Bharathan (November 14, 1947 – July 29, 1998) is widely regarded as one of the most prolific filmmakers of Malayalam cinema. At the time of his passing, at the age of 51, he had directed more than 40 movies in several languages. He was born at Engakkadu near Wadakkancherry, in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. Director, artist, sculptor, poster designer and art director, all rolled into one, Bharathans success graph reached its peak in 1982 when he won four Kerala State Film Awards. While his film Marmaram fetched him awards for the best film, best director and best art director, his film Ormakkayi was chosen by the jury as the second best film the same year. Bharathan has directed over 50 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Starting his career in 1975 with Prayanam, Bharathan rode to fame with his off-beat Thakara, a film about a dumb-witted idiot who falls in love with a village beauty. Some of his other memorable films include Rathinirvedam, Chamaram, Paalangal, Amaram, Patheyam, Vaishali and Alolam. Bharatan died at a private hospital in Madras following prolonged illness. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis. He was a consummate artist and he died on 29 July 1998 at Madras.