Thiruvananthapuram: The actor Mohanraj, who gained the attention of Malayalis for his role as the villain Kireekadan Jose in “Kireedam,” has passed away. Mohanraj had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and had been receiving treatment for a long time. He died at his home in Thiruvananthapuram.
Mohanraj entered the film industry in 1988 by acting alongside Mohanlal in the hit film ‘Moonnamura’. ‘Kireedam’ was his second film. He acted in “Kireedam” while working as an enforcement officer, and the character Kireekadan Jose became a hit, leading to Mohanraj being recognized by that name.
Audiences referred to Mohanraj as one of the most iconic villains in Malayalam cinema. He acted in numerous films, including “Artham,” “Vyuham,” “Rajavazhcha,” “Marupuram,” “Purappadu,” “Kasargode Kader Bhai,” “Uppukandam Brothers,” “Chenkol,” “Aaram Thampuran,” “Vazhunnoru,” “Pathram,” “Narasimham,” “Naran,” and “Mayavi.” In addition to Malayalam films, Mohanraj acted in Tamil and Telugu films, appearing in nine Tamil films,31 Telugu films, and two Japanese films.
The last film Mohanraj acted in was “Chirakkodinja Kinavukal.” He portrayed the character Driver Jose, who sings the song “Kireedathile Kanniruppuvinte Kavilil Thalodiyathu,” bringing back memories of “Kireedam.”
The news of the actor’s passing was shared on social media by his friend, film and television star, and producer Dinesh Panicker. Mohanraj and Dinesh Panicker had maintained a close friendship for many years.
