Gayathri Ashokan is an Indian poster designer and screenwriter who works in
Malayalam cinema
Malayalam cinema is an Indian film industry of Malayalam-language motion pictures. It is based in Kochi, Kerala, India. The films produced in Malayalam cinema are known for their cinematography and story-driven plots. In 1982, ''Elippathayam' ...
. He is considered as a pioneer in poster designing art along with
P. N. Menon in
Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 22 scheduled languages of India. Malayalam was des ...
film industry.
His debut design was for director
Padmarajan
P. Padmarajan (23 May 1945 – 23 January 1991) was an Indian film maker, screenwriter and author who was known for his works in Malayalam literature and Malayalam cinema. He was the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, a ...
' s ''
Koodevide
''Koodevide?'' ( en, Where is Your Nest?) is a 1983 Malayalam drama film, written and directed by P. Padmarajan, starring Mammootty, Suhasini and Rahman, who makes his debut. The plot is loosely based on a Tamil novel by Vasanthi. The film wa ...
'' where he created a poster with all characters appearing in
postage stamp
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper issued by a post office, postal administration, or other authorized vendors to customers who pay postage (the cost involved in moving, insuring, or registering mail), who then affix the stamp to the fa ...
. The posters created a very good impact among filmgoers. He has designed promotional posters for over 700 films including
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
films. Ashokan introduced the
airbrush
An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that atomizes and sprays various media, most often paint but also ink and dye, and foundation. Spray painting developed from the airbrush and is considered to employ a type of airbrush.
History
U ...
concept in Malayalam posters.
[
]
Career
Ashokan started off his career as a designer for books and magazines based at Kottayam
Kottayam () is a municipal town in the Indian state of Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. It is the district headquarters of Kottayam district, located in south-we ...
and he later started doing posters in the name of the studio he worked. The posters of most of the films produced and distributed by Jubilee Pictures, Geo Movies, Binny Films, Central Pictures and Century Films were designed by Ashokan, on behalf of the Studio. He has also worked as a lay out designer for ''Cut-Cut Magazine'', published from Kottayam.
His first break as an independent poster designer happened with ''Koodevide
''Koodevide?'' ( en, Where is Your Nest?) is a 1983 Malayalam drama film, written and directed by P. Padmarajan, starring Mammootty, Suhasini and Rahman, who makes his debut. The plot is loosely based on a Tamil novel by Vasanthi. The film wa ...
'', followed by '' Swanthamevide Bandhamevide'', ''Sandarbham
'Sandarbham' ( ml, സന്ദര്ഭം) is a 1984 Malayalam film directed by Joshy, written by Cochin Haneefa, screenplay by Kaloor Dennis, and starring Mammootty, Sukumaran, Saritha, Seema, P. K. Abraham, K. P. A. C. Sunny and Un ...
'', ''Ente Upasana
''Ente Upasana'' is a 1984 Malayalam film, directed by Bharathan, written by Thoppil Bhasi, starring Mammootty and Suhasini. The film is based on the award-winning novel ''Upasana'' by Mallika Yunis.
The film was remade in Telugu as ''Karpoora D ...
'' and finally his 10th film ''My Dear Kuttichathan
''My Dear Kuttichathan'' () is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language fantasy film directed by Jijo Punnoose and produced by his father Navodaya Appachan under Navodaya Studio. It was the first Indian film to be filmed in 3D format. With screenplay ...
''. Eight of those ten films became a success at the box office establishing Ashokan as a prominent designer.[
Gayathri Ashokan's work for '']Devaraagam
''Devaraagam'' is a 1996 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Bharathan and starring Sridevi and Arvind Swamy. It also had KPAC Lalitha, Kozhikode Narayanan Nair, Zeenath, and Nedumudi Venu in supporting roles. The film was famous for its ...
'', '' Kala Pani'' and ''Thazhvaram
''Thazhvaram'' () is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language western film, western thriller film directed by Bharathan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. It stars Mohanlal, Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, Anju (actress), Anju and Sankaradi. It tells the stor ...
'' was much appreciated.[ He is also the ]screenwriter
A screenplay writer (also called screenwriter, scriptwriter, scribe or scenarist) is a writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs and video games, are based.
...
for the Mohanlal
Mohanlal Viswanathan (born 21 May 1960), known mononymously as Mohanlal, is an Indian actor, film producer, playback singer, film distributor, and director who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema besides also having sporadically appeare ...
starrer action thriller ''Douthyam
''Douthyam'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by P. Anil and written by Gayathri Ashokan. The film stars Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Parvathy, and Babu Antony. The film attracted media attention for the action su ...
'', released in 1989.
Selected filmography
*''Kalikkalam
''Kalikkalam'' () is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, starring Mammootty, Shobana and Murali. the film was major commercial success movie of 1990
Plot
Mammootty, who is an orphan, plays the r ...
''
*''Koodevide
''Koodevide?'' ( en, Where is Your Nest?) is a 1983 Malayalam drama film, written and directed by P. Padmarajan, starring Mammootty, Suhasini and Rahman, who makes his debut. The plot is loosely based on a Tamil novel by Vasanthi. The film wa ...
''
*''Parannu Parannu Parannu
''Parannu Parannu Parannu'' () is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language film, written and directed by P. Padmarajan. It stars Rahman, Rohini and Nedumudi Venu in pivotal roles.
Plot
Elizabeth ( Sukumari) is a physical education instructor at a col ...
''
*''Sandarbham
'Sandarbham' ( ml, സന്ദര്ഭം) is a 1984 Malayalam film directed by Joshy, written by Cochin Haneefa, screenplay by Kaloor Dennis, and starring Mammootty, Sukumaran, Saritha, Seema, P. K. Abraham, K. P. A. C. Sunny and Un ...
''
*'' Swanthamevide Bandhamevide''
*''Vannu Kandu Keezhadakki
''Vannu Kandu Keezhadakki'' is a 1985 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Joshiy and produced by Sajan. It is the Malayalam remake of the famous Hindi film ''Khubsoorat'', starring Rekha and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The film s ...
''
*'' Oru Nokku Kaanan''
*'' Muthaaramkunnu P.O''
*''Nirakkoottu
''Nirakkoottu'' is a 1985 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Joshiy, written by Dennis Joseph, starring Mammootty, Sumalatha, Urvashi, Lizy, Babu Namboothiri and Jose Prakash. The music was composed by Shyam. The story follows journali ...
''
*'' Namukku Paarkkaan Munthirithoppukal''
*''Snehamulla Simham
''Snehamulla Simham'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film produced by P. T. Xavier under Vijaya Movies, directed by Sajan and written by M. D. Ajayghosh. It stars Mammootty, Nalini, Mukesh and Lalu Alex in lead roles. The ...
''
*'' Ee Kaikalil''
*''Chidambaram
Chidambaram is a town and municipality in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Vellar River where it meets the Bay of Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Chidambaram taluk. The town is believed to be of si ...
''
*'' Kariyilakkaattu Pole''
*''Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare
''Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced by Navodaya Appachan under Navodaya Studio, written and directed by Reghunath Paleri in his directorial debut. The film features Asha Jayaram and Geethu Moh ...
''
*''Shyama Shyama may refer to:
* Shyama (Hindi actress) (1935–2017), Indian actress in Hindi films
* Shyama (Malayalam actress) (?–1996), Indian actress in Malayalam and Tamil films
* Shyama (Jain monk) ( 247 BC–151 BC), Jain monk
* Shama Dulari ( 19 ...
''
*'' Anantharam''
*'' Kadhaykku Pinnil''
*''1921
Events
January
* January 2
** The Association football club Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, from Belo Horizonte, is founded as the multi-sports club Palestra Italia by Italian expatriates in First Brazilian Republic, Brazil.
** The Spanish lin ...
''
*'' Kudumbapuraanam''
*'' Sangham''
*''Devaraagam
''Devaraagam'' is a 1996 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Bharathan and starring Sridevi and Arvind Swamy. It also had KPAC Lalitha, Kozhikode Narayanan Nair, Zeenath, and Nedumudi Venu in supporting roles. The film was famous for its ...
''
*'' Kala Pani''
*''Thazhvaram
''Thazhvaram'' () is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language western film, western thriller film directed by Bharathan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. It stars Mohanlal, Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, Anju (actress), Anju and Sankaradi. It tells the stor ...
''
*''My Dear Kuttichathan
''My Dear Kuttichathan'' () is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language fantasy film directed by Jijo Punnoose and produced by his father Navodaya Appachan under Navodaya Studio. It was the first Indian film to be filmed in 3D format. With screenplay ...
''
*''Douthyam
''Douthyam'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by P. Anil and written by Gayathri Ashokan. The film stars Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Parvathy, and Babu Antony. The film attracted media attention for the action su ...
''
*''Vellanakalude Nadu
''Vellanakalude Nadu'' () is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language political satire crime film directed by Priyadarshan, written by Sreenivasan and produced by Maniyanpilla Raju. The film stars Mohanlal, Shobhana, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, M. G. So ...
''
*''New Delhi
New Delhi (, , ''Naī Dillī'') is the capital of India and a part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). New Delhi is the seat of all three branches of the government of India, hosting the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House ...
''
* ''Mathilukal''
*''Thaniyavarthanam
''Thaniyavarthanam'' ( en, The Repeating Rhythm) is a 1987 Malayalam drama film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. It stars Mammootty as school teacher Balagopalan, Thilakan as the uncle of the matrilineal family, Mukesh as ...
''
*''Irupatham Noottandu
''Irupatham Noottandu'' () is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language gangster film directed by K. Madhu, written by S. N. Swamy and produced by M. Mani. It stars Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Ambika. The film's music was composed by Shyam. The plot foll ...
''
*''Oru CBI Diary kurippu
''Oru CBI Diary Kurippu'' () is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language mystery thriller film directed by K. Madhu, written by S. N. Swamy, and starring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Jagathy Sreekumar, Mukesh, and Sukumaran. The lead character, CBI officer ...
''
*'' Dinaraathrangal''
*'' Moonnaam Mura''
*'' Mrigaya''
*''Vandanam
''Vandanam'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Priyadarshan, written by V. R. Gopalakrishnan, and produced by P. K. R. Pillai. The film stars Mohanlal and Girija Shettar, while Mukesh and Nedumudi Venu appea ...
''
*''Chithram
''Chithram'' () is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language screwball comedy film written and directed by Priyadarshan. The film was produced by P. K. R. Pillai under his production house Shirdi Sai Creations, and stars Mohanlal, Ranjini, Nedumudi Ve ...
''
*''Utharam
''Utharam'' ( eng, Answer) is a 1989 Malayalam mystery-thriller film, starring Mammootty, Suparna, Sukumaran and Parvathy. It was written by Malayalam writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair based on the short story ''No Motive'' by Daphne du Maurier. Uthar ...
''
*'' Kireedam''
*'' Paadha Mudra''
*''Varavelpu
''Varavelpu'' () is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language black comedy film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Sreenivasan, starring Mohanlal, Revathi, Sreenivasan, Thilakan, Murali, Innocent, and Jagadish. The film was produced by K. Rajag ...
''
*''Manu Uncle
''Manu Uncle'' is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by Dennis Joseph and produced by Joy Thomas. Starring Mammootty, M. G. Soman, Prathapachandran, Lissy, and B. Thyagarajan. Mohanlal made a cameo appearance as hims ...
''
*'' Ponmuttayidunna Thaaravu''
*'' Sargam''
*''Samrajyam
''Samrajyam'' () is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language gangster film directed by Jomon. The film stars Mammootty as Alexander, a powerful underworld don. The film narrates the story of his rise and fall. The film features Madhu, Srividya, Asho ...
''
*''Thenmavin Kombath
''Thenmavin Kompath'' () is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Priyadarshan. It was produced and edited by N. Gopalakrishnan. The film stars Mohanlal, Shobana, and Nedumudi Venu, with Kaviyoor Ponnamma, ...
''
*'' Chandralekha''
*'' His Highness Abdulla ''
*'' Aaraam Thamburan''
*''FIR
Firs (''Abies'') are a genus of 48–56 species of evergreen coniferous trees in the family (biology), family Pinaceae. They are found on mountains throughout much of North America, North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The ...
''
*''Kilukkam
''Kilukkam'' () is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language musical romantic comedy film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Venu Nagavalli. The story set in Ooty revolves around tourist guide Joji (Mohanlal) and photographer Nishchal (Jagathy Sree ...
''
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ashokan, Gayathri
Malayalam screenwriters
Film poster artists
Living people
1957 births