36th death anniversary of Mollywood’s first action hero Jayan

Jayan, one of Malayalam cinema’s first superstars left us 36 years back on this day. Krishnan Nair popularly known as Jayan, his screen name, amazed the Malayali audience with his macho look, powerful dialogue delivery and with his daredevilry performances in action sequences.

But ironically he passed away in an accident while performing a daring stunt sequence for the movie Kolilakkam.

Jayan previously a navy officer made his debut in film industry through the movie Shapa Moksham. His performance in Panchami was widely acclaimed and people started noticing him. But it was through the movie Sharapancharam that Jayan gained popularity and he soon rose to fame.

Sharapancharam broke all box office records that existed in the Malayalam industry during that time. He followed it up with many more blockbusters Angadi, Manyshya Mrugam, Aavesham and cemented his popularity among the people of Kerala.

Jayan also acted in many historical movies like Thacholi Ambu where he acted with other popular actors like Nazir, Sivaji Ganesan and Ravikumar. He has acted in many multi starrers with the likes of Madhu, Soman and Sukumaran.

36 years back this day, the tragic accident occurred that took Mollywood industry and the entire nation by shock.

During the climax scene shoot of the movie Kolilakkam, Jayan did a daredevil act that ended his life. The scene was being filmed in Sholavaram in Chennai. Jayan’s death happened while jumping on to an airborne helicopter from a motorbike. He succumbed to injuries later that evening.

Jayan is still remembered by millions of Malayalis across the globe. Mimicry artists still imitate him in television shows and programmes. His mannerisms, dialogue delivery and colourful attires are still popular among Kerlaites.