N. N. Pisharody – A Literary and Cinematic Luminary
N. N. Pisharody (1926–2008) was a legendary director and prolific writer in the Malayalam film and literary world. He was born in 1926 into the ‘Kallil’ Pisharam family in Methala, near Perumbavoor, Kerala, to parents Kallil Kunchi Pisharasiar and Narayana Pisharody.
After completing his schooling in Paravoor, he graduated with a degree in Economics from Serampore, Bengal. A passionate reader from an early age, Pisharody developed a deep appreciation for literature. His literary journey began in high school when his short story “Kurudante Makal” (The Blind Man’s Daughter) was published in the Prasanna Keralam weekly from Kottayam. From then on, his stories frequently appeared in various Malayalam weeklies.
Encouraged by the late K. Balakrishnan, editor of Kaumudi, Pisharody ventured into novel writing. His debut novel, Kure Swapnangal Kure Vanambadigal (Many Dreams, Many Nightingales), was serialized in Kaumudi Weekly. Over the years, his works were featured in notable publications such as Janayugam, Navayugam, Keralashabdam, Chithrapournnami, Express Weekly, and Mathrubhoomi Weekly. He authored 17 novels, eight of which were published as standalone books. One of his novels, Vellam (Water), inspired a Malayalam film of the same name.
Pisharody later transitioned to the film industry, where he spent over 30 years as a storyteller in a new medium. He began his film career as an assistant director for Tamil and Telugu movies at Newton Studios. He soon established himself as a director, producer, and scriptwriter.
His directorial debut, Ninamaninja Kalpadukal (Blood-stained Footprints), which portrayed the emotional aftermath of the Indo-China war, won four major awards, including the President’s Silver Medal for Best Regional Film and the award for Best Director.
In total, he directed six films, including:
- Muthu
- Raging
- Mulkkireedam
- Ammu
- Ninamaninja Kalppadukal
He also produced two films (Mulkkireedam and Vellam) and wrote the screenplay for numerous productions. For Doordarshan, he directed four episodes of Aithihyamala and a telefilm titled Kudajadri.
In his later years, Pisharody returned to writing. His story Aandal Puram Pogum Vazhi (Enroute to Aandal Puram) was published in Mathrubhoomi Weekly and later released as a book by Shree Books, Aluva.
Pisharody was also active in the radio and theatre space. He wrote around 40 radio plays for Akashavani Thrissur, and crafted screenplays for dramatic productions such as:
- Hiranya Garbham
- Sarppa Sathram
- Ivideyo Naalathe Sooryodayam
- Vishathan Kaavilinnarattu
These works were performed by various art groups across Kerala.
N. N. Pisharody passed away on August 30, 2008, at the age of 82. His legacy continues through his enduring contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema.
