Malayalam Actor Mohanraj, Popularly Known As 'Keerikkadan Jose,' Passes Away

Actor Mohanraj Passes Away: Veteran actor Mohanraj, famously known for his iconic role as 'Keerikkadan Jose' in the classic film Kireedam, has passed away. Mohanraj passed away at his home in Kanjirankulam.

The actor, who had appeared in around 300 films throughout his career, had been battling Parkinson's disease. He had moved to Thiruvananthapuram from Chennai a year ago to undergo Ayurvedic treatment.

Mohanraj's portrayal of the memorable antagonist earned him widespread recognition and became synonymous with his career. Following his breakthrough in Kireedam, Mohanraj went on to play several notable anti-hero roles in various films, establishing himself as a popular actor in the industry.

Mohanraj's Legacy As An Unforgettable 'Villain' Of Malayalam Cinema

Mohanraj made his silver screen debut in 1988 with Moonnam Mura and quickly became renowned for his impactful villain roles in films such as Artham, Vyooham, Rajavazhcha, Marupuram, Purappadu, Kasargod Khader Bhai, Uppukandam Brothers, Chenkol, Aaram Thamburan, Vazhunnor, Pathram, Narasimham, Naran, and Mayavi. Despite his extensive work, after 2008, he limited his appearances to just two Malayalam films.

In 2015, he featured in Chirakodinja Kinavukal, and in 2022, he played the role of Vishwanathan in Mammootty's film Rorschach. In addition to his Malayalam career, he also contributed to nine Tamil films and 31 Telugu films.

Before his acting career took off, Mohanraj worked as an Assistant Enforcement Officer in Kozhikode. After retiring from his position, he settled in Chennai with his family. He is survived by his wife, Usha, and daughters, Jaishma and Kavya.

His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey in cinema, leaving behind a legacy of powerful villain characters that will be remembered by audiences for years to come.