Kuthiravattam Pappu, often credited as Pappu, was a popular India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

n stage and film actor. His repertoire of acting was based on his unique style and use of the Kozhikodan dialect, impeccable timing and the capability to grasp the subtle nuances of any character and mould it into his signature "Pappu style". He has acted in over thousand Malayalam films.

Early life

Pappu was born as Padmadalakshan in Feroke

Feroke

Feroke is a census town and a part of Calicut metropolitan area under Kozhikode Development Authority in the Kozhikode district of the Indian state of Kerala.-Name:...

 in Kozhikode

Kozhikode

Kozhikode During Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikkode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom of the same name and later of the erstwhile Malabar District...

, Kerala and was the only son of Panagodu Raman and Devi. The family moved to the village of Kuthiravattam (Half a kilometre from Govindapuram), Kozhikode

Kozhikode

Kozhikode During Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikkode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom of the same name and later of the erstwhile Malabar District...

 when Pappu was still a child. He was keen in acting since childhood and performed his first major stage performance when he was 17. At that time he was studying in Kozhikode

Kozhikode

Kozhikode During Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikkode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom of the same name and later of the erstwhile Malabar District...

 St. Antony's School.

Career

Pappu started his career as a drama artist. He acted in about thousand instant plays and two professional dramas, Samasya and Manasu. His role in the drama Samasya fetched him the Best Comedian Award.

Pappu has worked with Kunjandi, Nellikode Bhaskaran

Nellikode Bhaskaran

Nellikode Bhaskaran was an Indian actor of Malayalam movies. He mostly played character roles and supporting roles.-Selected Filmogrpahy:-External links:...

, Thikkodiyan

Thikkodiyan

P. Kunhananandan Nair, better known by his penname Thikodiyan was a well known Malayalam author. He was born in Thikkodi, a small village in Kozhikode district, in the Indian state of Kerala. He was a multi-faceted personality.Thikodiyan has written a number of plays, novels, screenplays, and...

 and K. T. Muhammed

K. T. Muhammed

K. T. Muhammed , popularly known as KT, was a famous Malayalam playwright and screenwriter. He had scripted about 40 stage plays, including Idhu Bhumiyanu , considered to be his masterpiece...

. Film personalities, Ramu Karyat and A. Vincent

A. Vincent

Aloysius Vincent born June 14, 1928 in Calicut, Kerala, India is an Indian cinematographer of Hindi movies and director of Malayalam movies. Since the mid 1960s he has directed some 30 movies...

 were impressed by his performance in Mudiyanaya Puthran and gave him chance to act in the film Moodupadam

Moodupadam

Moodupadam is a 1963 Malayalam language film directed by Ramu Kariat and scripted by K. T. Muhammed based on S. K. Pottekkatt's novel of the same name. Sathyan and Ambika play the lead roles. It is a social film about the relationship between three major religious faiths in Kerala, Hindu, Muslim...

. His first noted role was in Bhargavi Nilayam

Bhargavi Nilayam

Bhargavi Nilayam is a 1964 Malayalam horror - romance film written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and directed by A. Vincent. The film stars Prem Nazir, Madhu and Vijaya Nirmala in the lead roles, and had its story, screenplay and dialogues are written by noted Malayalam writer Vaikom Muhammad...

, written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was a Malayalam fiction writer from the state of Kerala in India. He was a humanist, freedom fighter, novelist and short story writer. He is noted for his pathbreaking, disarmingly down-to-earth style of writing that made him equally popular among literary critics as well...

 and directed by A. Vincent. The name of his character in the film given by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, "Kuthiravattam Pappu" stayed with him for the rest of his life.

His performance in Aalkkottathil Thaniye, Etho Oru Theeram, Kanakkinavukal was remarkable. The turning point in his career was his roles in Chembarathi, Avalude Ravukal

Avalude Ravukal

Avalude Ravukal is a Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi, released in 1978. The film explores the life of a teenage prostitute and those of the people around her.- Cast :* Seema* Ravi Kumar* Soman* Sukumaran* Thoppil Bhasi* Bahadoor...

, Angaadi. Even his brief roles like those in Manichitrathazhu

Manichitrathazhu

Manichitrathazhu is a 1993 Malayalam psychological thriller-horror-musical film written by Madhu Muttam, directed by Fazil, and produced by Appachan. The film was an unusual theme in Malayalam cinema but proceeded to become a high grosser at the box-office...

and The King are well remembered till this day. His one-liners like "Taski Viliyeda" in Thenmavin Kombath

Thenmavin Kombath

Berny-Ignatius composed the film's songs and Girish Puthenchery wrote the lyrics. The soundtrack won that year's Kerala State Film Award.-National Film Awards:* Best Art Director- Sabu Cyril* Best Cinematographer- K. V. Anand-Kerala State Film Awards:...

and "Ippo Sariyakkitharam" and "'Thamaraseri Churam'" in Vellanakalude Nadu

Vellanakalude Nadu

Vellanakalude Nadu is a 1988 Malayalam drama film directed by Priyadarshan, and produced by Maniyanpilla Raju.This film was a critical and commercial success...

earned their position in the list of Malayalam idiom

Idiom

Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...

s. Pappu became one of the best comedians Malayalam cinema has ever seen. He used Kozhikode slang in his acting which was well liked and appreciated. Due to his affection toward plays, with the help of his old friends in the field of theatre, he founded Akshara Theatres a few weeks before his death.

He died in a private hospital in Kozhikode following a cardiac arrest on 25 February 2000. Though Narasimham

Narasimham

Narasimham can mean the following:* Chilakamarthi Lakshmi Narasimham was an Indian playwright and novelist.* Narasimha, a Hindu God*Narasimham , a 2000 Malayalam movie starring Mohanlal...

was his last film released, his role was entirely edited out of the final cut.

Selected filmography

• Theekkadal (1980) .... Pappan
• Moorkhan (1980) .... Kuttappan
• Karimpana (1980) .... Palayyan
• Chaakara (1980) .... Kuttan Pillai
• Angaadi (1980) .... Abu
• Arikkari Ammu
  Arikkari Ammu
  Arikkari Ammu is an Indian film in Malayalam language by Sreekumaran Thampi starring Madhu, Kuthiravattom Pappu, Jayabharathi, and Suchithra Sasi....
  
   (1981)
• Attimari (1981) .... Salim, Hameed
• Sphodanam (1981)
• Ahimsa (1981) .... Muthu
• Sindoora Sandhyakku Mounam (1982) .... Chandran
• Pooviriyum Pulari (1982)
• John Jaffer Janardhanan
  John Jaffer Janardhanan
  John Jaffer Janardhanan is a 1982 Malayalam movie directed by I. V. Sasi, written by T. Damodaran, and starring Mammootty, Ratheesh, and Ravindran. It was a remake of 1977 blockbuster Hindi movie Amar Akbar Anthony, which in turn was remade in Telugu as Ram Robert Rahim in 1980, directed by Vijaya...
  
   (1982) .... Charlie
• Hamari Bahu Alka (1982)
• Innalenkil Nale (1982)
• Hello Madras Girl
  Hello Madras Girl
  Hello Madras Girl is a 1983 Malayalam movie starring Mohanlal, Shankar and Poornima Jayaram. The film marked the acting debut of Priyadarshan, the note Indian film maker.-Cast:*Poornima Jayaram*Madhavi*Mohanlal*Kuthiravattam Pappu*Priyadarshan*Shankar...
  
   (1983)
• Belt Mathai (1983) .... Pachu Pillai
• Thathamme Poocha Poocha (1984) .... Ananthan
• Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
  Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
  Poochakkoru Mookkuthi is a 1984 screwball comedy Malayalam film written and directed by Priyadarshan, with the story adapted from Charles Dickens's play The Strange Gentleman. The film features an ensemble cast featuring Mohanlal, Shankar, Menaka, M G Soman, Nedumudi Venu, C.I...
  
   (1984) .... Kuttan
• Mainakam (1984) .... Vasu
• Appunni
  Appunni
  Appunni is a 1984 Malayalam romantic comedy film written by V. K. N. and directed by Sathyan Anthikad. The film is based on V. K. N.'s story Premavum Vivahavum. The lead roles are played by Nedumudi Venu, Menaka, Bharath Gopi, Mohanlal and Sukumari....
  
   (1984) .... Karunakaran
• Adiyozhukkukal
  Adiyozhukkukal
  Adiyozhukkukal is a 1984 Malayalam drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair; starring Mammootty, Seema, Mohanlal, Balan K. Nair, Vincent and Rahman in the main roles...
  
   (1984) .... Sivan Kutti
• Pyasa Shaitan (1984)
• Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya (1985) .... Raman
• Mutharamkunnu P.O.
  Mutharamkunnu P.O.
  Mutharamkunnu P.O. is a 1985 Malayalam film directed by Sibi Malayil having Mukesh and Lizy in the lead roles. The movie was noted for the cameo appearance of famous Indian actor and wrestler Dara Singh.- Synopsis :...
  
   (1985) .... K. P. K. Thankappan
• Kaiyum Thalayum Purathidaruthu (1985) .... Appu
• Jeevante Jeevan
  Jeevante Jeevan
  Jeevante Jeevan is a film released in 1985. It was released in Kerala in the language of Malayalam . The movie was directed by J. Williams.This movie stars Mohanlal, Balan K...
  
   (1985)
• Angadikkappurath (1985)
• Vivahitare Itihile (1986)
• T. P. Balagopalan M.A.
  T. P. Balagopalan M.A.
  T.P. Balagopalan M.A. is a 1986 Malayalam film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Sreenivasan, starring Mohanlal, Shobana, Balan K. Nair, Kuthiravattam Pappu, Maniyanpilla Raju, Sreenivasan, Sukumari, and K. P. A. C. Lalitha....
  
   (1986) .... Chandrankutty
• Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi (1986) .... Velu
• Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu
  Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu
  Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu is a Malayalam comedy movie released in 1986. Directed by Priyadarshan and this film features Mohanlal, Mukesh, Lizy and Sreenivasan...
  
   (1986)
• Nandi Veendum Varika (1986) .... Mukundan
• Naradhan Keralathil (1987) .... Police Constable
• Amrutham Gamaya
  Amrutham Gamaya
  Amrutham Gamaya is a 1987 Malayalam drama film starring Mohanlal, Parvathy, Thilakan and Geetha. The film is written by acclaimed Malayalam writer M. T...
  
   (1987) .... Kumaran
• Vellanakalude Nadu
  Vellanakalude Nadu
  Vellanakalude Nadu is a 1988 Malayalam drama film directed by Priyadarshan, and produced by Maniyanpilla Raju.This film was a critical and commercial success...
  
   (1988) .... Sulaiman
• Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
  Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
  Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu is a Malayalam film directed by Priyadarshan, starring Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, and Ranjini.-Cast:-Plot:...
  
   (1988) .... Aussapachen
• Loose Loose Arappiri Loose (1988) .... Pappu
• Janmandharam (1988) .... Kuruppilli Kuriakose
• Abkari
  Abkari
  Abkari is a 1988 Malayalam movie starring Mammootty and Ratheesh in the title roles. It was written by T. Damodaran and was directed by I. V. Sasi. The movie based on the life of liquor barons and contractors in Kerala, was a super hit....
  
   (1988) .... Kumaran
• 1921 (1988)
• Ulsavapittennu
  Ulsavapittennu
  Ulsavapittennu is a 1989 Malayalam Indian film by Bharath Gopi and featuring Mohanlal, Parvathy and Sukumaran. The film was one of the few directorial ventures of Bharath Gopi and featured a strong performance from Mohanlal in the lead role.- Plot :...
  
   (1989) .... Pushpangadan
• Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal
  Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal
  Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by Kamal and written by Ranjith. The film stars Jayaram and Parvathi. Mohanlal makes a cameo role.-Plot:...
  
   (1989) .... Pushpangadan
• Naduvazhikal
  Naduvazhikal
  Naduvazhikal is a Malayalam movie released in 1989 directed by Joshi and featuring Mohanlal, Madhu and Manianpilla Raju.- Plot :The story is about Arjun whose father Ananthan was the unofficial king of his native place...
  
   (1989) .... K. C.
• Mahayanam
  Mahayanam
  Mahayanam is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by Joshy, and written by Lohithadas. With Mammootty, Mukesh, and Seema appearing in lead roles, this film was a big hit at the box office.-Plot:...
  
   (1989) .... Kunjappan
• Pradeshika Varthakal (1989) .... Velichappadu

• Saandhram (1990) .... Caesar
• Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam
  Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam
  Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam is 1990 Malayalam comedy film starring Sreenivasan and Jayaram. It was written by Ranjith and directed by Viji Thampi.-Plot:...
  
   (1990)
• Dr. Pasupathy
  Dr. Pasupathy
  Dr. Pasupathy is a 1990 Malayalam-language comedy film directed by Shaji Kailas and written by Ranji Panicker. The film introduced Rizabawa to Malayalam films. It was also noted for being the first film in which popular comedian Innocent played the lead role.- Plot :The comical film introduces us...
  
   (1990) .... Uthpalakshan
• Aye Auto
  Aye Auto
  Aye Auto is an Indian film in Malayalam language by Venu Nagavalli starring Mohanlal and Rekha. The film is about the life of auto drivers in the city of Calicut.-Plot:...
  
   (1990)
• Midhya (1990) .... Ezhuthachan
• Oliyampukal (1990) .... Thankan
• Pookkalam Varavayi
  Pookkalam Varavayi
  Pookkalam Varavayi is 1991 Malayalam film directed by Kamal starring Jayaram, Shamili, Murali and Geetha. Divya Unni and Kavya Madhavan made their debuts in this movie....
  
   (1991) .... Mariyappan
• Parallel College
  Parallel college
  A parallel college is a privately owned educational institution in Kerala , which is not affiliated to any university, neither recognized by any, but offers training for courses following the courseware of a university quite unofficially...
  
   (1991) .... Sanathan Pillai
• Kadinjool Kalyanam (1991) .... Mathai
• Georgekutty C/O Georgekutty
  Georgekutty C/O Georgekutty
  Georgootty C/O Georgootty is a 1991 Malayalam–language romantic comedy / drama film starring Jayaram, Sunitha and Thilakan in major roles. Directed by K. K. Haridas and written by Ranjith, the film was produced under the banner of Chandragiri Productions. It was the directorial debut of Haridas...
  
   (1991) .... Paulose
• Advaitham
  Advaitham
  Advaitham is 1992 Malayalam political-crime film directed by Priyadarshan and written by T.Damodaran. It stars Mohanlal, Jayaram, Revathi, Innocent, and M. G. Soman in lead roles. The music was composed by Johnson...
  
   Advaitham (1991) .... Kaiyathan
• Amaram
  Amaram
  Amaram is a 1991 Malayalam film directed by Bharathan and written by A. K. Lohithadas, starring Mammootty, Murali, Maathu, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Balan K. Nair, Ashokan, Chitra, and Kuthiravattam Pappu in the main roles. The film score is composed by Johnson while the songs are by Raveendran.The...
  
   (1991) .... Raman Kutty
• Neelagiri
  Neelagiri (film)
  Neelagiri is a 1991 Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by Ranjith, starring Mammootty, Madhoo, M. G. Soman, and Srividya. The music is composed by M. M. Keeravani, credited as Maragathamani.-Cast:* Mammootty as Sivan* Madhoo as Anitha* M. G...
  
   (1991) .... Arumukhan
• Jhoothi Shaan
  Jhoothi Shaan
  Jhoothi Shaan is a 1991 Indian film starring Mithun Chakraborty and Poonam Dhillon along with Shabana Azmi.- Synopsis :Even after the end of her lustre empire, This is the Story of Ranimaa, who still believes that she is an empress, though her palace has now been turned into a hotel. She has three...
  
   (1991)
• Utsava Melam (1992)
• Nadodi
  Nadodi
  Naadody is a 1992 Malayalam film produced and directed by Thampi Kannanthanam, and starring Mohanlal in the title role. Others in the cast include N. N. Pillai, Suresh Gopi, Babu Antony, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kuthiravattam Pappu, Jose Pellissery, Sathaar, Mohini, Sangeetha, and Baby Vichitra. The...
  
   (1992)
• Vietnam Colony
  Vietnam Colony
  Vietnam Colony is a 1992 Malayalam film written and directed by Siddique-Lal . With Mohanlal, Innocent, Kanaka and K. P. A. C. Lalitha appearing in lead roles, this film was a huge hit in theatres.-Plot:...
  
   (1993) .... Erumeli
• Midhunam (1993) .... Peethambaran
• Manichithrathazhu
  Manichitrathazhu
  Manichitrathazhu is a 1993 Malayalam psychological thriller-horror-musical film written by Madhu Muttam, directed by Fazil, and produced by Appachan. The film was an unusual theme in Malayalam cinema but proceeded to become a high grosser at the box-office...
  
   (1993) .... Kattuparamban
• Ekalavyan
  Ekalavyan (film)
  Ekalavyan is a 1993 Malayalam film made in India, starring Suresh Gopi, Geetha, Narendra Prasad, Siddique, Vijayaraghavan, Ganesh Kumar, Janardhanan, Madhu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kuthiravattam Pappu, and Devan. Directed by Shaji Kailas and written by Renji Panicker, this film broke many records in...
  
   (1993) .... Govindan Kutty
• Customs Diary
  Customs Diary
  Customs Diary is a 1993 Malayalam film by T. S. Suresh Babu starring Jayaram and Mukesh in the lead roles.-Plot:A man avenges his family's death by the mafia, and finds himself helping smugglers and fighting a corrupt customs officer.-Cast:...
  
   (1993) .... Vishwanathan
• Akashadoothu (1993) .... Chandy
• Aayirappara
  Aayirappara
  Aayirappara is a 1993 Malayalam film directed by Venu Nagavalli starring Mammootty, Urvashi and Madhu in the lead roles.The movie was produced by Sreekanth and Ashok in the banner of Gauridarshana and it has been distributed by Mak Release.- Cast :...
  
   (1993)
• Pingami
  Pingami
  Pingami is a 1994 Malayalam film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and produced by Mohanlal under the banner of Pranavam Arts.-Plot:...
  
   (1994) .... Achuthan
• Nirnayam
  Nirnayam (1995 film)
  Nirnayam is a 1995 Malayalam–language crime thriller / drama film starring Mohanlal and Heera Rajgopal in lead roles. It is co-written and directed by Sangeeth Sivan. The film was an adaption of The Fugitive, which itself was based on The Fugitive TV series...
  
   .... Servant
• Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka
  Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka
  Vrudhanmare Sookshikkuka is a 1995 Malayalam film by Sunil starring Dileep, Jayaram and Khushboo.-Plot:Friends Sathyaraj and Dharmaraj, disguised as two old men, go to the Rose Hotel owned by Hema. There is a hostage crisis at Rose Hotel. It is up to Hema's boyfriend Vijay Krishnan to save...
  
   (1995) .... Sundaresan Nair
• Tom & Jerry
  Tom & Jerry (film)
  -Plot:Kuttikrishnan searches for his father whom he has never met. However his identity was stolen by con-artist Balagopalan who takes his place to become later he met Mukundan who frames him as a thief...
  
   (1995) .... Kesava Kaimal
• Thovalapookkal (1995)
• Kokkarakko (1995)
• Highway
  Highway (1995)
  Highway is a 1995 Malayalam action thriller film directed by Jayaraaj, written by Sab John, story by Jayaraaj and produced by Prem Prakash.-Cast:...
  
   (1995).... Rajappan
• Alancherry Thambrakkal
  Alancheri Thamprakkal
  Alancheri Thamprakkal is a 1995 Malayalam film written and directed by Sunil. The film was produced and distributed by Fax Productions & Release...
  
   (1995) .... Kariyathen
• Kidilol Kidilam (1995) .... Hassan
• Kaattile Thadi Thevarude Ana (1995) .... Veerappan
• The King
  The King (1995 film)
  The King is a 1995 Malayalam action thriller film. Directed by Shaji Kailas and written by Renji Panicker with Mammootty as district collector, this film is one of the biggest hits in the history of Malayalam cinema....
  
   (1995) .... Krishnan
• Thooval Kottaram
  Thooval Kottaram
  Thooval Kottaram is a 1996 Malayalam film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Jayaram, Sukanya, Manju Warrier, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Murali, and Babu Swamy...
  
   (1996) .... Kunjuraman Menon
• Mr. Clean (1996) .... Bhargavan Pillai
• Madamma (1996) .... Politition
• Kalyana Uniikal (1997) .... Kuttappi
• Kalyanappittannu (1997)
• Hitler Brothers (1997) .... Nanappan
• Ekkareyanente Manasam (1997) .... Sumathi's Uncle
• Chandralekha
  Chandralekha (1997 film)
  Chandralekha is a 1997 Malayalam film written and directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Fazil. Audiences were ecstatic on seeing the energetic performance of Mohanlal and counted this as his comeback film. This also brought back the old successful combo of Mohanlal and Sreenivasan, which was...
  
   (1997) .... Accountant
• Sundarakilladi (1998)
• Oro Viliyum Kathorthu (1998) .... Achuthan
• Mayajalam (1998) .... Paramanandan Nair
• Magician Mahendralal from Delhi (1998) .... Sivan Pillai
• Pallavur Devanarayanan
  Pallavur Devanarayanan
  Pallavur Devanarayanan is a 1999 Malayalam drama film written by late Gireesh Puthenchery and directed by V. M. Vinu in which Mammootty plays the lead role Pallavur Devanarayanan. The music for the film was composed by maestro Raveendran Master and lyrics penned by Gireesh Puthenchery...
  
   (1999) .... Kunjuraman
• Chandranudikkunna Dikhil
  Chandranudikkunna Dikhil
  Chandranudikkunna Dikhil is 1999 Malayalam film directed by Lal Jose and written by Babu Janardhanan, starring Dileep, Kavya Madhavan, Lal, Biju Menon, Samyuktha Varma, Jagadish, and Innocent in the main roles...
  
   (1999)
• Mr. Butler
  Mr. Butlers
  -Cast:...
  
   (2000)
• Narasimham
  Narasimham
  Narasimham can mean the following:* Chilakamarthi Lakshmi Narasimham was an Indian playwright and novelist.* Narasimha, a Hindu God*Narasimham , a 2000 Malayalam movie starring Mohanlal...
  
   (2000)

External links

• Pappu's profile at weblokam.com (in Malayalam)