Noted Malayalam film director P N Menon dead

Kochi, Sep 9 (UNI) Noted Malayalam film director P N Menon, whose 1969 movie 'Olavum Theeravum' (The Wave and the Shore) was hailed as the start of the 'new wave movement' in Malayalam cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, died here today.

He was 80 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The last rites would be conducted here tomorrow, family sources said.

Menon, who was ailing for some years, had been admitted to a private hospital here last week after complaining of acute breathing problems. He passed away this afternoon.

He had come into cinema as an art director and later branched out into direction.

His film 'Gayathri' won the President's National Awards Medal for National Integration while 'Olavum Theeravum' won the Kerala State Award for the best film.

Among his other noted works were 'Chembarathy', Nerkkuneraey, Kuttyedathi, Mappusakshi, Panimudakku, Chayam, Darsanam, Odakkuzhal, Taxi Driver, Kadamba and Malamukalile Daivam.

Paying homage to the departed Director, renowned Malayalam film Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan said Menon had made deep and lasting impact on Malayalam cinema. In his death, the industry had lost a great filmmaker.

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