Crossbelt Mani

K. Velayudhan Nair, better known by his stage name Crossbelt Mani (22 April 1935 – 30 October 2021), was an Indian film director and cinematographer, who worked in the Malayalam cinema. He directed more than 40 Malayalam movies and worked as a cinematographer for ten movies. He became popular with his second movie Cross Belt in 1970 and adopted Crossbelt to his name. Veteran director Joshiy worked as an assistant director under him.

Personal life

Velayudhan Nair with the stage name Crossbelt Mani hailed from Thiruvananthapuram. He was born to Valiyashalayil Madhavivilasathu Krishna Pillai and Kamalamma on 22 April 1935. He was married to Iranayil Bhagavathimandirathu Sreemathiyamma. They had a son, Krishnakumar, and a daughter, Roopa.

Mani died on 30 October 2021, at the age of 86 at his home in Thiruvananthapuram. He was suffering from various illnesses associated with old age at the time of his death.

Filmography

Direction

Midumidukki (1968) Cross Belt (1970) Manushyabandhangal (1972) Puthrakameshti (1972) Naadan Premam (1972) Shakthi (1972) Kaapaalika (1973) Nadeenadanmaare Aavasyamundu (1974) Velicham Akale (1975) Penpada (1975) Kuttichaathan (1975) Thaamarathoni (1975) Chottaanikkara Amma (1976) Yudhabhoomi (1976) Neethipeedham (1977) Penpuli (1977) Pattaalam Janaki (1977) Aanayum Ambaariyum (1978) Black Belt (1978) Pancharathnam (1979) Youvanam Daaham (1980) Eettappuli (1983) Thimingalam (1983) Bullet (1984) Chorakku Chora (1985) Black Mail (1985) Revenge (1985) Ottayan (1985) Kulambadikal (1986) Pensimham (1986) Urukkumanushyan (1986) Naaradan Keralathil (1987) Devadas (1989) Commander (1990)

Cinematography Bullet (1984) Chorakku Chora (1985) Black Mail (1985) Revenge (1985) Ottayan (1985) Kulambadikal (1986) Urukkumanushyan (1986) Naaradan Keralathil (1987) Commander (1990)