P. K. Manthri
Encyclopedia
P. K. Manthri (21 May 1933 – 6 December 1984) was a renowned India
n cartoonist
.
Manthri was born to Poomangalathu Kesavan and Kochikka, at Pandalam
in Kerala
, India
. His father was a school manager and headmaster. Manthri studied painting from the Ravi Varma School of Arts, Mavelikkara
. He published cartoons in Sarasan, Asadhu, and Narmada. Later, his works appeared in Mathrubhumi
, Janayugam, Malayala Nadu, Malayala Rajyam, and Manorajyam. Pachu, Kovalan, Mr. Kunju etc. are the popular cartoon characters created by Manthri. Manthri himself appeared in many of his own cartoons.
Manthri was a drawing teacher by profession. He drew cartoons mainly for Thaniniram daily, although he started drawing cartoons for Sarasan in 1950s. His rash criticism through cartoons had irritated the then education minister C. H. Muhammad Koya. As a result, Manthri was under suspension from government service for two and a half years from 1969. While he was under suspension, he still drew cartoons using the pseudonym 'Thanthri'. He also published a cartoon book named Chithrahasyam during this period. Over 20000 copies of the book were circulated. Finally, he was inducted back in government service in 1973, as per the report of the then government secretary Malayattoor Ramakrishnan
.
Manthri was responsible for making the first animated film title in Malayalam cinema. This was for the movie Poocha Sanyasi, directed by Hariharan
. Renowned cartoonist and publisher Cartoonist Shankar had invited Manthri to Delhi several times for becoming part of the Shankar's Weekly. But Manthri was not willing to relocate to Delhi.
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 cartoonist
Cartoonist
A cartoonist is a person who specializes in drawing cartoons. This work is usually humorous, mainly created for entertainment, political commentary or advertising...
.
Manthri was born to Poomangalathu Kesavan and Kochikka, at Pandalam
Pandalam
Pandalam is one among the fastest growing towns in Kerala, India. Known far and wide for its legendary connection with Lord Ayyappa and Sabarimala, Pandalam is considered to be a holy town...
in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
, 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...
. His father was a school manager and headmaster. Manthri studied painting from the Ravi Varma School of Arts, Mavelikkara
Mavelikkara
Mavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 12.65 km2. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located 8km east of National Highway. Mavelikara is known as the capital of...
. He published cartoons in Sarasan, Asadhu, and Narmada. Later, his works appeared in Mathrubhumi
Mathrubhumi
Mathrubhumi is a Malayalam language newspaper that is published from Kerala, India. Mathrubhumi was founded by K. P. Kesava Menon, an active volunteer in the Indian freedom struggle against the British.-History:...
, Janayugam, Malayala Nadu, Malayala Rajyam, and Manorajyam. Pachu, Kovalan, Mr. Kunju etc. are the popular cartoon characters created by Manthri. Manthri himself appeared in many of his own cartoons.
Manthri was a drawing teacher by profession. He drew cartoons mainly for Thaniniram daily, although he started drawing cartoons for Sarasan in 1950s. His rash criticism through cartoons had irritated the then education minister C. H. Muhammad Koya. As a result, Manthri was under suspension from government service for two and a half years from 1969. While he was under suspension, he still drew cartoons using the pseudonym 'Thanthri'. He also published a cartoon book named Chithrahasyam during this period. Over 20000 copies of the book were circulated. Finally, he was inducted back in government service in 1973, as per the report of the then government secretary Malayattoor Ramakrishnan
Malayattoor Ramakrishnan
Malayattoor Ramakrishnan was a prominent Malayali novelist of the 20th century from Kerala state, South India. He is credited with having authored several important works in Malayalam literature, including novels, short stories and biographical sketches...
.
Manthri was responsible for making the first animated film title in Malayalam cinema. This was for the movie Poocha Sanyasi, directed by Hariharan
Hariharan (director)
Hariharan is a Malayali film director. His movies mainly revolved around the cultural and relational aspects of a typical Kerala society. His notable works include Pazhassi Raja, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Sargam, Parinayam, Amrutham Gamaya and Nakhakshathangal, which won him national...
. Renowned cartoonist and publisher Cartoonist Shankar had invited Manthri to Delhi several times for becoming part of the Shankar's Weekly. But Manthri was not willing to relocate to Delhi.