Thoppil Bhasi

Early life Thoppil Bhaskara Pillai was born on 8 April 1924 at Vallikunnam in the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore. Bhasi was the eldest son of Thoppil Parameshwaran Pillai and Nanikkutti Amma.

Education His elementary education was at the SNDP Sanskrit School, and later on at the Sanskrit School, Changankulangara, from where he graduated in the Sanskrit Shastri course. Knowing fully well his desire to learn indigenous medicine, his father had him enrolled at the Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. It was here that he spearheaded the Students' Agitation that led to installing many of the facilities and rights enjoyed currently by students at the College of Ayurveda. He also graduated securing the top rank in the Vaidya Kalanidhi examination. He is also the recipient of the Prof. N. Krishna Pillai Award and the Soviet Land Nehru Award. He also was awarded the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film for directing Sarasayya in 1971 and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story for Mooladhanam in 1969.

Literary works Thoppil Bhasi was prolific in terms of his creative output during his active years in theatre and movies. He authored 16 full-length plays, screenplays for over 100 movies, directed 16 movies and his autobiography was titled, Oliviley Ormakal. He was a regular contributor to the Janayugom Magazine and short stories to various publications which are yet to be collated and archived.

Significant books written by Thoppil Bhasi which influenced the politics of Kerala for many years to come Ningalenne Communistakki: a dramha which has influenced the politics of Kerala > Olivile Ormmakal: Memoir that throws light on the lives of many unsung communists leaders > Thulabharam and many screen plays.

Death Thoppil Bhasi died on 8 December 1992, after suffering from poor health for years. He was aged 68 then. His body was cremated with full state honours at the premises of his home the next day.

Filmography Director Ningalenne Communistakki (1970) Sarasayya (1971) Oru Sundariyude Katha (1972) Eanippadikal (1973) Madhavikutty (1973) Chakravakam (1974) Mucheettukalikkarante Makal (1975) Ponni (1976) Missi (1976) Yudhakaandam (1977) Mochanam (1979) Ente Neelakaasham (1979) Writer Mudiyanaya Puthran (1961) Aadyakiranangal (1964) Adimakal (1969) Thulabharam (1968) Vivahitha (1970) Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971) Chattakkari (1974) Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu (1983) Ente Upasana (1984)