Sukumaran
Encyclopedia
Edappal Ponnamkuzhi Veettil Sukumaran Nair (1947 - d. June 16, 1997), popularly known as Sukumaran, was an India
n film actor, and producer.
Sukumaran became a popular film star in Malayalam cinema
during the 1970s. Later on he became known for his character roles and antagonistic roles during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1978, he won the Kerala State Film Award
for Best Actor for his performance in M. T. Vasudevan Nair
's Bhandhanam. As a producer his production company, Indraraj Creations, produced such films as Irakal and Padayani.
In June 1997, Sukumaran suffered a massive heart attack and died. He was 50.
, Travancore
, India
, as the elder son of Parameshwaran Nair and Subhadramma. He had a brother and two sisters. He earned a job as a college lecturer
after completing his master's degree
.
in Nagercoil
, Tamil Nadu
(the actor Madhu
also took to acting while working at the same college), Sukumaran got an offer to act in the Malayalam movie Nirmalyam, directed by M. T. Vasudevan Nair
. He accepted the role of a defiant youngster in the film. The film went on to win accolades from all over and won a couple of National Film Awards
as well. Despite being noted as a talented actor, Sukumaran did not receive any offers for some time after Nirmalaym. He was thinking of returning to the teaching profession, when he was offered a role in Shankupushpam. With that film, Sukumaran carved a niche for himself in the Malayalam film industry. He then went on to act in substantial roles in films like Avalude Ravukal
, Angadi, Bandhanam, Etho Oru Swapnam, Manasa Vacha Karmana, Ahimsha, Spodanam, Shalini Ente Koottukari
, Angakkuri, Kolilakkam
, Theekkadal, Sandarbam, Witness
, and Kottayam Kunjachanan. His role as a defiant police officer in Oru CBI Diary Kurippu
and its sequel Jagratha
, directed by K. Madhu
, was noted for its characterisation and earned cult status when the third sequel in the series, Sethurama Iyer CBI
, had Saikumar portraying the son of the police officer, with the mannerisms and voice tone of Sukumaran.
Sukumaran won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor
in 1978 for his role in Bandhanam. Sukumaran married actress Mallika Sukumaran
. They had two sons, both Malayalam film stars in their own right: Indrajith Sukumaran and Prithviraj Sukumaran
. Sukumaran had his own production company, called Indraraj Creations. The company produced acclaimed films like Irakal and Padayani
. The film Irakal, directed by K. G. George
, was selected for the Indian Panorama in the International Film Festival of India
(IFFI). His last film was Shibiram, directed by T. S. Suresh Babu. Sukumaran died on 16 June 1997.
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 film actor, and producer.
Sukumaran became a popular film star 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...
during the 1970s. Later on he became known for his character roles and antagonistic roles during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1978, he won the 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 for his performance in M. T. Vasudevan Nair
M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Madathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj...
's Bhandhanam. As a producer his production company, Indraraj Creations, produced such films as Irakal and Padayani.
In June 1997, Sukumaran suffered a massive heart attack and died. He was 50.
Early life
Sukumaran was born in AdoorAdoor
Adoor is a town and a municipality near Pandalam in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala state, India, spread over an area of 20.42 km2. The town is located midway between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. It is among one of the three municipalities in Pathanamthitta district.-Etymology:It is...
, 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...
, India
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...
, as the elder son of Parameshwaran Nair and Subhadramma. He had a brother and two sisters. He earned a job as a college lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer is an academic rank. In the United Kingdom, lecturer is a position at a university or similar institution, often held by academics in their early career stages, who lead research groups and supervise research students, as well as teach...
after completing his master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
.
Career
During his tenure teaching English at Scott Christian CollegeScott Christian College
Scott Christian College is an educational institution located in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1893, and is an autonomous university managed by the Church of South India. The school includes undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs....
in Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
(the actor Madhu
Madhu (actor)
Madhavan Nair , commonly known by his stage name Madhu is an actor in Malayalam cinema. He was a prominent lead actor during the 60s and 70s. He has also directed and produced films, and at one time he owned Uma film studio.-Early life:...
also took to acting while working at the same college), Sukumaran got an offer to act in the Malayalam movie Nirmalyam, directed by M. T. Vasudevan Nair
M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Madathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj...
. He accepted the role of a defiant youngster in the film. The film went on to win accolades from all over and won a couple of National Film Awards
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...
as well. Despite being noted as a talented actor, Sukumaran did not receive any offers for some time after Nirmalaym. He was thinking of returning to the teaching profession, when he was offered a role in Shankupushpam. With that film, Sukumaran carved a niche for himself in the Malayalam film industry. He then went on to act in substantial roles in films like Avalude Ravukal
Avalude Ravukal
Avalude Ravukal is a Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi, released in 1978. The film explores the life of a teenage prostitute and those of the people around her.- Cast :* Seema* Ravi Kumar* Soman* Sukumaran* Thoppil Bhasi* Bahadoor...
, Angadi, Bandhanam, Etho Oru Swapnam, Manasa Vacha Karmana, Ahimsha, Spodanam, Shalini Ente Koottukari
Shalini Ente Koottukari
Shalini Ente Koottukari is a 1978 Malayalam film about the friendship between two young women named Shalini and Ammu.-Plot:The film follows the life of a young woman named Shalini. Shalini is in love with her classmate, but with the suicide of her brother, her life becomes painful; this leads her...
, Angakkuri, Kolilakkam
Kolilakkam
Kolilakkam is a 1981 Malayalam film directed by Vijayanandh, and starring Jayan.This was Jayan's last film before his death. His death happened during the shooting of this movie in which he was supposed to board a moving helicopter from a bike. The helicopter carrying him hit the ground while he...
, Theekkadal, Sandarbam, Witness
Witness (1988 film)
Witness is a 1988 Malayalam language investigative thriller made in India, directed by Viji Thampi and co-written by Jagathy Sreekumar, starring Jayaram, Jagathy Sreekumar, Parvathy, Madhu, Sukumaran and Suresh Gopi.-Plot:...
, and Kottayam Kunjachanan. His role as a defiant police officer in Oru CBI Diary Kurippu
Oru CBI Diary Kurippu
Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is a 1988 Malayalam film directed by K. Madhu, scripted by S. N. Swamy, and starring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jagathy Sreekumar....
and its sequel Jagratha
Jagratha
Jagratha is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by K. Madhu, starring Mammootty, Mukesh and Jagathy Sreekumar.This film is the second in the series of the CBI investigative thrillers featuring Mammootty as CBI officer Sethurama Iyer. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is the prequel to this film and sequels are...
, directed by K. Madhu
K. Madhu
K. Madhu is a Malayalam film director.Popular for his suspense and investigation thrillers, K.Madhu has a long list of hits in his kitty.-Career:...
, was noted for its characterisation and earned cult status when the third sequel in the series, Sethurama Iyer CBI
Sethurama Iyer CBI
Sethurama Iyer CBI is a 2004 Malayalam film directed by K Madhu, written by S. N. Swami, and starring Mammootty, Mukesh and Jagathy Sreekumar....
, had Saikumar portraying the son of the police officer, with the mannerisms and voice tone of Sukumaran.
Sukumaran won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor
Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor
The 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...
in 1978 for his role in Bandhanam. Sukumaran married actress Mallika Sukumaran
Mallika Sukumaran
Mallika Sukumaran is an television actress in India, who started her career as a cinema film actress. First she was married to Malayam comedian Jagathy Sreekumar. Later on, she married another Malayalam actor Sukumaran. After her second marriage, she retired from the limelight and became a devoted...
. They had two sons, both Malayalam film stars in their own right: Indrajith Sukumaran and Prithviraj Sukumaran
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Prithviraj Sukumaran credited mononymously as Prithviraj, is an Indian film actor and producer best known for his work in Malayalam cinema....
. Sukumaran had his own production company, called Indraraj Creations. The company produced acclaimed films like Irakal and Padayani
Padayani (film)
Padayani is a 1986 Malayalam film directed by T. S. Mohan and produced by Sukumaran under the banner of Indraraj Creations. Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Devan play as long-lost brothers after their parents's death. In the end, they reunite for the revenge of their parents's death...
. The film Irakal, directed by K. G. George
K. G. George
Kulakkatil Geevarghese George is an Indian film director who work in Malayalam film. George is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of Kerala who modernized the Malayalam cinema in the seventies. He is the founder-chairman of MACTA, and continues to be an executive member...
, was selected for the Indian Panorama in the International Film Festival of India
International Film Festival of India
The International Film Festival of India , founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually in the beach town of Goa, in the Western Coast of the country, the festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of...
(IFFI). His last film was Shibiram, directed by T. S. Suresh Babu. Sukumaran died on 16 June 1997.
Awards
- Kerala State Film Award for 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...
- 1978 - Bandhanam (directed by M. T. Vasudevan NairM. T. Vasudevan NairMadathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair , popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj...
)
Selected filmography
- Shibiram
- Kidilol Kidilam (1995) .... Superintendent of Police
- Cabinet (1994)
- CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed.CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed.C.I.D. Unnikrishnan B.A. B.Ed. is a 1994 Malayalam comedy film starring Jayaram, Manian Pillai Raju, Jagathi Sreekumar, Rohini, and Sukumaran. The film is written by Sasidharan Arattuvazhi and directed by Rajasenan, it was made as a homage to C.I.D...
(1994) - PingamiPingamiPingami is a 1994 Malayalam film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and produced by Mohanlal under the banner of Pranavam Arts.-Plot:...
(1994) .... George Mathew - Janam (1993) .... Lukose
- Koodikazhca (1991) .... Thommichan
- Souhrudam (1991) .... John Samuel
- Oliyampukal (1990) .... M. Thomas
- Kottayam KunjachanKottayam KunjachanKottayam Kunjachan is a 1990 Malayalam film directed by T. S. Suresh Babu, starring Mammootty in the title role.-Plot:...
... Uppukandam Korah - Mukham (1990) .... Minnal Madhavan
- Randam Varavu (1990) .... Hariprasad
- VyoohamVyoohamVyooham is a 1990 Malayalam-language feature film made in India, directed by Sangeeth Sivan, starring Raghuvaran, Sukumaran, Captain Raju, Babu Antony, Urvashi, Rajan P. Dev and Parvathy Jayaram. It was the debut film of Sangeeth Sivan.-Plot:...
(1990) .... Mohan - JagrathaJagrathaJagratha is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by K. Madhu, starring Mammootty, Mukesh and Jagathy Sreekumar.This film is the second in the series of the CBI investigative thrillers featuring Mammootty as CBI officer Sethurama Iyer. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is the prequel to this film and sequels are...
(1989) .... Devadas - UtharamUtharamUtharam is a 1989 Malayalam mystery-thriller film starring Mammootty, Suparna, Sukumaran and Parvathy. It was written by acclaimed Malayalam writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair based on the short story No Motive by Daphne du Maurier. The film was a commercial success and also received critical acclaim. It...
(1989) .... Mathew Joseph - Adikkurippu (1989) .... Chief Minister
- DasharathamDasharathamDasharatham is a Malayalam film released in 1989, written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil, featuring Mohanlal, Murali, Nedumudi Venu, Sukumaran, Karamana Janardanan Nair, Rekha, Sukumari, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, K. P. A. C. Lalitha and Jayabharathi.This is one of the cult classic film...
(1989) .... Dr. Hameed - Jaathakam (1989) .... Somasekharan Nair
- CarnivalCarnival (1989 film)Carnivel is a 1989 Malayalam film written by S. N. Swamy and directed by P. G. Viswambharan. The film centres around a murder held in the backdrops of a carnival. It stars Mammootty, Parvathy, Sukumaran and Babu Antony in pivotal roles.-Plot:...
- UlsavapittennuUlsavapittennuUlsavapittennu is a 1989 Malayalam Indian film by Bharath Gopi and featuring Mohanlal, Parvathy and Sukumaran. The film was one of the few directorial ventures of Bharath Gopi and featured a strong performance from Mohanlal in the lead role.- Plot :...
(1989) .... Ravi - Unnikrishnante Adyathe ChristmasUnnikrishnante Adyathe ChristmasUnnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas is 1988 Malayalam film starring Jayaram, Sumalatha, Sukumaran and Suresh Gopi. The film is based on a short story by Kakkanadan.-Plot:...
(1989) .... Paul Kallookkaran - August 1August 1 (film)August 1 is a 1988 Malayalam film directed by Siby Malayil, written by S. N. Swami, and starring Mammootty, Sukumaran, Captain Raju and Urvashi. The film was produced and distributed by M. Mani under the banner of Sunitha Productions...
(1988) .... K G Ramachandran - Oru CBI Diary KurippuOru CBI Diary KurippuOru CBI Diary Kurippu is a 1988 Malayalam film directed by K. Madhu, scripted by S. N. Swamy, and starring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jagathy Sreekumar....
(1988) .... Dy SP Devadas - Moonnam MuraMoonnam MuraMoonnam Mura is an action thriller Malayalam movie starring Mohanlal and Revathi. It was released in the year 1988. It was directed by K. Madhu. The movie deals with the kidnapping of a group by terrorists, and the commando mission to rescue them.- Synopsis :...
(1988) .... D. I. G. Menon - WitnessWitness (1988 film)Witness is a 1988 Malayalam language investigative thriller made in India, directed by Viji Thampi and co-written by Jagathy Sreekumar, starring Jayaram, Jagathy Sreekumar, Parvathy, Madhu, Sukumaran and Suresh Gopi.-Plot:...
(1988) .... Thomas Mathew - Achuvettante Veedu (1987) .... Prabhakaran
- Sarvakalasala (1987) .... Kurup
- Nyayavidhi (1986) .... Saayippu
- AavanazhiAavanazhiAavanazhi is a 1986 Malayalam action film. Directed by I. V. Sasi, based on the script written by T. Damodaran,Aavanazhi was a huge hit at the box office. Appearing Mammootty in the lad role of Balram, a police inspector, this film deals with social and political issues of that time...
(1986) .... Jayachandran - Janakeeya Kodathi (1985) .... Chennikal Velayudhan
- InakkillyInakkillyInakkilly is a 1984 Malayalam film by Joshi starring Prem Nazir and Balan K. Nair.-Plot:Johnay and Nimmy are students of school who fell in love with each other but Nimmy's father Alexander discovers his daughter's affair with Jonhy and kills him by gun until Johnny's father Zachariah aveages his...
(1984) .... The Priest - Ivide Ingane (1984) .... Raju
- Mainakam (1984) .... Sathyan
- Belt Mathai (1983) .... Belt Mathai
- Kurukkante KalyanamKurukkante KalyanamKurukkante Kalyanam is a 1982 Malayalam film that dwells on love that transcends age barriers, told with a deft touch of humor and simplicity in narrative. It is about a shy,timid and introverted Sivasubrahmania Hariramachandran who falls head over heels for the petite and spunky Saritha,...
(1982) .... Sivasubrahmania Hariramachandran - Ponnum Poovum (1982) .... Balan Nair
- Sara Varsham (1982) .... Dr. K. Sumesh
- Ahimsa (1981) .... Devan
- Sphodanam (1981)
- Agni YudhamAgni YudhamAgni Yudham is an Indian film in Malayalam language by Suresh starring Sukumaran, M. G. Soman, Jagathi Sreekumar, and Jayabharathi....
- Aarathi (1981) .... Simon Peter
- Kathayariyathe (1981) .... Vishnu
- Orikkal Koodi (1981) .... Soman
- Valarthu Mrugangal (1981) .... Daredevil Bhaskaran
- Vilkkanundu SwapnangalVilkkanundu SwapnangalVilkkanundu Swapnangal is a 1980 Malayalam drama film directed by Azad, written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and starring Sukumaran in the lead role. The film features Mammootty, as an antagonist in a supporting role. Voice for Mammootty in this film was dubbed by Sreenivasan.-Plot:To supported his...
(1980) .... Rajagopal - Angaadi (1980) .... Gopi
- Aniyatha Valakkal (1980) .... Ganesh
- Chaakara (1980) .... Devarajan
- Kavalmadam (1980) ...
- Theekkadal (1980) .... Varghese
- Kazhukan (1979) .... Gopi
- Mannu (1978) .... Krishnan Nair's Son
- Shalini Ente KoottukariShalini Ente KoottukariShalini Ente Koottukari is a 1978 Malayalam film about the friendship between two young women named Shalini and Ammu.-Plot:The film follows the life of a young woman named Shalini. Shalini is in love with her classmate, but with the suicide of her brother, her life becomes painful; this leads her...
(1978) .... Jayadevan - NirmalayamNirmalayamNirmalyam is a 1973 Malayalam film written and directed by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and starring P. J. Antony and Shanta Devi. Malayalam actor P. J. Antony won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1974 for his performance as a velichappadu in this movie...
(1973) .... Cook's Son