Renowned Malayalam film producer Achani Ravi passes away

Kollam: K Ravindranathan Nair, popularly known as Achani Ravi, who produced several acclaimed Malayalam films, breathed his last on Sunday, July 8 at his residence in Kollam, Kerala.

He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Achani Ravi produced movies made by legendary writers and directors such as G Aravindan, P Bhaskaran and MT Vasudevan Nair. He was the recipient of several National and State Film Awards.

Ravi established General Pictures in 1967, producing his first film, Anweshichu Kandethiyilla, directed by the late poet and filmmaker P Bhaskaran.

He went on to finance two more of Bhaskaran's films—Kattukurangu and Lakshaprabhu. Following the release of the film Achani in 1973, directed by the celebrated A Vincent, Ravi acquired the prefix "Achani."

Though Achani did not win awards, it featured the famous song 'Ente Swapnathin Thamarapoikayil' which became very popular.

Ravi collaborated with Aravindan on five consecutive films between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Some of Aravindan's most renowned works, including Kanchana Sita, Thampu, Kummatty, Esthappan, and Pokkuveyil, were produced by Ravi.

Four of these films received National and State Film Awards. Ravi even made a cameo appearance in Esthappan.

During the screening of the restored version of Kummatty at the International Film Festival of Kerala in March 2022, many people fondly spoke about him.

Additionally, Ravi produced a few films directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, including the highly acclaimed Elippathayam in 1981 and Mammootty's award-winning Vidheyan in 1993. He also produced MT Vasudevan Nair's film Manju in 1982.

Ravi was also a businessman involved in the production and export of cashews. His love for the arts led him to venture into cinema, supporting art house films that had limited commercial potential.

In 2008, the Kerala government honoured Ravi with the prestigious JC Daniel Award, the highest state award in Malayalam cinema, in recognition of his significant contributions.

Ravi's wife Usha, a playback singer who lent her voice to films like Thampu, passed away a decade ago. He is survived by three children, Prathap, Preetha, and Prakash.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences, remembering Ravi as a producer who prioritized artistic value over monetary gains at a time when few others did.

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