Kainakary Thankaraj

Kainakary Thankaraj (18 October 1946 – 3 April 2022) was an Indian actor, who worked in the Malayalam movie industry and Malayalam Drama Theater Industry.

Biography Thankaraj, son of playwright Krishnankutty Bhagavathar, was born on 18 October 1946 in Kainakary, Travancore. He began acting at 13 and worked with several theater committees, including Kerala People's Arts Club. His film debut was in Aanappaachan (1978) alongside Prem Nazir, leading to roles in over 35 films.

Thankaraj started acting in plays while in school, becoming a popular face in amateur theatre alongside Nedumudi Venu, Fazil and Alleppey Ashraf. His first professional play was Changanasserry Geetha. He was part of many professional theatre collectives, including Kottayam National Theaters, Chalakkuddy Saradhi and KPAC. In 1995, he founded Kainakary Theaters and later formed a theatre troupe named Ambalappuzha Aksharajwala with late actor Thilakan.

Kainakary Thankaraj died on 3 April 2022 at his home in Velamkonam, Keralapuram, after prolonged suffering with liver-related issues. He was 75.

Selected filmography

Year Title Role Notes 1977 Achaaram Ammini Osharam Omana Police officer 2023 Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam