Well-known Malayalam film producer Navodaya Appachan expires

Navodaya Appachan, officially known as MC Punnoose died at a private hospital in Kochi on Monday night. The 81 year old showman has been battling prostate cancer for the past few years. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Navodaya Appachan changed the face of the Malayalam film industry by producing the first 3D film in the country titled My dear Kuttichathan and the first 70mm film Padayottam.

Navodaya Appachan was the first person to direct a cinemascope film in Malayalam. He introduced Mohanlal and Poornima Jayaram (wife of Tamil film maker Bhagyaraj) in the film Manjil Virinja Pookal.

Navodaya Appachan gave superstar Mammootty his first break and was known to appreciate fresh talent from all across the industry. The famous showman was also responsible for bringing well-known director Fazil into the Malayalam film industry.

Navodaya Appachan, who founded Kishkinta, India's first theme park, went on to launch his own Navodaya studio in Kochi.

The body of Navodaya Appachan will be first taken to his Navodaya studio first. On Tuesday, he will be flown to Chennai and the last rites will be performed on Wednesday.