TN Krishnankutty, Veteran Malayalam Cinematographer, Dies at 96
Veteran Malayalam cinematographer TN Krishnankutty Nair passed away at his home in Alappuzha at the age of 96. Beginning his career in 1960 with Umma, he went on to film over 70 movies, playing a pivotal role in shaping the studio-era visual style of regional cinema.
Veteran Malayalam cinematographer TN Krishnankutty, who filmed over 70 movies during a distinguished career spanning several decades, passed away on Monday at his residence in Alappuzha, Kerala. He was 96. Krishnankutty is survived by his three children, Harikrishnan, Jayakrishnan, and Jyothikrishnan, and was predeceased by his wife, Lalithamma. His funeral took place on Monday afternoon on his house premises in Alappuzha. VC Jayamani, Veteran Tamil TV and Film Actor, Dies After Suffering Cardiac Arrest.
Cinematographer TN Krishnankutty No More
Industry sources confirmed that the veteran technician passed away at his home in Poonthuppu Ward, Alappuzha. Following news of his death, members of the Malayalam film fraternity expressed condolences, acknowledging his vital contributions to early commercial and studio-era Malayalam cinema.
Known for his steady visual style and technical discipline, Krishnankutty was part of a foundational era of technicians who helped shape the visual language of regional cinema in South India during the 1960s and 1970s.
TN Krishnakutty's Prolific Career Behind the Lens
Krishnankutty began his journey in independent cinematography in 1960 with the film Umma, produced under the iconic Udaya Studios banner and directed by Kunchacko. Over the next two decades, he handled the camera for more than 70 feature films. Among his prominent works was Ladies Hostel, which marked the directorial debut of veteran filmmaker Hariharan.
Throughout his career, Krishnankutty collaborated with several prominent directors of early Malayalam cinema, including Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, PJ Antony, Sasikumar, AB Raj, MM Nesan, KP Pillai, and K Narayanan. Notably, he was also the cinematographer who captured actor Mammootty's very first frame on camera for the film Kadathukaran.
His final project as a cinematographer was the 1985 film Madakkayathra, directed by George Vettam, after which he retired from mainstream filmmaking. Mammootty 75th Birthday: 7 Must-Watch Films of the Mollywood Megastar.
Krishnankutty's body of work remains an essential bridge between the classical studio era and the evolving narrative forms of Malayalam cinema in the late 20th century. His collaborations with pioneering filmmakers helped establish foundational techniques in lighting and framing for the industry during a period of key technological transitions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 06:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
