The Malayalam film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma, who passed away at the age of 79 on Friday. Known for her iconic roles as the quintessential mother in Malayalam cinema, Ponnamma's passing has prompted heartfelt reactions from actors across generations.

Actress Nayva Nair expressed her sorrow over not being able to visit Ponnamma during her illness. “I feel really sad that I was not able to see her. I used to call her ‘Ponnu,’ and it was real fun and frolic when I was with her during shoots. She was like a real mother, not just a filmy mother,” said Nair, who is currently out of the country.

Award-winning actress Urvasi shared her fond memories of Ponnamma. “For me, she was Ponnu aunty and a good friend of my mother. They had a very close relationship, and I was the beneficiary of it. She liked me a lot. She lived not like a screen mother but as a heroine. She was a foodie and used the best cosmetics, often advising me. I remember once she got really angry when someone on set did not give me due respect. She will always remain in my memories.”

Actor Manoj K Jayan wrote on Instagram, “We no longer have a mother figure full of so much beauty, mercy, love, affection, and goodness.”

Mammootty, in a Facebook post, wrote, “Condolences to dear Ponnamma Chechi.”

Actors like Dileep, Aju Varghese, Tovino Thomas, and director Jeethu Joseph also expressed their condolences.

Actress Sheela shared her grief over the passing of Kaviyoor Ponnamma, expressing how much she adored her and describing the sorrow as akin to losing her own mother or sister. Sheela's response came during an interview with Mathrubhumi News. 

“I have no words to express. I am in deep sorrow. We were very close. She first acted as my mother in the movie 'Naadan Premam'. That was the first time I saw her, and I liked her a lot. She would never speak harshly to anyone and would always call me ‘Sheelu.’ We last spoke just last month. She began acting as a mother at a very young age and played mother roles in many films. There was such nobility in her face. I feel as though I’ve lost my own mother or sister. I am deeply saddened. The last time I saw her was on the set of the film 'Basheerinte Premalekhanam'. Even then, she had difficulty walking. We used to call her Ponni."  

Actor Jayaram wrote on his facebook, “The mother of Malayalam cinema. My dear mother who loved me more than I loved her”.

She played the mother to legendary actors like Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Mammootty, and Mohanlal. Her chemistry with Mohanlal, in particular, was greatly appreciated by audiences.