Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away at an age of 73. He had been battling cancer for a long time. He breathed his last at his residence 'Piravi' on Udarashirromani Road in Vazhuthacaud, around 5 pm on Monday.
 

Malayalam cinema has lost a talent who brought it recognition on both national and international platforms. Shaji N Karun began his career as a cinematographer, working behind the camera for around 40 films. His directorial debut was Piravi, which received a Special Mention for the Golden Camera award at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. His second film, Swam, remains the only Malayalam film to have been selected for the competition section at Cannes.
 

He also served as the Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). In 2011, he was honoured with the Padma Shri award. In 2023, he received the J C Daniel Award for his lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema.
 

Piravi, which was screened at over 70 international film festivals and won 31 awards, Swam, which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and Vanaprastham, officially screened at Cannes, are among the works through which Shaji N Karun earned prestigious international acclaim for Malayalam cinema.
 

The jury had once remarked that he infused the New Wave movement in Malayalam cinema with profound creative energy.