Innocent, veteran actor and ex-MP, dies

Seasoned actor Innocent. File | Photo credit: H. Vibhu

Innocent, who died late on Sunday in Kochi at the age of 75, was one of the greatest comedy talents of Indian cinema. A cancer survivor, he had been unwell for some time and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

A medical bulletin issued by the hospital said that Innocent was admitted there on March 3 for respiratory ailments following a Covid infection and that he was transferred to the ICU following a respiratory infection. He died of those ailments, multi-organ failure and a heart attack, he added.

He is survived by his wife, son and grandchildren.

Kerala Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan refutes Major Ravi’s claim that he attended actor Innocent’s funeral with a huge convoy

He acted in about 500 Malayalam films. He was a producer, author and former MP from Chalakudy. He also became the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

Few people have made Malays laugh the way Innocent did. He was great as an actor in his films, most of which had him doing comedy, but he was funnier off screen. His first book, Njan Innocent, would do that on its own. It’s also one of the best childhood books you’ll ever come across. Of course, the world knew him better as an actor. He was in a class of his own.

Initial struggles

In a career spanning more than five decades, Innocent has given life to some of the most beloved characters in Malayalam cinema. However, life was a struggle for him before he finally made it as an actor: he tried and failed in many endeavors.

He tried to run a match factory in Davangere and also dabbled in other ventures. He also tried to be a career politician (he was an RSP official).

But he must have known that his future was in cinema, so he left his hometown Irinjalakuda for Chennai, where he struggled for several years before finding stardom. With his friend David Kachappilly, he started a production company that produced memorable mid-range films like Vida Parayum Munpe and Ilakkangal.

Class acts

After small roles, Malayalam cinema woke up to his extraordinary talent in the 1980s through films like Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu – a world-class film with brilliant script and excellent performances – Ramji Rao Speaking, one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest, albeit unexpected, box office hits, Vadakkunokkiyanthram, Vadakkunokkiyanthram, Varde Kavadi, a film that won him the National Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of a cruel patriarch.

His popularity rose due to his brilliant performances in films like Kilukkam – his scenes opposite Thilakan and Revatha gained iconic status – Gajakesariyogam, No. 20 Madras Mail, Sandesam, Devasuram, Godfather and Mithunam. It didn’t take him long to prove that he is among the best character actors in Malayalam cinema. He was a natural.

Innocent, MP

In 2014, he created history by winning the Chalakudy general election as an independent candidate supported by the Left Democratic Front.

It was a first for Kerala where people do not accept a star as an easy ticket to electoral success, unlike other South Indian states.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues, former Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and other leaders condoled the veteran’s death.

(With inputs from Kochi Bureau)

Published – 26 March 2023 23:35 IST