Sreenivasan, Acclaimed Malayalam Actor-Writer, Passes Away
The Malayalam cinema icon had acted in over 220 films in five decades, and is survived by his wife, Vimala Sreenivasan, and sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan
Acclaimed Malayalam actor, writer and filmmaker Sreenivasan, who has been a stalwart of the industry for decades now, passed away in Kochi on Saturday (December 20, 2025) at the age of 69.
According to reports, Sreenivasan had been suffering from cardiac ailments earlier, and he breathed his last on Saturday. His cremation will be held at 10 a.m on Sunday at his residence in Kandanadu near Thripunitura.
The icon had acted in over 220 films in five decades, and is survived by his wife, Vimala Sreenivasan, and sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, who are also part of the film industry.
Sreenivasan often shared screen space with the likes of Mammootty and Mohanlal. Apart from his acting roles, his directorial projects like Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (that won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues) were acclaimed critically and commercially. As a writer, his collaborations with notable directors like Priyadarshan, Kamal and Sathyan Anthikad changed the landscape of the Malayalam industry with films such as Sandesam and Mazhayethum Munpe. His last film written for Anthikad was Njan Prakashan (2018) starring Fahadh Faasil in the lead role.
Sreenivasan also won numerous awards, including a National Film Award and six Kerala State Film Awards. He was last seen as an actor in the Malayalam films Aap Kaise Ho and Nancy Rani in 2025.
His passing away prompted reactions from several members of the film fraternity. Singer K.S. Chithra took to X and wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear about Sreenivas sir’s passing. I was fortunate enough to sing for so many of his movies. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Actor-director Basil Joseph posted on Instagram, “Srini sir, thank you for all the laughter and warmth you gave us. You were a big part of our childhood and our happiest memories. You may be gone, but you will always live on through your work. Rest in peace, legend.”
According to The Hindu, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, who was one of Sreenivasan's closest collaborators, reacted to the news and told reporters, “I’m in a situation where I can’t respond. We have had a strong bond with each other. I used to visit him once in two weeks (since he became ill). I never thought he would leave this soon."