Malayalam’s first action hero did over 100 films in 6 years; died performing dangerous stunt hanging from a helicopter

As Malayalam cinema was, since its inception, primarily anchored in the socio-political fabric and realities of Kerala society, its movies mostly depicted stories of commoners. Although dramatised, exaggerated and packed with certain staple ingredients, such as songs, most films discussed relatable themes, and their depictions were as natural as possible. While these movies sometimes featured fight scenes, they were few and far between, serving as merely one element in a large tapestry rather than as the core that made the movie. Hence, the Malayalam film industry did not have an out-and-out “action hero” for the longest time. It all changed with the arrival of Jayan. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO

Born M Krishnan Nair in Kollam district on July 25, 1939, as the son of Madhavan Pillai and