Anil Radhakrishnan Menon – National award winning Malayalam film director of ‘North 24 Kaatham’ fame

Anil Radhakrishnan Menon is an acclaimed film director and screenwriter associated with Malayalam cinema. He came to limelight after his debut movie, ‘North 24 Kaatham’ released in 2013 shined at state and National film awards. The movie bagged National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam and Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Film, and its lead actor Fahadh Faasil also won state award for best actor. His second film Sapthamashree Thaskaraha (2014) with an ensemble cast and Prithviraj in a lead role was entirely different from his debut film in treatment, and was a big commercial success. However his next two movies with ensemble cast – Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi and Diwanjimoola Grand Prix received only cold response from audience.

Anil Radhakrishnan Menon hails from Ottapalam, Kerala. His younger days were spent at different places and hence studied in 8 schools and 5 colleges. He used to spend his vacation days at his hometown. Before he settled with films, he had a good salaried job at Pune. He also worked in ad-field for many years in different cities. He settled in Kerala in 2010 to realize his dreams. His son also had to leave a good school in Pune. For the next three years till the release of his debut film, his family supported him, both financially and emotionally. His mother also helped him in writing first two scripts. After the release of North 24 Kaatham, Menon’s dreams were realized and it also earned him good name in the industry.

Anil Radhakrishnan Menon – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. When lead actor of North 24 Kaatham Fahadh Faasil won state award for best actor, beating Suraj Venjaramoodu of ‘Perariyathavar’ who won National awards, it led to many controversies.

2. In 2019 he came to limelight and faced a lot of criticisms for refusing to share stage space with actor Bineesh Bastin at a book inauguration function at Kozhikode Medical College.

3. His movie Sapthamashree Thaskaraha marked the screen debut of director Lijo Jose Pellissery in the pivot role of the priest with a humour touch. He later played a cameo role in Lijo’s next release.

4. He got the story thread for his debut film North 24 Kaatham while doing a bit role in the thriller – Chappa Kurishu starring Fahadh Fasil. Later he developed it into a story and also wrote the screenplay.

5. He prefers to walk a lot inside the home while thinking and writing scripts.

6. He wants to do Tamil and Hindi projects also in future.