Did you know VS Achuthanandan once acted in a film at 92?

VS Achuthanandan, the veteran Communist leader and former Kerala chief minister who passed away on July 21 at the age of 101, left behind a legacy that extended beyond politics, including an unexpected foray into acting. 

At 92, Achuthanandan made his debut on the big screen, appearing as himself in the politically themed film ‘Campus Diary’, where he lent his support to a student-led environmental agitation.

The shooting took place in Koothuparamba, Kannur district, where Achuthanandan joined a group of college students on screen, portraying a mass leader who supports a student agitation. The movie, directed by Jeevan Das, centres on campus politics intertwined with environmental issues, including protests against the illegal exploitation of water resources by a bottling plant.

‘Campus Diary’ explores how political activism plays out on college campuses, with a focus on pressing environmental issues such as protests against the illegal exploitation of water resources.

Achuthanandan’s role is brief but significant. He delivers a speech supporting the student movement, a monologue that he dubbed himself in the studio without any make-up or prior rehearsal, reflecting his real-life persona.

The cast also features prominent actors such as Sudev Nair, Thalaivasal Vijay, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Mamukkoya, Sunil Sukhada, Gautami Nair, Joy Mathew and Kottayam Naseer.

VS Achuthanandan served as Kerala’s 11th chief minister from 2006 to 2011. At 82, he was the oldest person to hold the office in the state’s history. Beyond his tenure as chief minister, he was the longest-serving Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, holding the post for 15 years.

He is survived by his wife Vasumathy, daughter VV Asha, and son VA Arun Kumar.