Biography
G. Aravindan was the son of famous comedy writer M. N. Govindan Nair[3]. Aravindan started his professional life in as a cartoonist in Mathrubhumi journal. He established himself as a noted cartoonist in early 1960s with his cartoon series Cheriya Manushyarum Valiya Lokavum which dealt with the adventures of the central characters Ramu and Guruji, mingled with political and social satires[2]. The series was preceded by two more cartoon series namely Ramuvinte Sahasika Yathrakal and Guruji featuring the central characters of Cheriya Manushyarum Valiya Lokavum. He has also worked in other journals as cartoonist. At a point of time, Aravindan diverted his concentration to theatre and music. He played a major role in establishing theatre and music clubs namely Navarangam and Sopanam. He became associated with eminent theatre figure Kavalam Narayanan Panikker which accelerated his activities in the field of professional play. They created several plays like Kaali and Avanavan Kadamba[3]. Aravindan was working as an officer in revenue board when he got associated with artist Devan, playwright Thikkodiyan and writer Pattathuvila Karunakaran.
The first film directed by Aravindan, Utharayanam(1974) came out as a product from this group; the film was produced by Karunakaran and the story was written by Thikkodiyan. The early works of Aravindan was influenced by the group; for example the spiritualism factor which can be seen in his early works can be attributed to satirist Sanjayan and mystic paintings of K.C.S. Panikker[2]. Aravindan's second film Kanchana Seetha was released 3 years later in 1977. The film was retake on the Ramayana. This film is credited with formation of a new stream of filmmaking called independent filmmaking[3]. While Kanchana Seetha dealt with mythology, Aravindan's next film Thampu(1978) dealt with realism and told the story of suffering in a circus troupe. His 1979 films Kummatti and Esthappan were also ran through different streams. His next film Pokkuveyil(1981) starred poet Balachandran Chullikkad. From this film to his next film there was a gap of 4 years. The 1985 film Chidambaram was produced by Aravindan himself under the banner Suryakanthi. In 1986 Oridath came which handled the problems faced by the people of a hamlet where electricity in unavailable, when electric supply finally reaches there[4]. In this period Aravindan also did a number of documentaries and short films. He also composed music for some films like Aro Oral, Piravi and Ore Thooval Pakshikal. Aravindan's 1989 film Unni had a starcast mainly consisting of foreigners. Aravindan's final project Vaasthuhara(1991) about refugees in Bengal was based on C. V. Sreereman's short story in the same name. The film had Mohanlal and Neena Gupta in major roles. Even before the release of Vaasthuhara, Aravindan died on 15 March 1991.
His father was a famous lawyer from Kottayam, Kerala who was also a well known humorous writer. Aravindan was the eldest son and his Brothers were G. Gopakumar, sister G. Indira and the youngest brother G.Mohan Kumar. His only son Ramu is a communication designer, located in Bangalore, India. He is married to Smt. Kaumudi from Trichur district.
[edit]Awards
[edit]National Film Awards
[edit]Director of Best Film
- 1986 - Chidambaram
[edit]Kerala State Film Awards
[edit]Best Director
- 1974 Utharayanam
- 1978 Thampu
- 1979 Esathappan
- 1981 Pokkuveyil
- 1985 Chidambaram
- 1986 Oridathu
- 1990 Vaasthuhara
[edit]Director of Best Film
- 1974 Utharayanam
- 1979 Esthappan
- 1985 Chidambaram
- 1986 Oridathu
- 1990 Vaasthuhara
- 1974 Best Script (Utharayanam)
- 1978 Director of Second Best Film (Thampu)
- 1979 Director of Best Children's Film (Kummatti)
- 1985 Director of Best Documentary (The Brown Landscape)
- 1986 Director of Best Documentary Film (The Catch)
- 1988 Best Music Director (Ore Thooval Pakshikaal)
[edit]Filmography
[edit]Direction
- Vasthuhara (1991)
- Sahaja (1990)
- Unni (1989)
- Anadi-Dhara (1988)
- Marattam (1988) (TV)
- Contours of Linear Rhythm (1987)
- Oridathu (1986)
- The Catch (1986)
- The Brown Landscape (1985)
- Chidambaram (1985)
- The Seer Who Walks Alone (1985)
- Viti (1985)
- Pokkuveyil (1981)
- Esthappan (1980)
- Kummatty (1979)
- Thampu (1978)
- Kanchana Sita (1977)
- Uttarayanam (1974)
[edit]Screenwriting
- Vasthuhara (1991) (dialogue) (screenplay)
- Marattam (1988) (TV)
- Oridathu (1986)
- Chidambaram (1985)
- Pokkuveyil (1981)
- Esthappan (1980) (screenplay) (story)
- Uttarayanam (1974)
[edit]Composing
- Piravi (1988)
- Esthappan (1980)
- Aaro Oral (1978)
[edit]Editing
- Esthappan (1980)
