Former ‘Rasikan’ movie child actor Harimurali found dead in Payyannur home

Kannur: Harimurali, who appeared in several Malayalam films in the past as a child actor, was found dead at his home in Payyannur on Thursday. He was 27.

The actor had drawn attention as a child artist in the 2004 Malayalam film 'Rasikan', directed by Lal Jose and starring Dileep in the lead role. In one of the memorable scenes from the film, Dileep delivers the humorous line, “Here, the big bat has popped up through the bottom door” (“Adivathilum thurannu vannekkuvanu kadavavalu”) while looking at a young boy emerging from inside — a role played by Harimurali.

He was the son of theatre and film actor Payyannur Murali and Prasanna. As a child actor, Harimurali appeared in several Malayalam films, including 'Annan Thambi', 'Madampi', 'Don', 'Pattanathil Bhootham' and 'Ulakam Chuttum Valiban'.

He developed an interest in acting at a young age while accompanying his father to theatre camps. Harimurali entered the film industry through television serials and made his screen debut in a series directed by A M Naseer with a script by Dinesh Pallath.

He was around six-and-a-half years old when he acted in 'Rasikan'. After taking a break from acting to focus on his studies, he later returned to films with 'Amar Akbar Anthony', in which he played the younger brother of the character portrayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Harimurali held a degree in visual effects and animation and had studied in Bengaluru. He had been working at a company in Kochi as a visual effects artist.

In a previous interview, he had said he was trying to write a screenplay and hoped to direct a film starring Mammootty.