Renowned Malayalam film producer and distributor P.K.R. Pillai breathed his last today (16th May) at his residence at Mandanchira near Peechi in Thrissur district. He was 92 and passed away due to age-related health complications.
Pillai had produced Amrutham Gamaya, Chithram, Vandanam, Kizhakkunarum Pakshi and Aham. His first production venture was Vepraalam (1984). His Chithram (1988) was one of the biggest blockbusters of its time and had the distinction of playing in two cinemas of Kerala for over 300 days. The film was later made in four languages — in Telugu as Alludugaru, in Hindi as Pyar Hua Chori Chori, in Kannada as Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege, and in Tamil as Engirundho Vandhan. His Vandanam may have done average business at the box-office but it went on to achieve cult status over the years. Both, Chithram and Vandanam, were directed by Priyadarsan. Pillai had also produced Shobhraj (1986), which was a remake of Amitabh starrer Don. His last production was Pranayamanithooval (2002).
Besides producing 16 films, P.K. Ramachandran Pillai also distributed eight films including Vellanakalude Nadu, Aey Auto and Vishnulokam. The last film distributed by him was Lal Jose’s Achanurangatha Veedu (2006).
Reportedly, Pillai was in such dire straits in his final years that he couldn’t afford even food and medicines.
Pillai is survived by his wife and three children. His actor-son, Sidhu R. Pillai, was found dead in Goa in 2018.