Veteran Malayalam cinema actor, screenwriter and director Sreenivasan died on Saturday morning at the age of 69, marking the end of an era in the state’s film industry. He breathed his last at a government hospital in Tripunithura near Kochi after developing breathing difficulties while travelling for dialysis.

Sreenivasan had been dealing with prolonged health issues and had undergone heart surgery in 2022. According to hospital authorities, he passed away around 8.30 am. His body was later shifted to his residence, and it will be kept at Ernakulam Town Hall for public homage before the last rites are held at his home.

A life rooted in cinema and social satire

Born on April 6, 1956, at Pattiam in Kannur district, Sreenivasan studied economics before moving to Chennai to pursue film studies. He made his acting debut in 1976 and gradually emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in Malayalam cinema.

Over the decades, he became widely known not just for his performances but also for his sharp and socially aware screenplays. His writing career took off in the 1980s and included several collaborations with leading filmmakers of the time. Many of his works, especially political and social satires, continue to be referenced in public discourse.

Sreenivasan made his directorial debut in 1989 with a film that later earned a Kerala State Film Award and came to be regarded as a classic. He also directed a National Film Award-winning film in the late 1990s, in which he played the lead role. His political satire released in the early 1990s received a state award for best story and remains one of the most discussed films in Malayalam cinema.

Tributes pour in from across Kerala

Several political leaders and film personalities expressed deep grief over his passing. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the death as an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema, calling Sreenivasan a versatile talent who excelled in every sphere of filmmaking. He said the filmmaker had a rare ability to portray the life of the common man through humour and satire, even while challenging long-standing conventions.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan termed Sreenivasan a multifaceted genius who brought powerful social messages to the screen with extraordinary simplicity. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said Sreenivasan would remain an eternal inspiration for his ability to present serious themes in an engaging manner rooted in everyday life.

Filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad, a long-time collaborator and friend, recalled that despite his declining health, Sreenivasan remained mentally sharp and deeply reflective until the end.

Family and personal life

After settling in Kochi, Sreenivasan was also known for practising organic farming near his residence. He is survived by his wife Vimala and their two sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom are active in the Malayalam film industry.

With his passing, Malayalam cinema loses a voice that consistently blended humour, realism and social commentary, leaving behind characters and dialogues that continue to resonate with audiences.

As the holiday season kicks in, a packed slate of fresh OTT and theatrical releases is set to entertain audiences this week. From crime thrillers and disaster dramas to comedy shows and romantic films, viewers have multiple options across platforms and cinemas. Here is a detailed look at what’s releasing between December 19 and December 26, based strictly on available information.

Major OTT releases this week

Several high-profile web series and films are making their digital debut across platforms, spanning genres like thriller, drama, comedy and fantasy.

Mrs Deshpande (December 19)
An Indian adaptation of the French thriller La Mante, this series stars Madhuri Dixit as a convicted serial killer imprisoned for years. The story takes a turn when a copycat killer surfaces, forcing the police to seek her assistance to crack the case.

Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders (December 19)
This standalone sequel revisits Inspector Jatil Yadav, who finds himself probing a complex murder. As the investigation progresses, layers of greed, betrayal and dark family secrets come to light.

Four More Shots Please Season 4 (December 19)
The final season focuses on the four central characters confronting personal truths and growth. The narrative tracks their emotional journeys as they reassess choices, relationships and identities.

A Time For Bravery (December 19)
The film follows a nervous psychoanalyst sentenced to community service after a traffic accident. Assigned to counsel a depressed police officer, the unlikely duo soon gets caught in a dangerous criminal conspiracy linked to national security.

The Great Flood (December 19)
Set against what appears to be Earth’s final day, this disaster drama depicts a massive global flood. The story centres on survivors trapped inside a sinking high-rise building as water levels rise rapidly.

The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 4 (December 20)
Returning after a short break, the new season brings back familiar faces with fresh sketches, aiming to appeal to viewers across age groups.

Sicily Express (December 22)
This series follows two Sicilian nurses working in Milan who discover a magical dumpster portal allowing instant travel between Milan and Sicily. Their plan to run a secret commuter service leads to unexpected misadventures.

Ghost Adventures: House Calls – Season 2 (December 24)
The paranormal series documents investigators visiting real homes where families report unexplained experiences, aiming to identify and understand unusual activity.

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking – Season 2 (December 25)
Set on actual movie locations, this season challenges bakers to create desserts inspired by iconic moments from the Harry Potter films, with hosts and guest appearances from the franchise.

Hustlers, Gamblers, Crooks – Season 2 (December 26)
The series presents real-life stories of risk, cons and high-stakes decisions, narrated by the people who lived through them.

Films releasing in theatres

Two notable films are hitting cinema screens on Christmas Day, offering contrasting genres.

Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (December 25)
Marketed as a Christmas romance, the film stars Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. It follows two individuals who discover love during personal journeys of self-discovery, while navigating family expectations and modern relationships.

Anaconda (December 25)
The film tracks two friends dealing with midlife crises who travel to the Amazon rainforest to remake their favourite childhood movie. Their plans spiral into a survival ordeal when they encounter a giant anaconda.

Popular comedian and television personality Bharti Singh and her husband, writer-host Haarsh Limbachiyaa, have welcomed their second child. The baby was born on Friday after Bharti was taken to the hospital following a sudden medical emergency earlier in the day, according to media reports.

Emergency during television shoot led to hospitalisation

As per available information, Bharti Singh was scheduled to shoot for the television show Laughter Chefs on Friday morning when her water broke unexpectedly. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later delivered her second child. No further details about the baby have been shared publicly so far.

The news of the delivery comes weeks after the couple announced Bharti’s second pregnancy on social media.

Pregnancy announcement and maternity shoot

Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa had revealed the pregnancy during a family vacation in Switzerland. A few weeks ago, Bharti also shared pictures from her maternity photoshoot, where she was seen wearing a blue silk gown with white floral patterns.

Sharing the photos online, Bharti wrote, “2nd Baby Limbachiya coming soon,” along with a baby emoji.

Family background

Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa became parents for the first time in 2022, when they welcomed their son, Lakshya.

The couple is among the most well-known faces on Indian television. Bharti is widely recognised for her comic timing and distinctive on-screen persona, while Haarsh has made his mark as a writer and host. Apart from their television work, the two also co-host a podcast together.