Kollam: Noted film producer K Ravindranathan Nair aka Achani Ravi passed away on Saturday. He was 90. He breathed his last at his residence in Kollam. 

Achani Ravi, who turned 90 last Monday, has produced 14 movies and also acted in ‘Esthappan’, directed by G Aravindan. His movies have bagged several honours including 18 national and state awards. 

Ravi, who was also a well-known presence in Kerala’s cashew industry, entered Malayalam cinema as the producer of P Bhaskaran’s ‘Anweshichu Kandethiyilla’ under the banner of ‘General Pictures’ in 1967. 

In the coming years, Ravi produced several critically acclaimed movies such as ‘Lakshaprabhu’ (1968), ‘Kattukurangu’ (1969), ‘Achani’ (1973), ‘Kanchana Sita’ (1978), ‘Kummatty’ (1979), ‘Esthappan’ (1980), ‘Manju’ (1982), ‘Vidheyan’ (1994), among others. 

He has also served as a member of the National Film Awards Committee, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the Film Development Corporation. In 2008, Ravi was awarded the JC Daniel Award by the state government in honour of his contributions to Malayalam cinema. Usha, Ravi’s wife, has done playback singing in movies.

 Ravi is survived by his children Pratap Nair, Preetha, and Prakash Nair.