Director Lohitadas dies

[netfree]

KOCHI: Renowned Malayalam film director Lohitadas died at a private hospital here following a massive heart attack yesterday, hospital sources said. He was 54. Lohithadas, who came to attend the general body meet of AMMA yesterday morning, developed uneasiness and was immediately taken to the Lisy Hospital, where he died soon after admission.

He was a prolific screenwriter and director in Malayalam cinema, known for his rich, detailed, and realistic screenplays. He turned director with his critically acclaimed film Bhoothakannadi in 1997. However, his later directorial ventures were moderately successful.

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.

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 later produced several memorable films.

Lohitadas had won national and state awards during his career spanning over two decades.

It was Lohithadas who introduced Meera Jasmine and Bhama to the Malayalam film world through Soothradaran and Nivedyam respectively.