Kaviyoor Ponnamma, ‘Mother Of All’ In Malayalam Cinema, Dies Aged 79

Kaviyoor Ponnamma, the legendary actress in the Malayalam film industry, known for her portrayal of maternal roles that deeply resonated with audiences, died today in Kochi aged 79. The veteran actress breathed her last in Lisie Hospital, Kochi.

Born in 1945 in Kaviyoor, Kerala, she began her career as a theatre artist before making her film debut in the early 1960s with the movie Sreeramapattabhishekam. Over the years, Ponnamma carved out a niche for herself in Malayalam cinema, becoming one of the most respected and cherished actresses in the industry, doing many mother and grandmother roles in last three decades. Her extraordinary journey was recorded with many trivias including a role that Ponnamma played at the age of 20 as mother of legendary Malayalam actors Madhu and Sathyan in Thommante Makkal.

Some of her last film credits include Oppam, Thoppil Joppan, Oru Muthassi Gadha, Achayans, Vedam, Mr. Pavanayi 99.99 and Mamangam.

Her signature role as a loving mother, often cast alongside iconic Malayalam actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty, has made her a household name and was called ‘mother of all’ by many. In movies such as Thanmathra, Manichitrathazhu, and Adwaitham, she delivered moving performances that showcased her ability to express emotion with depth and grace. Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s portrayal of a strong yet nurturing figure added a layer of warmth to her characters, earning her widespread admiration.

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Ponnamma’s talent transcended genres, and she proved her versatility by taking on challenging roles in dramas, family-oriented films, and even light comedies. She had been honoured with several accolades, including the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for her performance in Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu.

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Even as younger generations of actors have come into the spotlight, Ponnamma has remained a beloved figure, respected for her contributions to Malayalam cinema. Despite being typecast in maternal roles, she added uniqueness to each of her performances, making her characters memorable and heartfelt.

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Kaviyoor Ponnamma stood as a symbol of grace and strength, her legacy deeply embedded in the golden era of Malayalam cinema.