Communist Party leader and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan passed away the other day, following a heart attack in late June. Since then, tributes have been flowing in from all realms of Kerala’s society, including Malayalam cinema. Many of the industry’s prominent personalities shared their condolence messages and reminisced about the former freedom fighter. In one such post, actor Mohanlal wrote, “Tearful tributes to a leader of the people who turned his own life into a protest. I find myself fortunate to have been able to maintain a loving relationship with the great man who shined with the hope of commoner.” The actor added that the erstwhile CM and leader “stood firm in his stances and ideals” and that he will live long in the minds of Malayalees.

On the other hand, Mohanlal's contemporary and biggest rival, Mammootty kept his tribute simple, writing, “Rest in peace, dear comrade.”

Interestingly, VS Achuthanandan even made an appearance at the age of 93 in the 2016 Malayalam political drama Campus Diary. He played himself in the film, joining a group of students protesting against a corporate firm exploiting water in Kalikkadavu. His appearance in the film added a layer of realism and was viewed as a poignant reminder of his commitment to the cause of the people. In a recent conversation with Onmanorama, Achuthanandan’s Campus Diary co-star Sudev Nair reminisced about the late leader. Describing him as a “warm, accessible, and approachable” man, Sudev said that the leader helped his parents deal with an unscrupulous builder.