Iconic characters played by late Malayalam actor Captain Raju

Raju, after taking a discharge from the defence services had entered Mollywood through the movie Raktham directed by Joshy (1981). (Photo: YouTube)

Avanazhi: He later on went on to establish himself as a prominent actor with roles like Sathyaraj in Mammootty's 'Avanazhi'. (YouTube screengrab)

Nadodikkattu: He played Pavanayi, a hitman in Sathyan Anthikkad's box-office hit 'Nadodikkattu'. The iconic scene where he confronts Dasan and Vijayan (played by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan) is still remembered.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha: Another iconic role of Raju's was in the National Award winning vadakkanpattu saga, 'Oru Vadakkan Veergadha' in which he played Aringodar.

CID Moosa: Raju had famously played Karamchand alias Karunan Chanthakkavala, a private detective and uncle of Sudevan (Dileep) in 2003's 'CID Moosa'.

The scene where he gifts a battered up Alpha Romeo car to Sahadevan is a proof of Raju's impeccable dialogue delivery and comic timing.

August 1- Who can forget the assassin in Siby Malayil's brilliant Malayalam adaptation of 'The Day of The Jackal'. Raju's act as the unnamed killer determined to assassinate the Kerala Chief Minister was one of the high points of the film. Remember the way he used to tap the ash off his cigarette? Classic.