Kaviyoor Ponnamma Dies at 79: From ‘Sandesam’ to ‘Kireedam’, 7 Most Loved ‘Mother’ Roles of the Late Actress That Remain Eternally Etched in Our Hearts

On September 20, 2024, Malayalam cinema lovers were struck by the tragic news of the demise of actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma. The veteran actress was suffering from age-related ailments and passed away from breathing-limited complications in a Kochi hospital. Known for her iconic portrayal of motherly figures with hearts of gold, she left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema from the '60s through the 2000s. Born on September 10, 1945, in Kaviyoor, Thiruvalla, Kerala, Kaviyoor Ponnamma began her acting career in theatre at the age of 14 before transitioning to films. Her first notable movie appearance was in the 1958 film Mariakutty. Over the decades, she built a legacy that endears her to generations of film enthusiasts. Kaviyoor Ponnamma Dies at 79 Due to Age-Related Ailments; Veteran Malayalam Actress Was Most Popular for Playing ‘Mother’ Roles.

A unique aspect of her career was that she began portraying mother roles early on, even to actors much older than her. Remarkably, she played the mother to stars like Prem Nazir, Sathyan, and Madhu while in her 20s, despite them being years her senior. She later went on to portray maternal figures to actors such as Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, and Dileep, with her pairing with Mohanlal remaining especially beloved. Kaviyoor Ponnamma won the Kerala State Award four times, cementing her place as a cherished figure in Malayalam cinema.

As she leaves us for her eternal abode, we take a look back at seven of her most loved 'mother' roles over the past few decades.

Thinkalaazhcha Nalla Divasam

This Padmarajan classic is a touching family drama, resonating deeply with anyone who has roots in Kerala or rural life. Kaviyoor Ponnamma plays Janakiyamma; a mother elated when her children, their spouses, and grandchildren come to stay at her ancestral house for holidays. But her joy turns to heartbreak upon discovering her son’s plan to sell the home and place her in an old age home. The film’s tragic conclusion leaves a lasting emotional impact.

Thaniyavarthanam

One of the best-known works in Malayalam cinema, Thaniyavarthanam, is a psychological drama directed by Sibi Malayil and written by the great AK Lohithadas. The film revolves around a family seemingly cursed by generational madness. Kaviyoor Ponnamma plays the mother of Mammootty’s schoolteacher character, who becomes ostracised by society on suspicion that he has inherited his uncle's madness. The movie’s deeply tragic climax is one of the most unforgettable in Malayalam cinema.

Kireedam

This masterpiece by the Sibi Malayil-Lohithadas duo is known for its heartbreaking narrative. Kireedam stars Mohanlal and the late Thilakan as a son and father whose relationship deteriorates after the son gets labelled a criminal after beating up a local goon while protecting his father. Kaviyoor Ponnamma provides strong emotional support as the devastated mother, while also reprising her role in the film’s underrated sequel, Chenkol.

In Harihar Nagar

While mostly remembered for its comedy, this Siddique-Lal classic also offers some emotional depth. Kaviyoor Ponnamma plays a lonely mother who waits for her son’s return from Mumbai, unaware that he will never return. Though her role is brief, it leaves a significant emotional impact on the film, and she also plays a crucial role in the departure of the movie's cult villain, John Honai.

Sandesam

One of Malayalam cinema's favourite pairings, Thilakan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma shine in this timeless social satire by Sathyan Anthikkad. Playing parents to two politically opposed sons, portrayed by Jayaram and Sreenivasan, Ponnamma’s character is a kind-hearted mother who disapproves of her sons' antics but loves them too much to change them.

His Highness Abdullah

"Unni!" Though we never see this character on screen (killed offscreen before the events of the movie), Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s pitiable portrayal of a grieving royal mother yearning for her dead son still makes this absent character an iconic figure. Her heart-wrenching belief that Mohanlal’s character is her long-lost child remains one of the film's most memorable elements.

Thenmavin Kombath

In this film, Kaviyoor Ponnamma doesn’t play Mohanlal’s biological mother, yet she embodies a maternal figure to his character, Manickyan. His love and devotion to his foster mother are so strong that he sacrifices his love and even forfeits a race he was sure to win, all for her sake.

Rest in peace, Kaviyoor Ponnamma (even her name literally means 'a mother of gold'). Thank you for all these memorable roles and even more of these that we couldn't list here.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2024 08:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).