'A huge loss for Malayalam cinema': Film fraternity, public figures mourn actor Mamukkoya's demise

Kozhikode: Film fraternity and other figures from the public sphere in Kerala paid homage to actor Mamukkoya, who passed on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kozhikode. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Mamukkoya's demise is an irreplaceable loss for Kerala's cultural sphere.

Mamukkoya's unique acting style, dialogue ingenuity and sense of humour made him distinct. Mamukoya was the owner of a unique acting style that captured the naturalness of village life, the chief minister wrote in a note shared on Facebook.

Director Sibi Malayil remembered how accidentally he cast Mamukkoya in his 1986 movie 'Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam'. The Malayalam hit-maker revealed that he cast Mamukkoya in the role of 'Koya' in place of Kuthiravattam Pappu after the latter became unavailable in the last minutes prior to the shooting. He remarked that Mamukkoya was an actor who behaved in front of the camera instead of delivering an act. 

Education Minister V Sivankutty remembered the late actor in a Facebook post. He wrote that Mamukkoya was an actor who did not need an introduction to Malayalis. He gifted unforgettable "thug dialogues." He is a legendary actor who brought smiles to viewers from all age groups. Though he is no more, his characters will remain with us, Sivankutty added. 

Actor Joy Mathew said that Mamukkoya's demise is a grave loss for Malayalam Cinema and Kozhikode, his native place. Joy Mathew recalled how Mamukkoya remembered his roots during his early years, struggling to reach the top and his close connection to Kozhikode.