Prathapachandran

Prathapachandran (1941–2004) was an Indian actor, who worked predominantly in Malayalam film industry, though he acted in a few Tamil and Telugu movies as well. He is known for the portrayal of villainous and character roles in over 300 movies. He was born in 1941 at Omallur in Thiruvithamkoor princely state, currently within the Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.

==Biography== Prathapachandran had to end his formal schooling by the 9th standard. He later moved to Kollam, and at the age of 14, he moved to Madras, hoping to be a movie actor. During his initial years, though he failed to garner any significant movie roles, he lent voice in radio plays and acted in plays organized by the Madras Malayali association. He got his first movie role in Viyarppinte Vila (1962), in which he acted as a man in his 70s. As he couldn't sustain the success, he returned to Kollam, and switched fulltime to theatre, working with Kalidasa Kalakendram. He could return to movies only in 1977, bagging a role in Jagadguru Aadisankaran. That kicked off a fresh career, and he went on to act in over 400 movies. His characters in films like Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, Manu Uncle, Kottayam Kunjachan, August 1 etc. were widely appreciated. Prathapachandran also produced a few Malayalam movies, including Manavadharmam, Prakadanam, Kodathi, Ivide Ingane, Kattuthee, etc.