Malayalam cinema bids a somber farewell to one of its legendary actors, Kundara Johny, who passed away on Tuesday, succumbing to a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 71.

Kundara Johny, a distinguished figure in the world of Malayalam cinema, breathed his last in a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala, leaving behind a prolific career and countless admirers. As the industry awaits further details regarding his funeral, the legacy of the actor known for his remarkable negative roles in films, including the 1991 hit “Godfather,” lives on.

This tragic incident unfolded when Kundara Johny suffered a heart attack on Tuesday evening, prompting his immediate admission to the hospital, as reported by the FEFKA Directors’ Union. The loss of this iconic actor has deeply saddened the film fraternity, with Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal highlighting Johny’s extraordinary career, spanning more than four decades and encompassing over 500 films.

Kundara Johny’s journey in the film industry commenced in 1979 with his debut in “Nithya Vasantham.” He soon gained acclaim for his exceptional portrayal of antagonistic characters in Malayalam cinema, with notable performances in blockbusters like “Kireedam” and “Chenkol.” His talents also graced Tamil cinema in movies such as “Vaazhkai Chakram” and “Nadigan.”

One of his standout roles was that of Parameswaran in the Mohanlal-starrer “Kireedam,” which garnered widespread critical acclaim. Kundara Johny’s filmography includes an array of memorable movies such as “August 15,” “Hello,” “Avan Chandiyude Makan,” “Bhargavacharitham Moonnam Khandam,” “Balram vs Tharadas,” “Bharat Chandran IPS,” “Dada Saheb,” “Crime File,” “Thachiledath Chundan,” “Samantharam,” “Varnappakitt,” “Sagaram Sakshi,” and “Aanaval Mothiram.”

Kundara Johny’s demise leaves an indelible void in the hearts of Malayalam cinema enthusiasts, as they remember and celebrate the legacy of this remarkable actor who brought a unique and enduring charisma to the silver screen.