Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Award-Winning Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Dies in Thiruvananthapuram
Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath has died in Thiruvananthapuram.
Reports say he died on Monday while being treated for health problems.
The reports give different ages for him: 63 and 65.
Sarath made films, documentaries and short films.
His first film, Sayahnam, won several important awards.
He also made The Painted Epics about painter Raja Ravi Varma.
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan called his death an irreparable loss to cinema and culture.
His funeral was planned with official honours in Thiruvananthapuram.
Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath died on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram while receiving treatment for health-related ailments.
Reports differ on Sarath’s age at death, giving it as 63 or 65.
His debut film, Sayahnam, won the Indira Gandhi Award and seven Kerala State Film Awards.
Sarath also directed Sthithi, Seelabathi and other feature films, documentaries and short films.
A funeral with state honours, including a wreath-laying and bugle salute, was scheduled for Monday at Santhikavadam in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Who
- Malayalam filmmaker, screenwriter and storyteller R Sarath; Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan offered a tribute.
- What
- R Sarath died while undergoing treatment for health-related ailments.
- When
- Monday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- He died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram; his funeral was scheduled at Santhikavadam there.
- Why
- The articles state that he was undergoing treatment for health-related ailments.
- Reported age
- The articles give conflicting ages of 63 and 65.
- Debut film
- Sayahnam, which Sarath wrote and directed.
- Major awards
- Sayahnam won the Indira Gandhi Award and seven Kerala State Film Awards.
- Other recognized work
- The Painted Epics explored the life and works of Raja Ravi Varma.
- National recognition
- The Government of Kerala said Sarath received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.
- Government service
- He retired in 2021 as Deputy Director in the Kerala government’s Public Relations Department.
- Funeral arrangements
- The funeral was scheduled for Monday at 5.30 pm at Santhikavadam, with a wreath and police honours including a bugle salute.
