An accomplished actor and director from the south Indian film industry named Prathap Pothen went away abruptly on Friday in Chennai. He was 69.
A police official who confirmed the actor’s death in his Kilpauk Garden Road residence claimed that the actor initially died of natural causes. The Kilpauk Police would further investigate the situation, the officer promised.
The police have sealed off the area because it is expected that many Hollywood stars will attend to pay their respects.
Pothen, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, has acted in more than 100 Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu films in addition to a few high-profile productions that he has also directed.
Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu, starring Kamal Haasan and helmed by the acclaimed K Balachander, was known for the senior actor-unusual director’s line delivery.
In addition to his earlier movies, Pothen also helmed Vetri Vizha, a success starring Haasan.
Meendum Oru Kathal Kathai, Moodupani, and Panneer Pushpangal are some of his Tamil movies. Balu Mahendra directed Moodupani. He played a variety of parts during his career, some of which had sinister undertones.
The actor was honored with several tributes, and Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran was one of those who lamented his passing.
In expressing his condolences for Prathap Pothen’s demise, actor Kamal Hassan noted that he had a deep love for serious literature and independent movies.
