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Murali (Malayalam actor)

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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
SpouseMini
Children1
Parents
  • P. Krishna Pillai
  • K. Devaki Amma

Muraleedharan Pillai, popularly known as Murali (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. 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. He was known for his powerful portrayal of character roles, lead roles and negative roles, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Malayalam cinema.[1][2]

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.[3] 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 Limited, which runs Malayalam TV channels Kairali TV, People TV and We TV. His last film was the 2011 film Ven Shankhu Pol. He is one of the founders of the Malayalam film actors association AMMA.

Early life

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Muraleedharan Pillai was born on 25 May 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.[4] 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.[5]

Career

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Film actor

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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.[6]

Stage actor

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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

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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

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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

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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.[7] He was cremated with full state honours at his home in Aruvikkara, which he had bought some years prior to his death.

Awards

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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

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As actor

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Malayalam

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1979 Njattadi Raghu
1985 Chidambaram Cheriyan
1986 Meenamasathile Sooryan Abubakar
Panchagni Rajan
1987 Nombarathi Poovu Samuel
Neeyethra Dhanya Hafiz Ali
Ezhuthapurangal Raveendranath
Archanapookkal
Jaalakam Shivankutty
Rithubhedam Appu
Swathi Thirunal Shadkala Govinda Marar
Oru Maymasa Pulariyil
1988 David David Mr. David Mr. David
Oohakachavadam
Vida Parayaanmathram Sebastian Joseph
Kanakambarangal Ananthan Balussery
Puravrutham Achu
Samvalsaragal
Mattoral Mahesh
Ayitham Kachery Mani Iyyer
Arjun Dennis
Padippura
Moonnam Mura Jayan
1989 Naduvazhikal Cherian
Kireedam Lokanathan, Sub-Inspector
Anagha Thommachan
Kaalal Pada Firoz
Pandu Pandoru Desathu
Maharajavu
Dasharatham Chandradas
Asthikal Pookkunnu Sreedharan / Bhaskaran
Varavelpu Prabhakaran
Artham R. K. Nambyar
1990 Mathilukal Basheer's childhood friend
Vidhyarambham Prabhakaran
Orukkam Chandru
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu Philip Thennalackal George
Unnikuttanu Joli Kitti
Kshanakkathu
Kuttettan Nair
Malayogom Damodaran
Lal Salam D.K. Antony
Ee Kanni Koodi Vidyadharan
Aye Auto Bhadran
Appu Gopan
Kalikkalam CI Shekharan
1991 Ulladakkam Roy
Santhwanam John
Vishnulokam Prathapa Varma Thampuran
Pookkalam Varavayi Jayaraj
Kizhakkunarum Pakshi Johnny
Yaathrayude Anthyam Writer VKV
Adayalam Dr. Mohan
Keli Appootty
Kadavu Rahman
Dhanam Aboobacker/Abu
Aakasha Kottayile Sultan Georgekutty
Amaram Kochu Raman
Inspector Balram City Police Commissioner Madhavan Nair IPS
Kanalkkattu Ramu
1992 Aardram Uppan Raghavan
Valayam
Snehasagaram Josekutty
Arthana Ramachandran
Sadayam Madhavan Jailer
Kamaladalam Madhavanunni
Sathyaprathinja Achuthan
My Dear Muthachan Kuriachan
Champakulam Thachan Raghavan
Aadhaaram Bapputty
Kauravar Commissioner Rajagopal
Mahanagaram Commissioner Chandradas
1993 Porutham Nanda Kumar
Venkalam Gopalan
Naaraayam Shekharan
Janam Balachandran
Chamayam Esthappan Aasan
Magrib Razaq
Bhoomi Geetham Thekkinkadu Krishnaprasad
Akashadoothu Johnny
1994 Sammohanam Chandu
Chakoram Lance naik Mukundan Menon
Sankeerthanam
1995 Sakshyam Col. Rajasekharan Nambiar
Prayikkara Pappan Achuthan / Prayikkara Pappan
Achan Kombathu Amma Varampathu Chandrasekhara Menon
Indian Military Intelligence Captain Anthony Domenic
The King MP Jayakrishnan
Mangalyasootram Karnan
Chaithanyam
1996 Kaanaakkinaavu Chandradas
Aayiram Naavulla Ananthan Dr. Nandakumar
Rajaputhran K.R.Bhadran
Thooval Kottaram Balaraman Varma
1997 Sankeerthanam Pole Kunjachan
Irattakuttikalude Achan Venu
Adivaram Constable Izahaq
Karunyam Gopinathan Nair
Guru Sahib Abdullah
Gangothri Mukundan Menon
Bhoopathi Ravi Varma
1998 Rakthasakshikal Sindabad E. Sreedharan
Kattathoru Penpoovu
Thirakalkkappuram Moothoru
Thalolam Chittoor Sankaran Unni
Kaikudunna Nilavu Rowther
The Truth DGP Hariprasad IPS
Kallu Kondoru Pennu Haridasan
1999 Pathram Shekharan
Independence Kunikal Vasu
The Godman Home Minister Abdul Rahim
Garshom Nazaruddin
2000 Kannaadikkadavathu
Susanna Josekutty
Sparsham Valappil Raghavan
Devadoothan Alberto [8]
Dada Sahib Dr. Raveendran
2001 Sukhamo Sukam
2002 Jagapoga
Aabharanacharthu
Neelakasham Niraye
Neythukaran Appa Mestry
Sesham
Shivam Sudhakaran MP
2003 Gramophone Ravindranathan
C.I.D. Moosa CM Ravi Menon
Anyar
The Fire Zakaria George
2004 Maratha Nadu Kunjikoya
Pravaasam
Nizhalkuthu Vasu
Runway Bhai/Chandy
2005 Kochi Rajavu Chandrashekhara Menon
Iruvattam Manavaatti Const. Anadan
Kanne Madanguka Bhagyanathan
The Tiger Jnanashekhara Varma IPS
Annorikkal Father of Benny & Beena
2006 Vadakkumnadhan Balarama Pisharadi
Achante Ponnumakkal
Vaasthavam Pattam Raveendran
Baba Kalyani Arackal Ashokan
Photographer Viplavam Balan
Pulijanmam Prakashan / Kari Gurukkal
Eakantham Ravunni Menon
2007 Vinodayathra Vijayan
Drishtantham
Naalu Pennungal Chinnu Amma's husband Segment: The Housewife
Veeralipattu Madhavan Nair
Pranayakalam Stephen Varghese
2008 Aayudham Abdullah
Cycle Simon
Swarnam Raghavan
Sound of Boot Sankaranarayanan
2009 Kshatriyavamsam
Malayali Viswanathan Menon
Patham Adhyayam Kumaran Ashari
2011 Ven Shankhu Pol Posthumously
2013 Manjadikuru Sanyasi Maaman / Murali Released after 5 year gap
Nadodimannan Sakhavu Madhavan Photo Role
2017 Ramaleela Sakhavu Raghavan Photo Role

Tamil

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2001 Dumm Dumm Dumm Veluthambi
2002 Gemini DGP Singaperumal
Raajjiyam Governor
2003 Joot Eashwaran's father
2005 Ullam Ketkumae Pooja's father
Raam Malaichami
Majaa Kalingarayar
2007 Polladhavan Shankar
2009 Aadhavan Subramaniam Posthumous film
2019 Kaaviyyan Photo role

Telugu

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2000 Okkadu Chaalu Military Major
2002 Gemini Commissioner Narendranath Chowdary

Hindi

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1997 Abhaas Ray Sahab

Story

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Television career

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

Posthumous recognition

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The Bharat Murali Cultural Centre was established at his birthplace, Kudavattoor.[9] It presents the annual Bharat Murali Award to distinguished contributors to Malayalam cinema.

References

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  1. ^ "Murali's Legacy Lives On: Comrades, Colleagues, and Fans Pay Tribute – Mammootty Special". mammoottyspecial.com. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  2. ^ Brittas, John (8 August 2009). "A restless rebel who swung between ideology and religion". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Manorama Online | Movies | Nostalgia |". www.manoramaonline.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012.
  4. ^ "CiniDiary". CiniDiary. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  5. ^ "Mangalam-varika-19-Aug-2013". mangalamvarkia.com. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ "> 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.
  7. ^ "Veteran Malayalam actor Murali dies". Press Trust of India. 7 August 2009. Archived from the original on 9 August 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  8. ^ "Devadoothan movie review: Mohanlal's timeless musical horror should have come with the tagline 'masters at work'". The Indian Express. 26 July 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Bharat Murali death anniversary". New Indian Express. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  10. ^ "Murali award presented to KPAC Lalitha". The Hindu. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Malayalam actor Kuttyedathi gets Bharat Murali Puraskar". News18. 3 February 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Bharat Murali award for Manoj K Jayan". New Indian Express. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  13. ^ Nambiar, Smitha (3 July 2012). "Kaviyoor Ponnamma to be awarded Bharat Murali award By Smitha Nambiar". filmibeat.com. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  14. ^ "Kaviyoor Ponnamma to be awarded Bharat Murali award". indiansinkuwait.com. 12 July 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ 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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