P Bhaskaran (b. 1924)

Malayalam director, songwriter and poet. Born in Kodungallour, Kerala. Débuted with Kariat (Neelakuyil). Associated with 40s/50s cultural movements affiliated to the CPI in Kerala. Newspaper journalist for Deshabhimani and Jayakeralam. Producer at AIR in Calicut (1959) and briefly editor of Kottayam-based weekly, Deepika. Best known as a poet (c.20 books) and songwriter (more than 3000 lyrics in Malayalam) with strong roots in a 30s/40s literary tradition of romantic pastoralism exemplified by major 30s poet Changampuzha. First film as lyricist: Chandrika (1950). Acted in his first feature, co-d with Ramu Kariat. Early films attempted a hard-hitting realism but later work was mainly love stories and melodramas with social concerns. Made some revivalist mythologicals in the 70s (e.g. Srimadh Bhagavad Geeta and the Saint film, Jagadguru Adi Shankaran). Also made shorts, e.g. Nattarangu. Acted in and provided lyrics for Manoratham (1978). Currently associated with ASIANET, a privately owned satellite channel in Malayalam.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1954: Neelakuyil; 1956: Rarichan Enna Pauran; 1958: Nair Pidicha Pulivalu; 1962: Laila Majnu; Bhagya Jatakam; 1963: Ammeye Kannan; 1964: Adya Kiranangal; 1965: Shyamalachechi; 1966: Tharavatamma; 1967: Irutinte Atmavu; Balyakalasakhi; Anveshichu Kandatiyilla; Pareeksha; 1968: Manaswini; Lakshaprabhu; Aparadhini; Kattukurangu; 1969: Mooladhanam; Kalli Chelamma; 1970: Kurukshetram; Stree; Ambalapravu; Thurakatha Vathil; Kakathampurati; 1971: Moonnupukkal; Navavadhu; Vithukal; Muthassi; Ummachu; Vilakku Vangiya Veena; 1972: Aradi Manninte Janmi; Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku; 1973: Udayam; Veendum Prabhatam; Rakkuyil; 1974: Oru Pidi Ari; Arakallan Mukkal Kallan; Thacholi Marumagan Chandu; 1975: Chumadu Thangi; Mattoru Seeta; 1976: Appooppan; Vazhi Vilakku; Srimadh Bhagavad Geeta; 1977: Jagadguru Adi Shankaran; 1978: Vilakkum Velichavum; 1983: Enikku Visakkunu; 1984: Guruvayoor Mahatmiyam; 1987: Nattarangu (Doc); 1989: Vikasikkunna Chirakukal (Sh); Puthiya Chakravalangal (Sh); 1991: Keli.

Music Director Writer