The death of actor, screenwriter and filmmaker Sreenivasan has triggered an outpouring of tributes across Kerala, with political leaders describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to Malayalam cinema and public life.

‘An irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema’: Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep condolences, calling Sreenivasan’s death an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema. He said the actor-filmmaker’s passing marked the end of a rare creative force who left a lasting imprint across every department of cinema.

The Chief Minister noted that Sreenivasan rose to leading positions across multiple cinematic departments and that very few filmmakers matched his ability to portray the life of the common man on screen while guiding audiences towards deeper awareness through humour and reflection. He added that Sreenivasan flourished by breaking several long-standing conventions in cinema.

Highlighting Sreenivasan’s creative courage, Vijayan said he possessed the rare ability to present ideas with wit, even while fully aware they would invite sharp criticism.

He referred to him as a person who could express his ideas with ease, knowing they would face severe criticism. He said even those who strongly disagreed with Sreenivasan respected his talent.

“He strove to emotionally transform the audience’s sensibilities in Malayalam cinema and succeeded in expressing his social perspectives through satire.”

The Chief Minister said Sreenivasan worked across story, screenplay, direction and acting, establishing a distinct personality in every field he engaged with. He added that many of Sreenivasan’s characters would remain permanently etched in the minds of Malayalis.

“Sreenivasan worked across story, screenplay, direction and acting, and in every field he displayed an extraordinary ability to establish his own identity. Many of the characters from his films will remain unforgettable in the Malayali mind.”

Vijayan also described Sreenivasan’s death as a personal loss. Recalling a shared interview and warm, humorous conversations, he said the filmmaker had secured a lasting place in his memory through affection and friendship.

“I remember the time we sat together for an interview and how, through his gentle humour, he secured a place in my heart. He felt like a symbol of love and friendship, someone with whom I shared a close personal bond.”

‘He rewrote the idea of the conventional hero’: V D Satheesan

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan also condoled Sreenivasan’s death. In a Facebook post, he said Sreenivasan was a rare artist who captured, in an unusual style, the lives of small people in a big world and big people in small worlds.

“A multifaceted talent in Malayalam cinema who turned everything he touched into gold, Sreenivasan’s five-decade-long film career ended with achievements few could ever match. That remains the true measure of the depth of his writing and the range of his acting,” he said.

Satheesan said most characters written and brought to life by Sreenivasan were instantly recognisable figures from Malayali society. He said Sreenivasan rewrote the very idea of the conventional hero, which is why his characters became timeless.

He cited films such as Thalayana Manthram, Vadakkunokkiyantram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala as classics that earned their place through this approach.

“Sreenivasan was a symbol of extraordinary mental strength and fighting spirit. He wrote, acted and shaped, with deep emotional impact, the many layers of an ordinary Malayali’s life. His work carried stark realities, love and longing, helplessness, innocent affection, friendship, hatred and revenge, punchy satire that, sharp criticism and uncomfortable truths. What Sreenivasan said aloud delivered powerful messages to Kerala society,” Satheesan said.

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He added that there would hardly be a Malayali who does not remember, at least once a day, something Sreenivasan wrote, said or showed on screen, noting that these memories cut across region, age, caste, religion and politics.

Recalling a recent media interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan said he had thought of Sreenivasan and remembered his words from Sandesham. He said he had hoped to meet him in Ernakulam.

“Without waiting for that, Sreeniyettan left. Farewell to the unparalleled talent I witnessed in Malayalam cinema—to the innocent human being, the lover of humanity, and a dear friend,” he added.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar pays tribute

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also condoled Sreenivasan’s demise.

“His iconic performances and timeless contributions, will be remembered forever. Condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul attain mukti,” his post read.

Tributes from other political figures

Kerala Minister for General Education and Labour, V Sivankutty, says, "The 'Sri' of Malayalam cinema fades away; heartfelt tributes to beloved Srinivasan. The demise of beloved Srinivasan is one of the greatest losses Malayalam cinema has ever suffered."

Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer, in a statement, added, "He was a rare talent who conveyed socially conscious themes to the people through simple and deeply touching presentations. Through his art, he powerfully portrayed the struggles and hopes of ordinary people. Blending humour and criticism alike, his contributions that influenced society will remain forever memorable in the history of Malayalam cinema. Even time itself will not be able to fill the void created by his demise at this moment of grief."

CPM MLA and actor Mukesh, during an interaction with the media, spoke about his strong friendship with Sreenivasan.

"He has a nature of speaking frankly and openly. He never makes any compromises when it comes to cinema. Not even once have I had even a minor misunderstanding with Sreenivasan. Even Sreenivasan's laughter has a uniqueness of its own. I had expressed my wish that we should produce a film together, and that is how the film 'Kadha Parayumbol' was jointly produced. The moments spent with Sreenivasan are golden moments. Even the criticism in his films was laced with humour," he said