Jayan

Master Chief Petty Officer Krishnan Madhavan Nair (25 July 1939 – 16 November 1980), better known by his stage name Jayan, These movements were fuelled by a renewed fascination with his style of dialogue delivery and his machismo image. These were claimed to honour his memories, but were also criticised for parodying the actor years after his death.

Early life Jayan was born as Krishnan Nair, in Quilon, Travancore (present day Kollam, Kerala, India) as the first child of his father Thevalli Kottaram Veetil Madhavan Pillai and mother Bharathiyamma. He had a younger brother named Soman Nair. Malayalam actress Jayabharathi, who was his first cousin introduced him to the film industry.

Krishnan'a formal education ended at the 10th grade at Kollam Government Boys High School when he joined the Indian Navy. He was a member of the Indian Navy team to travelled to Great Britain in 1961 for taking India's first war ship INS Vikrant. He played for Navy football team. His first accolades for his acting skills reached him when he was a naval sailor.

Krishnan Nair served in the Indian Navy for 16 years, culminating in the rank of Master CPO. By the end of his navy days, he had begun efforts to start small businesses at Ernakulam and became a regular inhabitant of the Cochin Tourist Home. During his life at Ernakulam, he would meet some of his lifelong friends. It was such a chance meeting while on leave, with Rajan Prakash who is the veteran Malayalam actor Jose Prakash's son, who owned a dry cleaning shop in Cochin, that eventually landed him a role in the movie Shapa Moksham. A year later, he left the Indian Navy and started trying his hand at various civilian jobs, working for companies in Cochin for a few years till his acting career began to succeed.

Career Early career Krishnan Nair made a few uncredited appearances in some films during the early 1970s. According to his nephew, he had the role of a vampire-like character in an unnamed project costarred by Vidhubala, which was never released.

Rise to fame The name "Jayan" ( "The Victor") was given to him by veteran Malayalam actor Jose Prakash on the sets of Shapamoksham. Jayan got his first major break appearing as a villain in Panchami (1976), playing a forest ranger. Jayan's performance in this film was appreciated in the industry and his physical appearance was also noticed for the first time. His next notable role was in Thacholi Ambu (1978), in which he appeared in a supporting role. In the same year, he acted as a sage in the Sreekumaran Thampi film Etho Oru Swapnam, which was well received by critics. He also appeared in the 1978 horror film Lisa, in a supporting role. But what made Jayan a superstar was his antihero role in Sarapancharam (1979, Bed of Arrows). He catapulted to fame riding on machismo roles that endeared him to the masses, and he established himself as one of the most popular Malayalam film actors of his time with superhit movies like Chaakara (1980), Love in Singapore (1980), Paalattu Kunjikkannan (1980), Naayattu (1980), Manushya Mrugam (1980) and Angadi (1980) the latter of which was the highest-grossing film of the year. He is generally regarded as the first action hero in Malayalam cinema.

Superstardom Sarapancharam broke all box-office records set in the Malayalam movie industry till it's time and became the highest-grossing movie of 1979. Its box-office records were broken by another Jayan film, Angadi in the following year, which cemented his popularity among the masses. In films such as Aavesham and Manushya Mrugam he played double roles. During his career, he received only a few critically appreciated roles perhaps partly due to his commercial hero image and partly due to the lack of films that garnered critical appreciation at the time. The focus was always on his unmatched drawing power as an action star and by 1980, at the peak of his career, he had attained a genuine superhero image. Movies exploited Jayan's masculine physique and he appeared bare-chested in numerous scenes. His on-screen attire (most famously his Elvis bellbottoms), his masculine image and later the nature of his death transformed him into a legendary pop culture icon in Kerala. Jayan was also known for his unique method of dialogue delivery and he has contributed many memorable lines to the Malayalam film history.

Multistar films Jayan acted in several ensemble cast movies, mostly with Prem Nazir. The duo acted in films such as Naayattu, Love in Singapore, Chandrahasam, Thacholi Ambu, Kannappanunni, Paalattu Kunjikkannan, Maamaankam, Prabhu etc. all of which were top-grossing movies at the box office. He also acted with other popular actors of the time, such as Soman, Sukumaran and Madhu in many films. In early films before 1979 (e.g. Thacholi Ambu and Panchami), he had negative or supporting roles. But later films in the beginning of 1980 relied heavily on Jayan's drawing power as an action hero and placed him as the central character. In 1980, the duo Jayan and Prem Nazir were cast in Ariyapedatha Rahasiyam by P. Venu, that showcased the most famous fight scene in Malayalam cinema. Prem Nazir agreed to play a supporting role in Naayattu, which was very unlikely for a superstar of those times. He had agreed to do this as a token of friendship with Jayan and the director Sreekumaran Thambi. The duo acted together many action films such as Irumbazhikal, Love in Singapore etc. where the box office draw was huge.

Death

On 16 November 1980, Jayan died in an accident on the set of the movie Kolilakkam ( Shockwave) at the age of 41. The climactic scene of the movie was being filmed in Sholavaram, near Madras, Tamil Nadu. Jayan was performing a stunt that involved him boarding an airborne Bell 47 from a moving motorbike driven by Sukumaran. The shot was accepted by the director in the first take; nonetheless, another three shots were filmed. According to the film's production executive, Jayan insisted on yet another re-take as he was not satisfied. During the re-take, the helicopter lost its balance and crashed along with Jayan who was hanging onto the landing skids, and he later succumbed to his injuries.

After his death was confirmed, a slide was added during the theatre show of his movie Deepam, informing viewers of his death. Responses were mixed and some audiences believed it to be promotion for some upcoming project.

Imposter Movement Due to his popularity, random bit scenes were added to films that showed random gestures or shots of him walking by the side during fight scenes. Attempts were made to bring in impostors who tried to imitate his style and mannerisms, enabling several artists from the field of mimicry to show up on the big screen. But these experiments failed miserably, and proved especially ineffective in fight and stunt scenes. Then, directors and producers started a search for new actors to replace him. This movement led to debuts of actors who resembled Jayan, those with stage names sounding similar to his (for example, his own brother who appeared as Ajayan), and those with similar mannerisms and style (e.g. Bheeman Raghu).

Resurgence in the 2000s In the late 1990s and early 21st century, there was a resurgence of Jayan's screen persona in Kerala and his old movie scenes came to prominence again.

A film titled Avatharam presently under production, is attempting to bring back his screen persona using advanced technologies. A documentary on Jayan's life and death Jayan – The Man behind the Legend is nearing completion for release in the near future.

Legacy Superhero image and commercial success Jayan is the most commercially successful superstar to date in the Malayalam industry with a near 90% success rate. The years 1979, 1980 and 1981 became known as "Jayan years" in the industry due to the widespread release and success of his movies. His films Sharapancharam and Angadi, released in 1979 and 1980 respectively, were record breakers and became the highest grossers of their respective years. His final film, Kolilakkam was the highest grosser in 1981. The noteworthy point is that a large percentage of films released during his peak years lacked a strong plot and were mostly cheap low budget remakes of successful movies from other language sectors of Indian cinema. Many of these films came out astoundingly successful due to his sheer presence and some avoided failures due to his small cameo appearances. Thousands of fans used to visit theatres repeatedly just to see his fascinating stunts and fight scenes.

Stunt work Jayan was a high-risk taker and throughout his career, he was popular for stellar performances in a fight and stunt sequences. Dangerous and thrilling stunts were often featured in action films with Jayan in the lead. These were usually highlighted during fight scenes as added promotions to his machismo image and daredevilry. Numerous movies in which he has acted have one or more notable stunt performances.

A few prominent examples may be Puthiya Velicham ("New Light", 1979) in which he performs train stunts jumping onto and from a fast-running goods train, Aavesham ("Inspiration", 1979) which shows the actor swimming through the dangerous waters of Hogenakkal Falls, through a major part of the climax sequence without using any kind of safety measures. Movies like Thadavara ("Prison", 1981) and Sharapancharam (1979) demonstrate his brilliant horse riding skills performing almost effortlessly on horseback, while films like Maamaankam involved dangerous fights with wild animals. In a film called Moorkhan ("Cobra", 1981) he broke through a brick wall riding on a motorbike (a Royal Enfield Bullet) and it also featured sequences that had the actor sliding along ropes tied at high elevations.

Memorable roles Most critics often consider Jayan's main hero role in Sharapancharam, Angadi, Venalil Oru Mazha and Puthiya Velicham to be his best. His most popular character may be the educated labourer in Angadi. The sage's role played by him in Etho Oru Swapnam was well appreciated by critics and would easily feature among his most memorable roles. The supporting role in Kannappanunni, Thacholi Ambu, the villainous ranger in Panchami and the rapist in Kanthavalayam are also critically acclaimed performances. Some other popular roles were in films like Idimuzhakkam, Venalil Oru Mazha, Ithikkara Pakki, Maamaankam, Puthiya Velicham, Karimpana, Ariyapedatha Rahasiyam, Chaakara and Kazhukan. While acknowledging his undisputed popularity as a commercial superstar that has never faded over time, general critical opinion on his skills as an actor is divided.

Memorials Kollam District panchayath and Government of Kerala built a new conference hall near to Kollam District panchayath office in Kollam municipal corporation as a memorial to the actor. The hall is named as "Jayan Memorial Hall". It was inaugurated on 12 September 2020.

Jayan Cultural Forum Jayan Samskarika Vethi or Jayan Cultural Forum has been established recently, which consists of his fans and well wishers. It is headed by the actor's nephew Kannan Nair, and aims at uniting his fan base under a single platform. Activities include organising anniversary functions and memorial programs, facilitating his coworkers, maintaining the actor's website and official profiles and charity work.

Monuments

In 2009, an 8 ft high statue of the actor was erected in front of his house at Olayil, Kollam, which is now a nursing home.

Jayan's wax statue was unveiled at the Sunil Wax Museum in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram in 2022.

In media Media on Jayan A book titled Jayan Americayil? (Jayan in America?) came out in 1981. It circulated the rumour that Jayan was alive in America with an injured eye and that it was a look-alike who was killed in the accident. Another book Jayante Maranam Kolapathakamo (Jayan's death, a murder) was also published in 1981, capitalising on the conspiracy theories and mystery surrounding the superstar's death. The actor's life was serialised in a Malayalam film magazine and then brought out as Jayante Katha.

In popular culture

Print media The actor's domination and commercial success in the 1970s is mentioned in the book Because I have a Voice. It focuses on Jayan's masculine image. Jayan's famous emotional English dialogue in street slang is included at number 7 in Outlook magazine's Terrific 13 lists published in the 13th anniversary edition of the magazine, in the section '13 Cheesiest Chalkiest dialogues in Indian Cinema'.

Films In the movie Aye Auto, there is a reference to Jayan's English dialogue in Angadi. The movies Dupe Dupe Dupe and Aparanmaar Nagarathil had Jayan impersonators in the lead. In the film Pattanathil Bhootham, the popular Jayan song sequence Cham Chacha Chumchacha is played out with impersonation. The horse oiling scene from Sarapancharam is also reconstructed. In Chotta Mumbai, a Jayan-Nazir mixed song sequence is played out with Jayan attire used in the song sequence of the popular Nazir song Chettikulangara. In the film Shikkar, Jayan's image is used in the sets of a fight scene in a bid to stress the adventurous setting of the film. In Thanthonni, Jayan's voice and dialogue tone is imitated. The film Valiyangadi was promoted as a sequel to Jayan's Angadi. In the film Ennu Ninte Moideen, Jayan's stunt sequence and the celebrated row with "Alavalathi Shaji" from the film Lisa is shown in a theatre scene. The famous song "Kannum Kannum" from Jayan's film Angadi is included with Mammooty impersonating Jayan's style in the film Venicile Vyapari. The recent hit Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan has the actor Siddique acting as an ardent fan of Jayan and impersonates his style for seeing his movies.

Return to the silver screen In December 2010, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his death, it was announced that a new movie with Jayan in the lead is in the works, using advanced animation and graphics technologies. The movie, titled Avatharam (Incarnation), was announced to be directed by Vijeesh Mani and scripted by T. A. Shahid. The project is inspired by the star's posthumous popularity as an action legend. It was announced that the actor would be brought back to the big screen by twelve top technicians from Hollywood.

Filmography

Year Title Role 1974 Shapamoksham Poonthenaruvi Dr John 1975 Tourist Bungalow Sooryavamsham Ullasayathra 1976 Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre Pick Pocket Chandran's father Madhuram Thirumadhuram Babu Rajanganam Agnipushpam Mallanum Mathevanum Panchami John Kamadhenu Madhavan Amrithavahini Mohan 1977 Snehayamuna Makam Piranna Manka Ashirvadam Manassoru Mayil Tholkan Enikku Manassilla Aadhya Paadam Aparajitha Ivanente Priyaputhran Shukradasha Kaavilamma Abhinivesham Gopinath Aval Oru Devalayam Anjali Rajaparambara Rathi Manmadhan Sekharan Randu Lokam Babu Ormakal Marikkumo Prabhakaran Itha Ivide Vare Boatman Achaaram Ammini Osharam Omana Sudhakaran Kannappanunni Hidumban 1978 Pavadakkari Hemantharaathri Avakasham Anubhoothikalude Nimisham Aval Kanda Lokam Anumodanam Randu Penkuttikal Snehikkan Samayamilla Vishwaroopam Orkkuka Vallappozhum Madanolsavam Dr. Jayakumar Midukkipponnamma Shathrusamharam Adimakkachavadam Ponnamma's lover Pattalam Janaki Asthamayam Kalpavriksham Gopi Kanyaka Ayyappan Etho Oru Swapnam VV Swami/VasudevanThacholi Ambu Bappu, Kutty Soothrakkari Mattoru Karnan Kaathirunna Nimisham Venu Jayikkanayi Janichavan Prabhakara Varma Itha Oru Manushyan Prabha Iniyum Puzha Ozhukum Nambiar Ee Manohara Theeram Sahadevan Adavukal Pathinettu Aana Paachan Paramu Mukkuvane Snehicha Bhootham Krishnankutty Kadathanattu Maakkam Unni Kurup Lisa Suresh 1979 Raathrikal Ninakku Vendi Kallu Karthyayani Pichathy Kuttappan Raghu Sikharangal Ramesh Pushyaraagam Sandhyaragam Pennorumbettaal Oru Raagam Pala Thaalam Raju Saayoojyam Rajan Sharapancharam Chandrasekharan Vellayani Paramu Jambulingam Puthiya Velicham Venu Prabhu Vishwanathan Mochanam Balachandran Maamaankam Moosa Ivide Kattinu Sugandam Jayadevan Sarpam James Irumbazhikal Babu Venalil Oru Mazha Raveendran Kazhukan Venu Chuvanna Chirakukal Avano Atho Avalo C.I.D.Prakash Anupallavi Suresh Angakkuri Ramachandran Aavesham Gopi/Ravi 1980 Sakthi Vijayan/Rajan Varma Chandrahasam Appu Theenalangal Ramu Paalattu Kunjikannan Vanchiyoor Surasu Ithikkara Pakki Adimakkannu Naayattu Inspector Vijayan Kaanthavalayam Manushyan Angadi Babu Karimbana Muthan Idimuzhakkam Bheeman Meen Rajan Karipuranda Jeevithangal Raghavan Anthapuram Vasu Love in Singapore Suresh Chaakara Sethumadhavan Pottatha Poottukal Uppuli Benz Vasu Vasu Deepam Ajaykumar Moorkhan Vinod Manushya Mrugham Babu/Gopi 1981 Thadavara Rajan Kolilakkam Babu Aakramanam Abhinayam Raghu Garjanam Agnisaram Sanchari Bhargavan Ariyappedatha Rahasyam Raghu 1982 Komaram Ente Sathrukkal 1983 Ahankaram Suresh Panchapandavar (Unreleased)