PRATHAP POTHEN

Prathap Pothen – The Versatile Actor, Director, and Filmmaker

Prathap Pothen was a multi-talented artist in Indian cinema, known for his work as an actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. He left a lasting impact on Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, playing unconventional roles and directing critically acclaimed movies. His unique style, experimental storytelling, and ability to portray complex characters made him a standout figure in Indian cinema.

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Prathap Pothen
  • Born: 13 August 1952, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Died: 15 July 2022 (aged 69), Chennai, India
  • Occupation: Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Producer
  • Languages Worked In: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
  • Style: Experimental storytelling, psychological dramas, offbeat character roles
  • Key Collaborations: Bharathiraja, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Mani Ratnam, Suhasini, Revathi

Acting Career – Notable Films

Malayalam Films

  1. Aaravam (1978) – Debut film, directed by Bharathan.
  2. Thakara (1979) – Played a mentally challenged man, won acclaim.
  3. Chamaram (1980) – A romantic classic about a student-teacher relationship.
  4. Lorry (1980) – A drama about love and survival.
  5. Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai (1985) – A critically acclaimed love story.
  6. Once Upon a Time There Was a Kallan (2014) – A unique crime thriller.
  7. 22 Female Kottayam (2012) – Played a dark and intense role in this feminist thriller.
  8. Ezra (2017) – A horror-thriller featuring Prithviraj.
  9. Varane Avashyamund (2020) – A family drama featuring Dulquer Salmaan.

Tamil Films

  1. Moodu Pani (1980) – Played a psychotic killer in this psychological thriller.
  2. Varumayin Niram Sivappu (1980) – A political drama with Kamal Haasan.
  3. Alaigal Oivathillai (1981) – A romantic drama.
  4. Nenjathai Killathe (1980) – A critically acclaimed romantic drama.
  5. Panneer Pushpangal (1981) – A teenage love story.
  6. 3 (2012) – Played a significant role in Dhanush’s psychological drama.

Telugu & Hindi Films

  • Maro Charitra (1978, Telugu) – A K. Balachander classic.
  • Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981, Hindi) – The Hindi remake of Maro Charitra.

Directorial Career – Notable Films

  1. Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai (1985, Tamil) – Won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
  2. Rithubhedam (1987, Malayalam) – A critically acclaimed film about relationships.
  3. Daisy (1988, Malayalam) – A cult classic teenage romance film.
  4. Oru Yathramozhi (1997, Malayalam) – Starring Mohanlal and Sivaji Ganesan.
  5. Lucky Man (1995, Tamil) – A comedy-drama with Karthik.

Awards & Recognition

🏆 National Film Award – Best Feature Film in Tamil (Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai, 1985)
 🏆 Kerala State Film Award – Special Jury Award for Acting
 🏆 Filmfare Awards South – Multiple nominations

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S-l-Xcd44M&pp=ygU4bW9sbHl3b29kIGRpcmVjdG9yIFByYXRoYXAgUG90aGVuIGJpb2dyYXBoeSBpbiBtYWxheWFsYW0%3D