Filmfare’s Editor-in-Chief, Jitesh Pillaai, reflects on the legacy of actor Thilakan, whose performances stay with you like memories that never fade. Through films like Irakal, Yavanika, and Veendum Chila Veetukaryangal, he brought a rare emotional truth that felt deeply personal.
In Jitesh Pillaai’s words:
What is it about a happy or sad memory that stays with you? Is it the actual physical presence that made you happy? Or is it how they made you feel? Thilakan sir’s performance was like that. His voice had the wisdom of a sturdy oak who with Job-like perseverance, kept his dysfunctional family together as he did in Irakal.
It’s the voice of a man trying to keep the stability in his drama troupe in Yavanika. He knows it’s falling apart, and yet he knows the pool of talent is immense and some of them need to be saved.
Thilakan sir was that Karanavar of the crumbling mansion who wanted to hold on to ties and yet welcome change as he did in Veendum Chila Veetukaryangal.
Thilaak sir was that family member you hated and resented, but you knew you’d go to his funeral because he actually showed you the mirror and made you a better version of yourself. You will see insouciance mixed with mad comedy in Kilukkam. In him we saw our fathers and uncles who behaved feudal with the maids and servants. You had a bone to pick with him in Hridubhedam because you know his debauchery will ultimately kill a family and drive them apart.
He could pick a fight with his co-actors and yet be sharper than sharp in Harbour or Manjadikuru. He may have had a serious problem with Mammootty, but he would shower his son with love and wisdom in Ustad Hotel. He was like that grandfather who may have hated his son’s temerity but would mollycoddle his own grandchild.
He could be beyond, beyond crazy in Mookilla Rajayathu or Pattana Pravesham. Or just his wily self in the politics of Panchvadi Palan. Thilakan’s strength was his ability to alchemise his inner strength into pure gold- Be it KG George or Padmarajan, or even Sathyan Anthikad.
He fought with everyone, called people names and was awful to deal with after alcohol. But his art was pure. His craft was mesmerising. He will remind us time and again of what he lost because of foul play and ego. He will remind us that actors are mere mortals, but their craft is forever.
He’s always big and burns bright; our movies became smaller like our hearts and couldn’t accommodate him.
Also Read: Editor’s Take: Beyond The Burdens of The Past, Looking Back at Tighi
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