavanKavya Madhavan is an Indian film actress who works in Malayalam cinema. She made her debut in Pookkalam Varavayi as a child artist. In 1999, she became a lead actress in Lal Jose's Chandranudikkunna Dikhil.-Background:... - Anti-hero: SiddiqueSiddique (actor)Siddique is a Malayalam film actor, producer, and television compere. He started his film career doing comedy roles and later performed in a variety of roles.-Early career:...
- Supporting actors: KPAC Lalitha, NarainNarainNarain may refer to:* Narain , Indian actor* A.K. Narain, Indian historian* Narain Karthikeyan, Indian former Formula One and A1GP driver* Nicole Narain, American model and actress* Sunita Narain, Indian environmentalist and political activist...
- Comedian: Bindu Panicker
- Newcomers: Vinu Mohan, BhamaBhamaBhama is an Indian film actress, who has mainly appeared in Malayalam films. She debuted in 2007 through Nivedyam directed by A. K. Lohithadas.-Career:...
- Singers: Madhu BalakrishnanMadhu BalakrishnanMadhu Balakrishnan is an Indian playback singer, who sings in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada languages.-Biography:Madhu Balakrishnan is from Tripunithura, Cochin, Kerala in India. A Graded artist in All India Radio and Doordarshan, he has performed with all major playback singers in Kerala...
, ManjariManjariThe word "manjari" is of sanskrit origin that primarily means a collection. e.g."katha manjari" . It is used in many Indian languages like Hindi and Kannada...
Selected filmography
- ThiramalaThiramalaThiramala is a 1953 Malayalam film directed by Vimal Kumar and P.R.S. Pillai, starring Sathyan and Kumari Thangam. Acclaimed Director Ramu Kariat was an assistant director in this film. The film has a significant place in the history of Malayalam cinema.-Plot:The film was based on a short story...
(1953) - Neelakuyil
- Nayaru Pidicha Pulivalu
- Bharya
- Mudiyanaya Putran
- Palattukoman
- Thacholi Othenan
- Puthiya aka Sam Puthiya Bhoomi
- ChemmeenChemmeenChemmeen is a 1965 Malayalam romantic drama film based on the highly acclaimed novel of the same name by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and directed by Ramu Kariat from a screenplay by S. L...
- Yekshi
- Triveni
- Kaarthika
- Ashwamedem
- Kootukudumbam
- Ningalenne Communist Aaki
- Dhattu Putran
- Otenenta Makan
- Vazhvemayam
- Kattukuragu
- Odayil Ninnu'
- Laila Majnu'
- Anubhavangal PalichakalAnubhavangal PalichakalAnubhavangal Paalichakal is a 1971 Malayalam film written by Thoppil Bhasi, and directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan the story is based on the novel by the same name Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. It stars Sathyan, Prem Nazeer and Sheela in the lead roles....
- Kadalpalam
- Oru Pennintne Katha
- Inquilab Zindhabad
- Karakanakadal
- Thara
- Sarasayya
- Mooladhanam
- Pazhassi RajaPazhassi Raja (1964 film)Pazhassi Raja is a 1964 Malayalam biographical film directed and produced by Kunchako. It is written by wellknown playwright Thikkodiyan and is based on the life of warrior king Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja. It stars Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair in the title role, and Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Satyapal,...