Kollam : Noted businessman and film producer K Ravindranathan Nair also known as Achani Ravi has died aged 90. The end came at his home in Kollam this morning. Achani Ravi is the founder of General Pictures and lend huge support to filmmakers like Aravindan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and P Bhaskaran. Wife : Late Usha Ravi(playback singer). Children : Prathap, Preeta Prakash.
Ravindranath’s General Pictures started with movies in 1967 with “Anveshichu Kandethiyilla” directed by P Bhaskaran followed by “Laksha Prabhu” in 1968 and “Kattukurang” in 1969 , also directed by P Bhaskaran. Aravindan’s movies on General Pictures banner were A. Vincent’s “Achani” in 1973, “Kanchana Seetha” in 1977, “Thumb” in 1978, “Kummatti” in 1979 “Esthappan” in 1980 and Pokuvayil in 1981. Also produced by Achani Ravi were Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s “Mukhamugam” in 1984, Antharam” in 1987 and Vidheyan in 1994.
18 National and State awards were conferred on the total of 14 films Ravindranath produced. He also made personal appearance in the movie Esthapan. His wife Usha was playback singer to his movie “Thumb”. Ravindranathan Nair was recipient of JC Daniel Award for Lifetime Achievement. He also served as member of te National Film Awards Committee, member of Central Board of Film Certification and that of the film Development Corporation.
