KOCHI: Film producer and distributor P K R Pillai, who financed some of the biggest box office hits in Mohanlal’s career such as Chitram (1988) and Vandanam (1989), passed away in Thrissur on Tuesday. He was 89.
In a period spanning 20 years Pillai bankrolled 22 films under the banner of Shirdi Sai Creations. They include critically acclaimed Hariharan-directed Amrutham Gamaya, starring Mohanlal and scripted by renowned writer M T Vasudevan Nair. Pillai, a native of Koothattukulam in Ernakulam, began his career as a small-time businessman in Mumbai, before establishing his firm under ‘Starnet Group of Industries’. His entry into film production was through Vepralam (1984), starring Sukumari, Adoor Bhasi, Lakshmi, and Menaka. He also acted in it.
His other successful films include Kizhakkunarum Pakshi (1991), and Aham (1992). In his condolence message, Mohanlal said he considered Pillai an elder brother who helped him become what he is today.