Malayalam and Tamil actor-director Pratap Pothen has died at 70

MALAYALAM actor-filmmaker Pratap Pothen passed away earlier today, according to press reports. The 70-year-old was found dead at his apartment in Chennai. He was last seen in Mammooty starrer CBI5 The Brain, which was released a few months ago.

His last social media post was published on Thursday evening at 6:38pm local time, and he quoted the late American singer-songwriter Jim Morrison, who was most famously the front man for the ‘60s band The Doors.

“I think in art, but especially in films, people are trying to confirm their own existences - Jim Morrison.”

Over the course of an acting career that began with the 1978 Malayalam release Aaravam, directed by Bharathan, starred in over 100 productions. He acted in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu, with some of his popular works in Malayalam including Thakara, Chamaram, Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai, Rithubhedam, and 22 Female Kottayam. 

Pratap made his directorial debut with Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai in 1985, the story of a mentally unwell couple which won a national award. He directed three films in Malayalam – Rithubhedam, Daisy and Oru Yathramozhi starring Mohanlal and Sivaji Ganeshan. Other films he directed include Jeeva, Vetri Vizha, Luckyman, My Dear Marthandan, Seevalaperi Pandi.

He played an important role in Anandhi-starrer Kamali From Nadukkaveri, which was released last year. 

On a personal level, he married actress Radhika in 1985 before separating in 1986. He then married Amala Sathyanath in 1990, sharing a daughter Keya, who was born in 1991. Their marriage ended after 22 years in 2012. 

His last movie was 'Barroz: Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure' starring Mohanlal which is yet to be released. – The Vibes, July 15, 2022