Mohanlal cries at Sreenivasan's demise, Mammootty consoles him; Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth pen emotional notes

This year has been painful for the film industry, as within a span of two months, we have been witnessing renowned and veteran celebrities passing away. On Saturday, renowned Malayalam actor, scriptwriter and filmmaker Sreenivasan, who redefined Malayalam cinema through his unique acting and compelling stories, died in Kochi on Saturday (December 20, 2025). He was 69.

As per reports, the veteran actor succumbed to cardiac arrest as he had been battling health issues.

According to hospital authorities, Sreenivasan passed away at around 8.30 AM on December 20. His body was shifted from the hospital to his residence, and will be kept at the Ernakulam Town Hall for public homage.

He is survived by his wife, Vimala Sreenivasan, and sons, actors Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan. His cremation will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday (December 21, 2025) at his residence in Kandanadu near Thrippunithura.

Mohanlal cries at Sreenivasan's demiseand , Mammootty consoles him

Tributes poured in for Sreenivasan from all walks of life on Saturday. Mohanlal and Mammootty, who have worked with Sreenivasan in several films, were present as his body was brought to his house in Kerala. Mohanlal couldn't control his emotions and got teary-eyed as Mammootty sat beside him and held him close.

In a video that surfaced on X, Mohanlal was seen getting emotional while witnessing the outpouring of tributes for Sreenivasan at his residence. Mammootty, seated right beside him, was seen comforting Mohanlal.

Taking to his Facebook account, Mohanlal penned a long note in memory of Sreenivasan. He wrote in Malayalam,"Sreeni returned without saying goodbye. I don't know how to describe the bond with Sreeni in words. Our relationship was far above the definition of people who worked together in movies. Every Malayali's intimate relationship with Sreeni was like that. Malayalis saw their own faces in the characters created by Sreeni. They saw their own pains, joys and shortcomings through him on screen. Who else could express the dreams and nightmares of the middle class like Sreeni?"

He added, "The characters that we played together remain timeless only because of the magic in Sreeni's writing. Dasan and Vijayan became our own people because of his blessed writing skill. His creations were a reflection of society—the beloved who captured pain through laughter. On screen and in life, we travelled laughing, having fun, quarrelling and making up, just like Dasan and Vijayan. May dear Sreeni's soul rest in peace."

In an interview with PTI, actor Mukesh, who starred alongside Sreenivasan in films such as Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984) and Mutharamkunnu P.O. (1985), fondly remembered the late actor. Mukesh shared that he and Sreenivasan shared a strong friendship and recalled several anecdotes from their time working together. Remembering Sreenivasan, Mukesh described him as "open-minded" and said he was extremely meticulous when it came to his craft.

In a voice message, Rajinikanth said, "It is heartbreaking to hear that my dear friend Sreenivasan is no longer with us. He was my peer at the film institute where I studied. He was a remarkable actor and an exceptional person. May his soul find peace."

Shashi Tharoor wrote on X, "Malayalam cinema won't be the same without the genius of #Sreenivasan. From the satirical bites of "Sandesham"to the raw emotion of "Vadakkunokkiyantram", he taught us to laugh at ourselves while thinking deeper. A true master of the craft who redefined what it means to be a "hero" on screen, & who was an effective director as well. Beyond the actor was a brilliant writer who captured the pulse of Kerala like no other. Sreenivasan's scripts are time capsules of social commentary, humor, and unparalleled wit. There will never be another observer of life quite like him.."

Kamal Haasan wrote, "Some artists entertain, some enlighten, some provoke. #Sreenivasan did it all, with a smile that carried truth and a laugh that carried responsibility. My respects to a remarkable mind. Deepest condolences to his family and admirers."

Mohanlal and Sreenivasan acted together in as many as 20 films. Some of their most beloved collaborations include Nadodikkattu (1987), Chandralekha (1997) and Kilichundan Maambazham (2003).

Born on April 6, 1956, at Pattiam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan acted in over 225 films across a career spanning nearly five decades. Some of his most notable screenplays include Sandesham, Azhakiya Ravanan, Varavelpu, Nadodikkattu and Thalayanamanthram, among many others.