Jagathy N. K. Achary

Jagathy N. K. Achary (1924–1997) was an Indian dramatist and writer who also worked in Malayalam films. He was known for his plays and screenplays. He is the father of actor Jagathy Sreekumar.

Early and personal life Jagathy N. Kochukrishnan Achary was born in 1924 at Krishnavilasam in Jagathy, Trivandrum, then capital of Travancore, to "Ananthapadmanabhan" Nanu Achary and Ponnammal. He had his education in Thiruvananthapuram and Scott Christian College, Nagercoil. After obtaining a BA in literature, he followed up with a degree in law.

Kochukrishnan's paternal ancestors were involved in the construction works of many palaces and stately mansions in Travancore built during the latter half of the nineteenth century. His grandfather Krishnan Achari and his brother were given land to settle down in Jagathy. N. K. Kochukrishnan's father was Kottaram Moothchari under Moolam Thirunal and Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma of erstwhile Travancore.

He was married to Prasanna (Ponnamma) from Edavanacaud had three children: Jagathy Sreekumar, P. K. Krishnakumar and P. K. Jameela.

Death He died of old age diseases in 1997 at his Thiruvananthapuram residence. A road in Cotton Hill, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram is named after him.

Education and career He started his career as an employee at the palace. Later, he joined the All India Radio as a staff artist where he worked as a programme executive at various stations and subsequently rose to the position of Station Director.

Kochukrishnan wrote many plays for the radio, crossing over to writing more than twenty plays for professional theatre, and subsequently films. Many of his screenplays were published and enacted by amateur theatre groups all over Kerala. His first work was in Vimal Kumar's Achanum Makanum in the year 1957, followed by Ummini Thanka in 1961 and Velu Thambi Dalawa in 1962.

He was a partner of the Kalanilayam Theatre group, for which he wrote many plays. During the 1960s-70s, Kalanilayam revolutionised Malayalam theatre, with its dramas like Raktharakshass, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kadamattathu Kathanar, Iravikkodu Pillai, Naradan Keralathil, Taj Mahal, Sree Guruvayoorappan and Alavudinum Athbhuthavilakkum,

Film career Kochukrishnan penned story, screenplay and dialogues for more than 33 Malayalam movies and also experimental films such as Sexilla Stundilla, Paathirapattu etc. He also wrote films with strong female characters in the 60s and 70s.

Filmography As screenwriter Year Title Credited as Director 1957 Achanum Makanum Vimal Kumar 1961 Ummini Thanka G. Vishwanath 1962 Laila Majnu P. Bhaskaran Velu Thambi Dalawa G. Vishwanath Bhagyajathakam P. Bhaskaran 1966 Kayamkulam Kochunni P. A. Thomas 1967 Postman P. A. Thomas Paathirapattu N. Prakash Madatharuvi P. A. Thomas 1968 Kayalkkarayil N. Prakash Anchu Sundarikal M. Krishnan Nair Kodungallooramma Kunchacko 1971 Sumangali M.K Ramu Thapaswini M. Krishnan Nair 1972 Sakthi Crossbelt Mani 1973 Panchavadi J. Sasikumar Manissu Hameed Kakkassery Poymughangal B. N. Prakash Divyadharsanam J. Sasikumar 1975 Ullasa Yaathra A. B. Raj Kottaaram Vilkkaanundu K Sukumaran 1976 Sexilla Stundilla B. N. Prakash Swimming Pool J. Sasikumar Kenalum Collectorum M. M. Nesan 1977 Sreedevi N. Sankaran Nair Penpuli Crossbelt Mani Kaavilamma N. Sankaran Nair 1978 Snehikkan Samayamilla Viayanand 1979 Kalliyankattu Neeli M. Krishnan Nair 1982 Keni J. Sasikumar Aa Divasam M. Mani 1986 Karinagam K. S. Gopalakrishnan 1988 Inquilabinte Puthri Jayadevan

As actor Year Title Role Notes 1982 Anuraagakkodathi Professor 1986 Deshadanakkili Karayarilla 1988 Moonnam Pakkam Thampi's friend 1989 Najangalude Kochu Doctor