National award-winning director R Sarath no more, leaves behind a legacy of distinct, thematic films

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: National and State Film Award-winning filmmaker R Sarath, who made a notable presence in Malayalam cinema through films based on distinctive themes, has passed away. He was 63. He died Monday early morning at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

His films had received nine international awards, one National Film Award, and four Kerala State Film Awards.

Sarath entered the film industry as an assistant to filmmaker Shaji N Karun. He made his debut as a screenwriter and independent director with the film Sayahnam, released in 2000. The film won seven Kerala State Film Awards in various categories.

Some of his other films include Sthithi, Swayam Parudeesa, Seelabathi, and Buddhanum Chaplinum Chirikkunnu. Swayam was his last film.

While making the documentary The Painted Epics, Sarath discovered several unseen paintings by renowned artist Raja Ravi Varma. These were works that had not been known to the general public. In addition, Sarath was awarded a Junior Fellowship by the Union Ministry of Culture in 1996 for his research on Kerala's traditional mural paintings.

Awards received by R Sarath include Indira Gandhi Award for best debut film by a director, National Film Award for best Malayalam film, Kerala State Film Award for best film, Kerala State Film Award for second best film, Kerala State Film Award for best short film and Kerala State Film Award for best story.