Shaji Neelakantan Karun (born 1 January 1952) is an Indian film director and
cinematographer
The cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the person responsible for the photographing or recording of a film, television production, music video or other live action piece. The cinematographer is the ch ...
. His debut film ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' (1988) won the
Caméra d'Or
The Caméra d'Or ("''Golden Camera''") is an award of the Cannes Film Festival for the best first feature film presented in one of the Cannes' selections (Official Selection, Directors' Fortnight or International Critics' Week
The International ...
– Mention d'honneur at the
1989 Cannes Film Festival
The 42nd Cannes Film Festival was held from 11 to 23 May 1989. The Palme d'Or went to ''Sex, Lies, and Videotape'' by Steven Soderbergh.
The festival opened with ''New York Stories'', anthology film directed by Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, ...
. He was the premiere chairman of the
Kerala State Chalachitra Academy
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South Cana ...
, the first academy for film and TV in India and was also the executive chairman of the
International Film Festival of Kerala
The International Film Festival of Kerala (abbreviated as IFFK) is a film festival held annually in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. This film festival started in 1996 and is hosted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy ...
(IFFK) from 1998 to 2001. He is best known for his award-winning films ''Piravi'' (1988), ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
'' (1994), ''
Vanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced b ...
'' (1999) and ''
Kutty Srank
''Kutty Srank'' ( en, The Sailor of Hearts) is a 2010 Indian Malayalam arthouse film directed by Shaji N. Karun. Mammootty played the title role for the film. The film was produced by Reliance Entertainment under the banner of Big Motion Pict ...
'' (2009). He won the
National Award for Best Director for his debut film ''Piravi''. He also won two
Kerala State Film Awards for Best Director for his films ''Swaham'' and ''Vanaprastham''. Currently, he is the Chairman of
Kerala State Film Development Corporation
Kerala State Film Development Corporation (abbreviated as KSFDC), is an organization founded by the Government of Kerala, India for promoting the film market in the state. It was founded in 1975, a period when the production of Malayalam films ...
.
Biography
Shaji N. Karun was born on New Year's Day, 1952, as the eldest son of Mr. N. Karunakaran and Mrs. Chandramati in present-day
Kollam district
Kollam district (), (formerly Quilon district) is one of 14 districts of the state of Kerala, India. The district has a cross-section of Kerala's natural attributes; it is endowed with a long coastline, a major Laccadive Sea seaport and an in ...
in the former state of
Travancore
The Kingdom of Travancore ( /ˈtrævənkɔːr/), also known as the Kingdom of Thiruvithamkoor, was an Indian kingdom from c. 1729 until 1949. It was ruled by the Travancore Royal Family from Padmanabhapuram, and later Thiruvananthapuram. At ...
state (now
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
), India. The family moved to
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (; ), also known by its former name Trivandrum (), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most populous city in Kerala with a population of 957,730 as of 2011. The encompassing urban agglomeration populati ...
, the capital of the state in 1963. He did his schooling in Palkulangara H.S. and took a bachelor's degree from
University College, Thiruvananthapuram. In 1971 he entered the
Film and Television Institute of India
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is a film institute under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India and aided by the Central Government of India. It is situated on the premises of the erstwhile ...
, where he took his diploma in
cinematography
Cinematography (from ancient Greek κίνημα, ''kìnema'' "movement" and γράφειν, ''gràphein'' "to write") is the art of motion picture (and more recently, electronic video camera) photography.
Cinematographers use a lens to focu ...
. His diploma film ''Genesis'' (1974), directed by Rahul Dasgupta, got many awards and started his career. He won the GOLD medal on graduation in 1974. After graduation, he worked in ISRO Ahmedabad, Mumbai TV, Madras Film Industry on contract basis until 1975 when
Kerala State Film Development Corporation
Kerala State Film Development Corporation (abbreviated as KSFDC), is an organization founded by the Government of Kerala, India for promoting the film market in the state. It was founded in 1975, a period when the production of Malayalam films ...
(KSFDC) was about to realize. He became responsible with founder Chairman P R S Pillai, and its then Managing Director G.Vivekanandan for the planning, designing future visions of KSFDC to bring back the Film Industry that was until then rooted in Madras. His role with the participation in meaningful cinema activities through the contribution of KSFDC and well-known giants in Malayalam filmmakers resulted in many landmark achievements to the Malayalam Cinema nationally and Internationally.
1998, He started and presided the first film academy in India as
Kerala State Chalachitra Academy
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South Cana ...
under Government of Kerala and leadership of then Cultural Minister Marxist Late Shri T K Ramakrshnan. It is in the same year he started the International Film Festival (IFFK) as competitive and further
FIAPF
The FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films; en, International Federation of Film Producers Associations), created in 1933, is an organization composed with 36 member associations from 30 of the leading audio ...
recognized the festival as International competitive under his tenure. He has presented three films- Piravi, Swaham, Vanaprastham consecutively to Cannes official sections, a rare achievement for any filmmakers worldwide, where the film Swaham was in competition of Cannes in 1994. Since then, until now, no films from INDIA selected to compete for Cannes' Palme d'Or. He is the Only Malayalam filmmaker who achieved three national best films (Piravi, Vanaprastham, Kuttysrank) for the Malayalam language.
Personal life
Shaji married Anasuya Warrier, daughter of Dr.
P. K. R. Warrier
P. K. Raghava Warrier Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons, FRCS ( ml, പി. കെ. രാഘവ വാര്യര്) (13 August 1921 – 26 March 2011) was a cardiothoracic surgeon, author and social activist from Kerala, India.
...
, who was his neighbor in
Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram (; ), also known by its former name Trivandrum (), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most populous city in Kerala with a population of 957,730 as of 2011. The encompassing urban agglomeration populati ...
for quite some time, on 1 January 1975. After a brief stint in the south Indian city of
Madras
Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...
, he returned to
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (; ), also known by its former name Trivandrum (), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most populous city in Kerala with a population of 957,730 as of 2011. The encompassing urban agglomeration populati ...
in 1976 where he got an appointment as film officer in the newly formed state Film Development Corporation. They have 2 sons, Anil and Appu. His association with the legendary Malayalam filmmaker
G. Aravindan
Govindan Aravindan (23 January 1935 – 15 March 1991) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, musician, cartoonist, and painter. He was one of the pioneers of parallel cinema in Malayalam. He was known for his unorthodox way of filmma ...
began at this time. Then he continued working with notable directors like
G. Aravindan
Govindan Aravindan (23 January 1935 – 15 March 1991) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, musician, cartoonist, and painter. He was one of the pioneers of parallel cinema in Malayalam. He was known for his unorthodox way of filmma ...
,
K. G. George
Kulakkattil Geevarghese George (born 24 May 1946) is an Indian film maker and screenwriter who worked in the Malayalam cinema. He was the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, along with Bharathan and P. Padmarajan, in ...
and
M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair (born 1933 July 15 ), popularly known as MT, is an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He is a prolific and versatile writer in modern Malayalam literature, and is one of the masters of post-I ...
as a cinematographer.
His career also spreads to many activities by Government of India and Kerala where he served in the capacities of advisory status on policy decisions. 20th International film festival of Kerala conducted by the government of Kerala, in 2015 December 4–11, under his advisory capacity is marked by the Press and film lovers as the best of the festivals held so far. Aug 2018, he is selected for the position of 8th President of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Arts & Literary Organization) an Association for Art and Letters. On 31 May 2019, the government of Kerala has appointed him as the Chairman of Kerala State Film Development Corporation and assumed the position from 17 June 2019.
personal website www.shajinkarun.com
Career in film direction
![Malayalam-directore-padmashri-shaji-n-karun-presenting-a-lecture-at-saarang-2011-iit-madras](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Malayalam-directore-padmashri-shaji-n-karun-presenting-a-lecture-at-saarang-2011-iit-madras.jpg)
Shaji made his directorial debut with the
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 ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' ("The Birth", 1988), which won him the prestigious ''
Caméra d'Or
The Caméra d'Or ("''Golden Camera''") is an award of the Cannes Film Festival for the best first feature film presented in one of the Cannes' selections (Official Selection, Directors' Fortnight or International Critics' Week
The International ...
– Mention d'honneur'' at the
1989 Cannes Film Festival
The 42nd Cannes Film Festival was held from 11 to 23 May 1989. The Palme d'Or went to ''Sex, Lies, and Videotape'' by Steven Soderbergh.
The festival opened with ''New York Stories'', anthology film directed by Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, ...
. While ''Piravi'' was about the grief of a father who loses his son, Shaji's second film, ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
'' (1994) continued with the theme of grief. ''Swaham'' was selected to compete at the
1994 Cannes Film Festival
The 47th Cannes Film Festival was held from 12 to 23 May 1994. The Palme d'Or went to the American film ''Pulp Fiction'' directed by Quentin Tarantino.
The festival opened with ''The Hudsucker Proxy'', directed by Joel Coen and closed with ''Seri ...
.
''
Vaanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced by ...
'' ("The Final Dance", 1999) dealt with the identity crisis faced by an actor.
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 ...
played the lead role in this film. He directed the film ''Nishad'', made in Hindi, which was completed in May 2002, and premiered in the Fukuoka International Film Festival held in September 2002 in Japan. His latest film is titled
Kutty Srank
''Kutty Srank'' ( en, The Sailor of Hearts) is a 2010 Indian Malayalam arthouse film directed by Shaji N. Karun. Mammootty played the title role for the film. The film was produced by Reliance Entertainment under the banner of Big Motion Pict ...
with
Mammootty
Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail (; born 7 September 1951), known mononymously by the hypocorism Mammootty (), is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Malayalam cinema, Malayalam films. He has also appeared in Tamil l ...
playing the lead role. The film was released theatrically in Kerala in July 2010.
Swapaanam with Jayaram and Kadambari has premiered at Dubai International Film Festival on 8 December 2013, a rare recognition for Malayalam Cinema as the World premiere screening outside India. ''
Olu Olu is a popular name amongst people of the Yoruba ethnic group. It is usually the first three letters of the full name.
"Olu" is a diminutive of " Oluwa" in the Yoruba language and it can mean God, deity or lord, so the name 'Oluwale' could mean "M ...
'', his latest film, under 'fantasy perception' and narrative, had chosen the inaugural film of Indian Panorama film selections presented in
International Film Festival of India
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually, currently in the state of Goa, on the western coast of the country, the festival aims at providing a common pla ...
Goa-2018. OLU has also been chosen as the "OPENING FILMS" of TWO major International film festivals- International film festival of INNSBRUCK 2019.AUSTRIA, ISOLA Cinema International film festival 2019, SLOVENIA. ''Olu'' also won the
National Film Award for Best Cinematography
The National Film Award for Best Cinematography is one of the National Film Awards presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, the organisation set up by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India. It is one of several awards p ...
(2018) award in the
66th National Film Awards.
He has also made around a dozen short films and documentaries. Besides making films, Shaji Karun has been active as a juror at many international film festivals and an active participant in governmental and academic arenas. He was the Premiere Chairman of the
Kerala State Chalachitra Academy
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South Cana ...
, the first academy for film and TV in India and was also the Executive Chairman of
International Film Festival of Kerala
The International Film Festival of Kerala (abbreviated as IFFK) is a film festival held annually in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. This film festival started in 1996 and is hosted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy ...
from 1998 to 2001.
Upcoming projects
As of January 2018 Shaji is completing the post-production of a new movie titled ''Olu'' with Shane Nigam and Esther Anil playing the lead roles. In a recent interview, Shaji revealed that ''
Olu Olu is a popular name amongst people of the Yoruba ethnic group. It is usually the first three letters of the full name.
"Olu" is a diminutive of " Oluwa" in the Yoruba language and it can mean God, deity or lord, so the name 'Oluwale' could mean "M ...
'' is the tale of a girl who gets gang raped and sunk to the bottom of the backwaters where she can mysteriously survive and live for the next nine months -until she delivers her ‘baby from rape’. The film will attempt to convey her perception of innocent feminine desires – spiritual and transcendental feelings."
His project Gaadha was announced in September 2012. Though was expected to commence shooting by November 2014, it has been postponed until further notice. Music was to be composed by the Polish composer
Zbigniew Preisner
Zbigniew Preisner (; born 20 May 1955 as Zbigniew Antoni Kowalski) is a Polish film score composer, best known for his work with film director Krzysztof Kieślowski. He is the recipient of the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis as we ...
.
In May 2022 Shaji N Karun announced his next project based on the life of Amrita Sher-Gil, pioneer of Indian modern art. In an interview with Jisha Surya of News9Live The cinematographer-director said that the multilingual movie will be based on the biographical writings of Sher-Gil. Conceived as an Indo-French-US collaborative project, the movie will have international actors and technicians. Karun has approached a Mexican actor to play the lead role of the Hungarian-Indian painter.
Awards and milestones
National and international honors
* Life Time Achievement Award- 12th Jaipur International Film Festival INDIA-2020
* Life Time Achievement- Tyrol : IFFI Prize (2014) Innsbruck Film Festival, AUSTRIA
*
Padma Shri
Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī''), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest Indian honours system, civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Instituted on 2 January 1954, ...
in 2011 INDIA
*
Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
The ''Ordre des Arts et des Lettres'' (Order of Arts and Letters) is an order of France established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture. Its supplementary status to the was confirmed by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963. Its purpose is ...
(1999) FRANCE
* The first Sir Charles Chaplin Award to commemorate the centenary of Chaplin's birth (1989) Edinburgh International Film Festival, UK
As a cinematographer
* Eastman Kodak Award for Excellence,
Hawaii International Film Festival
The Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF) is an annual film festival held in the United States state of Hawaii.
HIFF has a focus on Asian-Pacific cinema, education, and the work of new and emerging filmmakers. HIFF’s primary festival is h ...
(1989)
*
National Film Award
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate ...
: ''
Thampu
''Thampu'' () is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language film written and directed by G. Aravindan. Bharath Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, V. K. Sreeraman, Jalaja and the artistes of the ''Great Chitra Circus'' form the cast. The film deals with the roving stre ...
'' (''Circus Tent'') (1979)
* Awards from the Government of Kerala: ''
Kanchana Sita
''Kanchana Sita'' (''Golden Sita'') (Malayalam :കാഞ്ചന സീത) is a 1977 Indian Malayalam feature-length film scripted and directed by G. Aravindan. A mythological film, its story was adapted from C. N. Sreekantan Nair's play of t ...
'' (1977), ''
Esthappan
''Esthappan'' is a 1980 Malayalam film written and directed by G. Aravindan
Govindan Aravindan (23 January 1935 – 15 March 1991) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, musician, cartoonist, and painter. He was one of the pioneers ...
'' (1981), ''Onnumuthal Poojayam Vare'' (1986)
As a director
*
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...
, nominated for
Palme d'Or
The Palme d'Or (; en, Golden Palm) is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. It was introduced in 1955 by the festival's organizing committee. Previously, from 1939 to 1954, the festival's highest prize was the Grand Prix du Fe ...
(Best Film): ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
'' (1994)
*
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...
,
Caméra d'Or
The Caméra d'Or ("''Golden Camera''") is an award of the Cannes Film Festival for the best first feature film presented in one of the Cannes' selections (Official Selection, Directors' Fortnight or International Critics' Week
The International ...
(Special Mention): ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' (1989)
*
London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival is an annual film festival founded in 1957 and held in the United Kingdom, running for two weeks in October with co-operation from the British Film Institute. It screens more than 300 films, documentaries and shor ...
, Outstanding Film: ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' (1989)
*
Locarno International Film Festival
The Locarno Film Festival is an annual film festival, held every August in Locarno, Switzerland. Founded in 1946, the festival screens films in various competitive and non-competitive sections, including feature-length narrative, documentary, sh ...
, Grand Jury Prize (Silver Leopard): ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' (1989)
*
Hawaii International Film Festival , Best film ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' (1989)
*
Chicago International Film Festival
The Chicago International Film Festival is an annual film festival held every fall. Founded in 1964 by Michael Kutza, it is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America. Its logo is a stark, black and white close up of the comp ...
, USA, Silver Hugo
*
Fajr Film Festival
Iran's annual Fajr International Film Festival ( fa, جشنواره بینالمللی فیلم فجر), or Fajr Film Festival (little: FIFF; fa, جشنواره فیلم فجر), has been held every February and April in Tehran since 1982. T ...
. Iran Crystal Simorgh
*
Bergamo Film Meeting
Bergamo (; lmo, Bèrghem ; from the proto- Germanic elements *''berg +*heim'', the "mountain home") is a city in the alpine Lombardy region of northern Italy, approximately northeast of Milan, and about from Switzerland, the alpine lakes Com ...
, Italy Rosa Camuna 1990
*
International Film Festival Innsbruck iffi.at, Austria Best Film 1995
*
Bergamo Film Meeting
Bergamo (; lmo, Bèrghem ; from the proto- Germanic elements *''berg +*heim'', the "mountain home") is a city in the alpine Lombardy region of northern Italy, approximately northeast of Milan, and about from Switzerland, the alpine lakes Com ...
, Italy Bronze Rosa Camuna 1995
*
1999 Cannes Film Festival
The 52nd Cannes Film Festival was held from 12 to 23 May 1999. Canadian filmmaker, actor and author David Cronenberg was the Jury President. The Palme d'Or went to the French–Belgian film ''Rosetta'' by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.
The festiv ...
: ''
Vanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced b ...
'' was screened in the ''
Un Certain Regard
(, meaning 'a certain glance') is a section of the Cannes Film Festival's official selection. It is run at the Debussy, parallel to the competition for the . This section was introduced in 1978 by Gilles Jacob.
The section presents 20 films w ...
'' section of the festival (1999)
*
Mumbai International Film Festival , FEPRISCI Prize, 1999
*
International Istanbul Film Festival
The Istanbul Film Festival ( tr, İstanbul Film Festivali) is the first and oldest international film festival in Turkey, organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. It is held every year in April in movie theaters in Istanbul, Tu ...
, Grand Jury Prize: ''
Vanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced b ...
'' (2000)
National Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorat ...
:
* 2009 –
Best Film
This is a list of categories of awards commonly awarded through organizations that bestow film awards, including those presented by various film, festivals, and people's awards.
Best Actor/Best Actress
*See Best Actor#Film awards, Best Actress#F ...
– ''
Kutty Srank
''Kutty Srank'' ( en, The Sailor of Hearts) is a 2010 Indian Malayalam arthouse film directed by Shaji N. Karun. Mammootty played the title role for the film. The film was produced by Reliance Entertainment under the banner of Big Motion Pict ...
''
* 1999 –
Best Film
This is a list of categories of awards commonly awarded through organizations that bestow film awards, including those presented by various film, festivals, and people's awards.
Best Actor/Best Actress
*See Best Actor#Film awards, Best Actress#F ...
– ''
Vanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced b ...
''
* 1997 –
Best Non-Feature Film – ''Sham's Vision'' (English)
* 1994 –
Special Jury Award – ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
''
* 1988 –
Best Film
This is a list of categories of awards commonly awarded through organizations that bestow film awards, including those presented by various film, festivals, and people's awards.
Best Actor/Best Actress
*See Best Actor#Film awards, Best Actress#F ...
– (Producer) ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
''
* 1988 –
Best Director Best Director is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organizations, festivals, and people's awards. It may refer to:
Film awards
* AACTA Award for Best Direction
* Academy Award for Best Director
* BA ...
– ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
''
* 1979 –
Best Cinematographer (Black & White) – ''
Thampu
''Thampu'' () is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language film written and directed by G. Aravindan. Bharath Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, V. K. Sreeraman, Jalaja and the artistes of the ''Great Chitra Circus'' form the cast. The film deals with the roving stre ...
''
Kerala State Film Award
The Kerala State Film Awards are the film awards for a motion picture made in Kerala. The awards started in 1969 by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala and since 1998 the awards have been bestowed by Kerala State Cha ...
s:
* 1999 –
Best Director Best Director is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organizations, festivals, and people's awards. It may refer to:
Film awards
* AACTA Award for Best Direction
* Academy Award for Best Director
* BA ...
– ''
Vanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced b ...
''
* 1994 –
Second Best Film – ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
''
* 1994 –
Best Director Best Director is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organizations, festivals, and people's awards. It may refer to:
Film awards
* AACTA Award for Best Direction
* Academy Award for Best Director
* BA ...
– ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
''
* 1988 –
Second Best Film – ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
''
* 1986 –
Best Cinematographer – ''
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 ...
''
* 1979 –
Best Cinematographer – ''
Esthappan
''Esthappan'' is a 1980 Malayalam film written and directed by G. Aravindan
Govindan Aravindan (23 January 1935 – 15 March 1991) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, musician, cartoonist, and painter. He was one of the pioneers ...
''
* 1977 –
Best Cinematographer – ''
Kanchana Sita
''Kanchana Sita'' (''Golden Sita'') (Malayalam :കാഞ്ചന സീത) is a 1977 Indian Malayalam feature-length film scripted and directed by G. Aravindan. A mythological film, its story was adapted from C. N. Sreekantan Nair's play of t ...
''
Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by the Filmfare magazine of The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Indian film industry encompassing ...
s:
* 1989:
Filmfare Award for Best Director – Malayalam
The Filmfare Best Director Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Malayalam
Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of ...
– ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
''
Filmography as director
* ''
Amrita
''Amrita'' ( sa, अमृत, IAST: ''amṛta''), ''Amrit'' or ''Amata'' in Pali, (also called ''Sudha'', ''Amiy'', ''Ami'') is a Sanskrit word that means "immortality". It is a central concept within Indian religions and is often referred to i ...
'' (2022 Under development)
* ''
Oolu'' (2018)
* ''
Swapaanam'' (2013)
* ''
Kutty Shranku'' (2009)
* ''
Nishad
The Nishad are a Hindu caste, found in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
In Bihar, the term refers to a group of around 20 communities whose traditional occupations centred on rivers, such as the Mallah. There have been demands for ...
'' (2002)
* ''
Vanaprastham
''Vanaprastham: The Last Dance'' (french: Vanaprastham: La Dernière Danse) is a 1999 Indo-French psychological drama period film in Malayalam-language that was directed by Shaji N. Karun. It was produced by Pierre Assouline and co-produced b ...
'' (1999)
* ''
Swaham
''Swaham'' (English: ''My Own'') is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language drama film produced, co-written and directed by Shaji N. Karun. The film stars Ashwini, Venumani Vishnu, and Mullenezhi. The film's music was composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapa ...
'' (1994)
* ''
Piravi
''Piravi'' ( en, italic=yes, The Birth) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun. It stars Premji, Archana and Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The film is based on the life of professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son ...
'' (1988)
Short films
* ''Wild Life of Kerala'' (1979)
* ''Kerala Carnival'' (1980)
* ''Kannikal'' (1986)
* ''Sham's Vision'' (1996)
* ''Bhavam'' (1998)
* ''G. Aravindan'' (2000)
* ''Big Man & Small World'' (2002)
* ''Yathrakkidayil'' (2004)
* ''Moving Focus-A Voyage with K G Subramanyan'' (2006)
* ''AKG'' (2007)
* "Fine Balance" (2010)
* "Waiting" (2011)
* ''Signature film- INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA'' (2012)
* "Artist Namboodiri-'NERUVARA'/'trueline' " (2015)
As a cinematographer
* ''Genesis'' (1974)
* ''
Lakshmi Vijayam'' (1976)
* ''
Njavalppazhangal'' (1976)
* ''
Kanchana Sita
''Kanchana Sita'' (''Golden Sita'') (Malayalam :കാഞ്ചന സീത) is a 1977 Indian Malayalam feature-length film scripted and directed by G. Aravindan. A mythological film, its story was adapted from C. N. Sreekantan Nair's play of t ...
'' (1977)
* ''
Muhoorthangal'' (1977)
* ''
Thampu
''Thampu'' () is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language film written and directed by G. Aravindan. Bharath Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, V. K. Sreeraman, Jalaja and the artistes of the ''Great Chitra Circus'' form the cast. The film deals with the roving stre ...
'' (1978)
* ''
Kanchana Sita
''Kanchana Sita'' (''Golden Sita'') (Malayalam :കാഞ്ചന സീത) is a 1977 Indian Malayalam feature-length film scripted and directed by G. Aravindan. A mythological film, its story was adapted from C. N. Sreekantan Nair's play of t ...
'' (1978)
* ''
Kummatty
Kummatty is a 1979 Malayalam film written and directed by G. Aravindan. Ramunni, Master Ashok and Vilasini Reema form the cast.
Cast
*Ambalappuzha Ravunni
*Ashok Unnikrishnan
*Kottara Gopalakrishnan Nair
* Kuttyedathi Vilasini
Soundtrack
The mu ...
'' (1979)
* ''
Esthappan
''Esthappan'' is a 1980 Malayalam film written and directed by G. Aravindan
Govindan Aravindan (23 January 1935 – 15 March 1991) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, musician, cartoonist, and painter. He was one of the pioneers ...
'' (1979)
* ''
Pokkuveyil
''Pokkuveyil'' ( Twilight) is a 1982 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by G. Aravindan and produced by General Pictures' Raveendranathan Nair. The film stars Balachandran Chullikkad, Kalpana and S. Satish Kumar. Aravindan recorded its ...
'' (1981)
* ''
Enikku Vishakunnu'' (1982)
* ''
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 ...
'' (1983)
* ''
Manju'' (1983)
* ''
Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback
''Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback'' () is a 1983 Malayalam-language film by K. G. George. The film was controversial because of the protagonist's similarities to the actress Shoba, whose suicide was highly publicized. In his biography, even tho ...
'' (1983)
* ''
Mangalam Nerunnu
''Mangalam Nerunnu'' is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Mohan. The film stars Nedumudi Venu, Madhavi, Shanthikrishna and Sreenath. The film has musical score and songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Cast
*Nedumudi Venu as Meno ...
'' (1984)
* ''
Panchavadi Palam
''Panchavadi Palam'' () is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language political satire film written and directed by K. G. George, based on the story ''Palam Apakadathil'' (1981) written by Veloor Krishnankutty. It stars Bharat Gopy, Nedumudi Venu, Sre ...
'' (1984)
* ''
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 ...
'' (1985)
* ''
Meenamasathile Sooryan
''Meenamasathile Sooryan'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam language film, directed by Lenin Rajendran and produced by C. G. Bhaskaran. It is based on the Kannada novel ''Chirasmarane'' (1955) by Niranjana. The film stars Venu Nagavally, Murali, ...
'' (1985)
* ''
Principal Olivil'' (1985)
* ''
Nakhakshathangal
''Nakhakshathangal'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and starring Monisha, Vineeth and Saleema. Monisha, won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role, making her th ...
'' (1986)
* ''
Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil
''Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil'' ( ''In the Village Which Wears a Warrior's Belt'') is a 1986 Malayalam film directed by P. Padmarajan, based on his own short story of the same name. The film revolves around three people, Zechariah (Mammootty), H ...
'' (1986)
* ''
Ek Chadar Maili Si
''Ek Chadar Maili Si'' is a 1986 film, directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, and is an adaptation of Rajinder Singh Bedi's classic Urdu novella by the same name. The novel won the 1965 Sahitya Akademi Award.
The film stars Hema Malini, Kulbhushan Kharb ...
'' (1986)
* ''
Neram Pularumbol
''Neram Pularumbol'' is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by K. P. Kumaran. The film stars Mammootty, Mohanlal, Ramya Krishnan and KPAC Lalitha in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Johnson. It was the M ...
'' (1986)
* ''
Meenamasathile Sooryan
''Meenamasathile Sooryan'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam language film, directed by Lenin Rajendran and produced by C. G. Bhaskaran. It is based on the Kannada novel ''Chirasmarane'' (1955) by Niranjana. The film stars Venu Nagavally, Murali, ...
'' (1986)
* ''
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 ...
'' (1986)
* ''
Panchagni
''Panchagni'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language crime drama film directed by Hariharan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. The story is loosely inspired from the life of naxalite K. Ajitha who was part of the naxalite movement in Kerala ...
'' (1986)
* ''
Oridathu
''Oridathu'' (1987) is an Indian Malayalam satirical drama film written and directed by G. Aravindan. Nedumudi Venu, Sreenivasan, Thilakan, Vineeth, Krishnankutty Nair, Chandran Nair and Soorya form the cast. The story is about the problems faced ...
'' (1987)
* ''Marattam'' (1988)
* ''
Unni Unni may refer to:
People
* Unni (Indian name)
* Unni (Norwegian given name)
* Unni (bishop) 9th century German bishop
Indian Malayalam films
* ''Unni'' (1989 film)
* ''Unni'' (2007 film)
* ''Unni Vanna Divasam
''Unni Vanna Divasam'' is a 1 ...
'' (1989)
* ''Antim Nyay'' (1993)
* ''
Sargam'' (1992)
References
External links
*
Shaji N. Karun is Pukasa president
* https://www.news9live.com/art-culture/cinema/news9-exclusive-filmmaker-shaji-n-karun-announces-biopic-on-amrita-sher-gil-170310?infinitescroll=1
{{DEFAULTSORT:Karun, Shaji N.
Cinematographers from Kerala
Malayalam film directors
Living people
Film and Television Institute of India alumni
Kerala State Film Award winners
1952 births
Film directors from Thiruvananthapuram
Chevaliers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts
Malayalam film cinematographers
Indian documentary filmmakers
Best Director National Film Award winners
Best Cinematography National Film Award winners
Artists from Kollam
20th-century Indian film directors
21st-century Indian film directors
20th-century Indian photographers
Malayalam film producers
Film producers from Thiruvananthapuram
Special Jury Award (feature film) National Film Award winners
Directors who won the Best Feature Film National Film Award