Palappurathu Keshavan Surendranatha Thilakan (15 July 1935 – 24 September 2012), known mononymously as Thilakan, was an Indian film and stage actor who worked predominantly in Malayalam cinema. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he appeared in over 200 Malayalam films and earned wide critical acclaim for his versatility and commanding screen presence. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema, and his approach to acting influenced generations of Malayalam performers.
| Full name | Palappurathu Keshavan Surendranatha Thilakan |
|---|---|
| Known as | Thilakan |
| Born | 15 July 1935 |
| Died | 24 September 2012 |
| Profession | Film and stage actor |
| Primary industry | Malayalam cinema |
| Films | Over 200 Malayalam films |
| Career span | More than five decades |
| Notable honour | Padma Shri (2009) |
Thilakan began his performing career on the stage before transitioning to cinema. His theatrical training informed his subsequent screen work, which was characterised by elaborate method acting and a preference for realistic, spontaneous performances. He went on to become one of the most prolific character actors in Malayalam cinema.
Thilakan's film career extended for more than fifty years and included over 200 Malayalam films. He was noted for the breadth of roles he undertook, ranging from leading character parts to memorable supporting performances. Critics frequently highlighted his ability to bring naturalism and depth to his characters, and his collaborations with several leading Malayalam directors and writers helped shape a distinctive style of performance in the regional industry.
Thilakan was known for an immersive, method-driven approach to acting that emphasised authenticity, careful preparation and spontaneity in delivery. His powerful screen presence and versatility across genres earned him sustained critical recognition. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema, and his work has had a lasting influence on subsequent generations of Malayalam actors as well as on audience expectations of screen performance in the language.