Murali (Malayalam actor)

Muraleedharan Pillai, popularly known as Murali (Malayalam: മുരളി, 25 May 1954 – 6 August 2009) was an Indian film, stage and television actor and author. He mainly appeared in Malayalam films and a few Tamil films and also many other movies. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Appa Mestry, a communist freedom fighter and professional weaver in the 2002 film Neythukaran. Regarded by film critics as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema, he was known for his powerful portrayal of character roles, lead roles and negative roles.

Murali
Born
Muraleedharan Pillai

(1954-05-25)25 May 1954
Kudavattoor, State of Travancore-Cochin (present day Kollam, Kerala), India
Died6 August 2009(2009-08-06) (aged 55)
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
NationalityIndian
OccupationActor
Years active1986 – 2009
Spouse(s)Mini
Children1
Parent(s)
  • P. Krishna Pillai
  • K. Devaki Amma

Murali started his film career playing villain roles and soon turned to character acting. He played the leading role in the 1992 film Aadhaaram, which gave a "break" to his career.[1] The film was well received at the box office and Murali ascended to the status of a star in Malayalam cinema, which he enjoyed for a few years during the 1990s. Besides acting, he was the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy from 2006 until his death. He also authored five books, and was also a Sangeetha Nataka Academy award winner. He contested at the 1999 Lok Sabha polls as a communist candidate without success. He was also the Director of the CPI(M) promoted television company Malayalam Communications, which runs Malayalam TV channels Kairali TV, People TV and WE TV. His last film was the 2009 Tamil film Aadhavan. He is one of the founders of the Malayalam film actors association AMMA.

Early life

Murali was born on 20 February 1954 as the first of five children to P. Krishna Pillai and K. Devaki Amma at Kudavattoor, Kollam, Kerala, India. He has four siblings, Thulasi, Sheela, Harikumar and Sheeja.[2] He did his schooling from Kudavattoor L. P. School and Thrikannamangalam S. K. V. High School. He passed the pre-degree from M.G. College, Thiruvananthapuram and his Degree from Devaswom Board College, Sasthamkotta. He was an active member of the Students Federation of India. He took an LL.B degree from the Kerala Law Academy Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. After studies, he worked for some years as Lower Division Clerk in the Department of Health, Government of Kerala and as Upper Division Clerk in the office of Kerala University. He was married to his first cousin Mini and has a daughter Karthika. His daughter married Sonoop R. Nair on 15 July 2016[3]

Career

Film actor

Murali debuted in films with the lead role in Njattadi, directed by Bharath Gopi. But the film was never released. He then got chance to act in Chidambaram, directed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Aravindan. He then acted in Meenamasathile Sooryan and Panchagni, directed by Lenin Rajendran and Hariharan, respectively. Panchagni got released first and it gave him the break in his acting career. He soon established himself as a powerful actor in the Malayalam film industry. Aadhaaram, directed by George Kittu, was the first film to be released with Murali in a lead role. He acted in a variety of roles, ranging from lead roles to villain roles, and won accolades. Some of his other notable films include Nee Ethra Dhanya, Dhanam, The King, Pathram, Chakoram, Veeralippattu, Achan Kombathu Amma Varambathu, Meenamasathile Sooryan, Swarnam, Kaarunyam and The Truth"Amaram". Also worth-mentioning are his remarkable portrayals as a toddy tapper in Malayogam and as trade union leader in Varavelppu.

Murali acted in the longest TV commercial ever on Indian TV, spanning 150 seconds. This was for Air Deccan in 2005.[4]

Stage actor

Murali was actively involved with Natyagriham, a drama venture started by actor Narendra Prasad. Murali won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ravana in the Malayalam play Lanka Lakshmi, which was based on C. N. Sreekantan Nair's novel of the same name. He was also associated with G. Sankara Pillai in doing theatre plays.

Author

Murali authored five books. His book on Kumaranasan, Abhinethavum Asan Kavithayum (Actor and Asan's Poetry) won him the Sangeetha Nataka Academy award. One of his other critically acclaimed books was Abhinyathinte Rasathanthram (Chemistry of Acting).

Politician

Murali was a member of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and has contested the 1999 Lok Sabha polls from the Alappuzha constituency as a Left Democratic Front candidate, but lost to V. M. Sudheeran of Indian National Congress.

Death

Murali died in Thiruvananthapuram on 6 August 2009 at the age of 55, due to acute diabetes which led to a heart attack at 8.20 PM IST.[5] He was cremated with full state honours at his home in Aruvikkara, which he had bought some years prior to his death.

Awards

National Film Awards:

Kerala State Film Awards:

Kerala state TV Awards

Filmfare Awards:

Other awards:

  • Madras Film Fans Award
  • Kerala Film Critics Award
  • Shivaram Award
  • Best columnist award: for his feature "Vyazhaporul" in the Malayala Manorama newspaper

Filmography

Malayalam
  1. Ramaleela (2017) (posthumously)... (photo presence) as Sakhavu Raghavan
  2. Manjadikuru (2013) (posthumously)... Sanyasi Maaman
  3. Ven Shanku Pol (2011)
  4. Patham Adhyayam (2009) as Kumaran Ashari
  5. Malayali (2009)
  6. Kshatriyavamsam (2009)
  7. Sound of Boot (2008)
  8. Swarnam (2008)
  9. Cycle (2008)
  10. Aayudham (2008)
  11. Pranayakalam (2007) as ASI Varghese
  12. Veeralipattu (2007)
  13. Naalu Pennungal (2007)
  14. Drishtantham (2007)
  15. Vinodayathra (2007)
  16. Eakantham (2006) as Ravunni Menon
  17. Pulijanmam (2006) as Kari Gurukkal
  18. Photographer (2006)
  19. Baba Kalyani (2006)
  20. Vasthavam (2006)
  21. Achante Ponnumakkal (2006)
  22. Vadakkumnadhan (2006)
  23. Annorikkal (2005)
  24. The Tiger (2005)
  25. Kanne Madanguka (2005) as Bhagyanadhan
  26. Iruvattam Manavaatti (2005)
  27. Kochi Rajavu (2005) as Dileep's father
  28. Runway (2004) as Bhai
  29. Nizhalkuthu (2004)
  30. Pravaasam (2004)
  31. Maratha Nadu (2004) as Kunjikka
  32. The Fire (2003) as Sacaria George
  33. Anyar (2003)
  34. C.I.D. Moosa (2003) as Chief Minister
  35. Gramophone (2003)
  36. Shivam (2002)
  37. Shesham (2002)
  38. Neythukaran (2002)
  39. Neelakasham Niraye (2002)
  40. Aabharanacharthu (2002)
  41. Jagapoga (2001)
  42. Sukhamo Sukam (2001)
  43. Dada Sahib (2000)... Doctor
  44. Devadoothan (2000)
  45. Sparsham (2000)
  46. Susanna (2000) as Josekutty
  47. Kallu Kondoru Pennu (2000) as Haridas
  48. Kannaadikkadavathu (2000)
  49. Garshom (1999)
  50. The Godman (1999) as Home Minister
  51. Independence (1999)
  52. Pathram (1999) as Shekharan
  53. The Truth (1998)
  54. Kaikudunna Nilavu (1998)
  55. Thalolam (1998)
  56. Thirakalkkappuram (1998)
  57. Kattathoru Penpoovu (1998)
  58. Rakthasakshikal Sindabad (1998)
  59. Bhoopathi (1997)
  60. Gangothri (1997)
  61. Guru (1997)
  62. Karunyam (1997)
  63. Adivaram (1997)
  64. Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997)
  65. Sankeerthanampole (1997)
  66. Thooval Kottaram (1996)
  67. Sammohanam (1996)
  68. Rajaputhran (1996)
  69. Aayiram Naavulla Ananthan (1996)
  70. Kanakkinavu (1996)
  71. Chaithanyam (1995)
  72. Mangala Soothram (1995)
  73. The King (1995)
  74. Indian Military Intelligence (1995)
  75. Achan Kombathu Amma Varampathu (1995)
  76. Prayikkara Pappan (1995)
  77. Sakshyam (1995)
  78. Sankeerthanam (1994)
  79. Chakoram (1994)
  80. Sammohanam (1994)
  81. Akashadoothu (1993)
  82. Bhoomi Geetham (1993)
  83. Magrib (1993)
  84. Porutham (1993)
  85. Chamayam (1993)
  86. Janam (1993) as Balachandran
  87. Naaraayam (1993)
  88. Venkalam (1993) (Actress Urvashi)
  89. Porutham (1993)
  90. Mahanagaram (1992)
  91. Kauravar (1992) as Rajagopal
  92. Aadhaaram (1992)
  93. Champakulam Thachan (1992)
  94. My Dear Muthachan (1992)
  95. Sathyaprathijna (1992)
  96. Kamaladalam (1992)
  97. Sadayam (1992)
  98. Arthana (1992)
  99. Snehasagaram (1992)
  100. Valayam (1992)
  101. Aardram (1992) ... Uppan Raghavan
  102. Kanalkkattu (1991)
  103. Inspector Balram (1991)
  104. Amaram (1991)
  105. Aakasha Kottayile Sultan (1991)
  106. Dhanam (1991)
  107. Kadavu (1991)
  108. Keli (1991)
  109. Adayalam (1991)
  110. Oru Yaathrayude Anthyam (1991)
  111. Kizhakkunarum Pakshi (1991) as Johnny
  112. Pookkalam Varavayi (1991)
  113. Vishnulokam (1991)
  114. Sandhwanam (1991)
  115. Ulladakkam (1991)
  116. Kalikkalam (1990)
  117. Appu (1990)
  118. Aye Auto (1990)
  119. Ee Kannikoodi (1990)
  120. Lal Salam (1990)
  121. Maalayogam (1990)
  122. Kuttettan (1990)
  123. Kshanakkathu (1990)
  124. Unnikuttanu Joli Kitti (1990)
  125. Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu (1990)
  126. Orukkam (1990) as Chandru
  127. Vidhyarambham (1990)
  128. Artham (1989)
  129. Varavelppu (1989)
  130. Asthikal Pookkunnu (1989)
  131. Dasharatham (1989)
  132. Padippura (1989)
  133. Mathilukal (1989)
  134. Maharajavu (1989)
  135. Pandu Pandoru Desathu (1989)
  136. Kaalal Pada (1989)
  137. Anagha (1989) as Thommachan
  138. Kireedam (1989)
  139. Naaduvazhikal (1989)
  140. Moonnam Mura (1988)
  141. Padippura (1988)
  142. Arjun Dennis (1988)
  143. Ayitham (1988) as Kacheri Mani Iyyer
  144. Mattoral (1988)
  145. Samvalsaragal (1988)
  146. Puravrutham (1988) as Achu
  147. Kanakambarangal (1988) as Ananthan Balussery
  148. Vida Parayaanmathram (1988)
  149. Oohakachavadam (1988)
  150. David David Mr David (1988)
  151. Oru Maymasapulariyil (1987)
  152. Swathi Thirunal (1987)
  153. Rithubetham (1987) as Appu
  154. Nombarathipoovu (1987)
  155. Jaalakam (1987)
  156. Archanapookkal (1987)
  157. Ezhuthapurangal (1987)
  158. Neeyethra Dhanya (1987)
  159. Nombarathi Poovu (1987)
  160. Panchagni (1986)
  161. Chidambaram (1986)
  162. Meenamasathile Sooryan (1986) as Abubacker
  163. Njattadi (1979)

Tamil
  1. Kaaviyyan (2019) – Posthumous film
  2. Aadhavan (2009) – Posthumous film
  3. Polladhavan (2007)
  4. Majaa (2005)
  5. Raam (2005)
  6. Ullam Ketkumae (2005)
  7. Joot (2003)
  8. Raajjiyam (2002)
  9. Gemini (2002)
  10. Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001)

Telugu
  1. Gemini (2002)

As Producer

Story

Television career
  • Aranazhika Neram (Amrita TV)
  • Sakunam ( DD Malayalam)

Posthumous recognition

The Bharat Murali Cultural Centre was established at his birthplace, Kudavattoor.[6] It presents the annual Bharat Murali Award to distinguished contributors to Malayalam cinema.

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

References
  1. http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=12154376&programId=7940855&channelId=-1073750705&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=3
  2. "CiniDiary". CiniDiary. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  3. "Mangalam-varika-19-Aug-2013". mangalamvarkia.com. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  4. "> Media, Advertising & Marketing Watch > Air Deccan shoots longest TVC of a common man's first flight". Indiantelevision.com. 5 July 2005. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  5. "Veteran Malayalam actor Murali dies". Press Trust of India. 7 August 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  6. "Bharat Murali death anniversary". New Indian Express. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  7. "Murali award presented to KPAC Lalitha". The Hindu. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  8. "Malayalam actor Kuttyedathi gets Bharat Murali Puraskar". News18. 3 February 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  9. "Bharat Murali award for Manoj K Jayan". New Indian Express. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  10. Nambiar, Smitha (3 July 2012). "Kaviyoor Ponnamma to be awarded Bharat Murali award By Smitha Nambiar". filmibeat.com. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  11. "Kaviyoor Ponnamma to be awarded Bharat Murali award". indiansinkuwait.com. 12 July 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  12. "ഭരത് മുരളി അവാര്‍ഡ് സുരഭി ലക്ഷ്മിക്കും ഇന്ദ്രന്‍സിനും [Bharat Murali Award for Surabhi Lakshmi and Indrans]". Times of India (in Malayalam). 26 July 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  13. Menon, Jayashankar (6 August 2020). "Vijith Nambiar, director of the Malayalam movie, 'Munthiri Monchan', has been selected as the Best Debut Director for the 9th Bharat Murali Award of the Thrissur based Manas Kalavedi". Indian News. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
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