Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanraj known for his role in Kireedam passed away

Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanraj, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the villain Keerikkadan Jose in the iconic film Kireedam, passed away on Thursday. His death has left the Malayalam film industry mourning the loss of a legendary figure who contributed to the industry with his powerful roles, particularly as a villain in over 300 films spanning three decades.

Mohanlal, one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars, paid a moving tribute to his late co-star, recalling the time they worked together on Kireedam. On his Facebook page, Mohanlal wrote, “Being known and recognized by the name of a character is a great blessing that only a truly accomplished artist attains. Beloved Mohanraj, who immortalized the character of Keerikkadan Jose in Kireedam, has left us.” He reminisced about Mohanraj’s towering presence on-screen and praised his kindness and humility.

Another industry great, Mammootty, expressed his condolences in a simple yet heartfelt message: “Condolence Mohanraj.” This brief tribute reflected the industry’s deep respect for Mohanraj, who was well-loved both on and off-screen.

Mohanraj’s career spanned more than 300 films in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. In addition to his memorable roles in Malayalam films, Mohanraj acted in nine Tamil and 31 Telugu films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, his most iconic role remains that of Keerikkadan Jose in Kireedam (1989), a character that resonates with fans today. Despite his on-screen persona as a villain, Mohanraj was known for his kindness and warmth in real life.

The actor had been battling Parkinson’s disease in recent years and had relocated to Thiruvananthapuram for Ayurvedic treatment. His health had declined, and he had largely stepped away from the film industry, making only sporadic appearances in recent years. His last role was in Mammootty’s 2022 film Rorschach, where he portrayed Viswanathan.

Mohanraj is survived by his wife, Usha, and his two daughters, Jaishma and Kaaviya. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, with fans and the film fraternity preparing to bid him a final farewell.