The passing away of actor-writer-director Sreenivasan has sent the Malayalam film industry and beyond into mourning. The 69-year-old passed away earlier in the day due to age-related ailments. He was on the way to dialysis when he suddenly fell and was taken to a government hospital in Thrippunithura, where he breathed his last. His mortal remains were first moved to his residence in Udayamperoor before being kept at Ernakulam Town Hall for the public to pay homage. Actors Mohanlal and Mammootty, who collaborated frequently with Sreenivasan, were seated right next to his body and were seen emotionally overwhelmed.
Apart from film personalities, people from all walks of society, including politicians, bureaucrats, and commoners, paid tributes to Sreenivasan, a legend in every sense of the word.
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran wrote on social media, "Adieu to one of the greatest ever writer/director/actor! Thank you for the laughs and thoughts! Rest in peace, legend!"
His brother Indrajith Sukumaran, who acted alongside Sreenivasan in films like Outsider and Arabikkatha, wrote, "Was a pleasure sharing screenspace and talking your lines in cinema. Thank you for all the laughs and the entertainment. Will you miss you Sreeni etta"
Nivin Pauly, who also acted with Sreenivasan in many films, including his production Thattathin Marayathu, remembered his guidance. "Malayalam cinema loses an irreplaceable man - the dearest Srini sir who has been a guide to many like me," the actor wrote.
Chief Minister Pinarayi penned a long note on his social media handle, listing Sreenivasan's impact on Malayalam cinema and the legacy he leaves behind. "There aren't many other filmmakers who have been so successful in bringing the common man's life to the screen with the desired levels of consciousness through laughter and thought. He took a step by breaking many of the stereotypes that existed in cinema." Though Sreenivasan often criticised mainstream political parties through his films and interviews, the CM wrote that even staunch dissenters admired his genius.
Calling it a personal loss, Pinarayi also remembered the time when they got together for an interview and won him over with witty conversations. He ended the note saying, "Sreenivasan's growth in cinema, fuelled purely by passion and perseverance, is a textbook for all aspirants."
Actor Manju Warrier also took to social media to share a heartfelt note, which reads, "Timelessness is the most beautiful mark an artist can leave on this earth. Sreeni ettan achieved it in writing, acting, and directing. Sreeniyettan, who ends every conversation with a loud laugh, makes me cry for the first time. But it is only a body that will disappear, and that name will live here for a very long time."
Superstar Rajinikanth, who was classmates with Sreenivasan at Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, expressed his condolences through a voice note. “It was shocking to know that my good friend Sreenivasan is no more. He was my classmate in the film institute where I studied. He is an excellent actor and a very good human being. Let his soul rest in peace.”
Sharing a picture of Sreenivasan, actor-MP Kamal Haasan wrote on X, “Some artists entertain, some enlighten, some provoke. Sreenivasan did it all, with a smile that carried truth and a laugh that carried responsibility. My respects to a remarkable mind. Deepest condolences to his family and admirers.”
