Lohithadas - "The Tearful adieu to master storyteller"

Ambazhathil Karunakaran Lohithadas (A. K. Lohithadas) (10 May 1955 – 28 June 2009) was a prolific screenwriter, director, and producer in Malayalam cinema, known for his rich, detailed, and realistic screenplays. Thaniyavarthanam, Kireedam, Bharatham, Amaram are the possibly the masterpieces among his screenplays, while Boothakannadi, Kasthooriman, Arayannangalude Veedu standout in his directorial ventures.

* Biography

Early life

Lohithadas (or 'Lohi', he is often referred to) was born on 10 May 1955 in Chalakudy, Kerala. He showed an initial interest in short-stories, but failed to make a mark in that genre. He soon moved into Malayalam theater in 1986 when his debut script was accepted for the stage by the legendary theater personality Thoppil Bhasi. Bhasi's CPI party backed drama troupe, the highly successful 'Kerala People's Arts Club', produced the play, leading to a state award for Lohithadas.

Career

Fresh with the play's commercial and critical success, Lohithadas moved to Malayalam Cinema by writing for director Sibi Malayil. His first movie screenplay Thaniavarthanam was directed by Malayil and went on to be a success. The Sibi Malayil-Lohithadas combination would later produce several memorable Malayalam movies. His screenplay works for Sibi Malayil are Thaniyavarthanam (1987), Kireedam (1989), His Highness Abhdullah (1990), Bharatham (1990), Kamaladalam (1992), and Chenkol (1993). Sasneham (1990) and Veendum Chila Veetukaryangal (1999) for Sathyan Anthikkad and Amaram (1991) for Bharathan. He later turned into a filmmaker and made films such as Boothakannadi (1997), Karunyam (1997), Kanmadam (1998), Arayannangalude Veedu (2000), Joker (2000), Kasthooriman (2003) (which he himself produced), and Nivedyam (2007)[1]. Most of his works were critical and commercial sucess. His works were recognised from his very first venture Thaniyavarthanam which brought him Kerala State Film Award for Best Story .

Death

On June 28, 2009, in the morning he felt chest pain and uneasiness at his home at Aluva near Ernakulam and was immediately taken to the Lisy Hospital, Kaloor, Ernakulam where he was declared dead from a heart attack at 10:50

Awards

• 45th National Film Award for Best film - Bhoothakannadi (1997)
• Kerala State Film Award for Best Story - Thaniyavarthanam (1987)
• Kerala State Film Award for Best Film - Bhoothakannadi (1997)
• Tamil Nadu State Film Award for 2nd Best Film - kasthoorimann (1997)
• Film Critics award for Best script - Thaniyavarthanam (1987)
• Film Critics award for Best script - Dasaratham(1989)
• Film Critics award for Best script - kireedom(1990)
• Film Critics award for Best script - Bharatham(1991)
• Film Critics award for Best script - chenkol(1993)
• Film Critics award for Best script - Chakoram(1994)
• Film Critics award for Best script - Sallapam(1995)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Thoovalkottaram(1996)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Bhoothakannadi(1997)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Ormacheppu(1998)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Joker(1999)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Veendum chila veetukaryangal(2000)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Kasthooriman(2003)
• Film Critics award for Best script- Nivedyam(2007)
• Film Critics award for Best Director- Bhoothakannadi(1997)
• Film Critics award for Best Director- Joker(1999)
• Film Critics award for Best Director- Kasthoorimann(2003)
• Film Critics award for Best Director- Nivedyam(2007