Biography

January 11, 1954 · Kerala, British India

His father, a railway station master, wanted his only son to study medicine or join the IAS, but he was too involved in college dramatics to do well academically. After getting his BSc degree in 1974, he studied journalism and applied for a reporter's job with Nana, a popular Malayalam film magazine.

Won the National Award for Best Actor for his role in Samantharangal (1998). Won the Kerala State Award for Best Story Writer for Uthrada Rathri (1978) and a Special Jury Award in 1997.

Malayalam actor, director and script-writer.

Many of his better films work on the theme of uncommon relationships of common people, but people tend to remember his comedy films because they go on to be big box-office hits.

Entered the Malayalam film industry in the '70s after he failed to get an admission to the Madras film institute. He started off as an actor, but Menon also wrote, directed, and acted in a succession of comedy-laced family dramas, creating in the process a signature all his own. Back then Malayalam movies revolved around the stars, but Menon, by putting the focus on the story, encouraged other directors to forge their own cinematic styles, which soon led to the Malayalam industry being noted for its directors.

Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be in the movies. I didn't miss a single film that came to town and often skipped classes to be at a matinée.