(1959 – 29 June 2019)
Indian Film Director | Malayalam Cinema
Babu Narayanan, also known as Babu Pisharody, was a prominent Indian film director who left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry. Known for his active years in the 1990s, Babu directed more than 25 films and gained recognition for his successful partnership with fellow director P. Anil. Together, they formed the well-known director duo Anil-Babu, which contributed significantly to Malayalam cinema during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Career Overview
Babu Narayanan made his directorial debut with Anagha in 1989. He then directed a few solo projects before teaming up with P. Anil. The duo created several box-office successes, known for their entertaining family dramas and comedy films.
Some of the most popular films by Anil-Babu include:
- Manthrikacheppu (1992)
- Sthreedhanam (1994)
- Kudumba Vishesham (1994)
- Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum (1996)
- Kaliyoonjal (1997)
- Pattabhishekam (1999)
Their last film together was Parayam (2004), after which Babu took a break from the industry.
He made a comeback in 2013 with the film To Noora with Love, a solo directorial venture. He also worked as Associate Director with legendary filmmaker Hariharan, and was Co-director of the epic historical film Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.
Filmography
Solo Director
| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Anagha |
| 1990 | Ponnaranjanam |
| 2013 | To Noora with Love |
As Part of the Anil-Babu Duo
| Year | Films |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Ponnaramthottathe Raajaavu, Manthrikacheppu, Welcome to Kodaikanal |
| 1993 | Injakkadan Mathai & Sons, Sakshal Sreeman Chathunni |
| 1994 | Sthreedhanam, Kudumba Vishesham |
| 1995 | Achan Kombathu Amma Varampathu, Radholsavam, Street |
| 1996 | Harbour, Aramana Veedum Anjoorekkarum |
| 1997 | Mannadiar Penninu Chenkotta Checkan, Kaliyoonjal |
| 1998 | Mayilpeelikkavu |
| 1999 | Pattabhishekam |
| 2000 | Ingane Oru Nilapakshi |
| 2001 | Uthaman, Kumarasambhavam |
| 2002 | Pakalppooram, Valkannadi |
| 2003 | Njan Salperu Ramankutty |
| 2004 | Kusruthi, Parayam |
As Story Writer
- Om Gurubhyo Nama (2002) Documentary of K P Narayana Pisharody which won award
As Dialogue Writer
- Ponnaranjanam (1990)
Personal Life
Babu Narayanan was born in Kozhikode, Kerala, to Narayana Pisharody and Devaki Pisharasiar. He was married to Jyothi, and the couple had two children:
- Darsh Pisharody – an ad filmmaker and associate director.
- Sravana T. N. – debuted as an actress in the Malayalam film Thattumpurath Achuthan (2018).
Death
Babu Narayanan passed away on 29 June 2019, at the age of 60. He had been battling cancer.