KG George, Master Of New Age Malayalam Movies In 1980s, Dies; Mammootty, Mohanlal Pay Tributes (Image: Facebook.com/mohanlal)

Maverick Malayalam filmmaker and screenwriter KG George passed away today in Ernakulam, Kerala, at the age of 77. According to reports, the director of “Yavanika” died at his home in Kakkanad on Sunday, and he has been under the treatment following a stroke.

Mammootty, who had collaborated with KG George in films like “Yavanika,” “Mattoral,” “Kathakku Pinnil,” “Elavamkodu Desam,” and “Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback,” expressed his grief over the loss of someone who was close to his heart.

“Another person close to my heart bids goodbye. Condolences, George sir,” Mammootty wrote in a social media post.

Another Malayalam superstar, Mohanlal, described KG George as an irreplaceable genius.

“The beloved KG George sir was a unique talent who brought innovation to Malayalam cinema and introduced fans to the world of classics. He contributed some of the best films ever made in Malayalam. My tribute to this irreplaceable genius,” Mohanlal also wrote in a social media post.

Considered the founder of a new school of filmmaking in the Malayalam film industry, KG George”s debut film, “Swapnadanam” (1975), won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam. He also received nine Kerala State Film Awards during his career.

Born in 1946 in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, KG George entered the world of movies after earning a diploma from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His initial entry into the industry was as an assistant to the celebrated Malayalam director Ramu Kariat in the film “Nellu.” According to film historians, his exposure to Kariat”s filmmaking style influenced his versatility, which subsequently changed the course of Malayalam cinema.

Many of his movies were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. KG George was also honored with the highest award for contributions to Malayalam cinema in 2015, the J C Daniel Award, presented by the Kerala Government.

Reports indicate that the funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 26. He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.

During his career spanning over two decades, KG George directed 19 movies. His last film was “Elavamkodu Desam,” in which Mammootty played the lead role and was released in 1998.