K. G. George

Some Lesser Known Facts About K. G. George

• K. G. George was an Indian filmmaker known for his work in the Malayalam film industry. He is the recipient of the highest award in Malayalam cinema ‘J. C. Daniel Award.’

• While studying in college, he used to work as a painter.

• He began his career as an assistant director for the Malayalam film ‘Maya’ (1972), where he assisted the popular filmmaker Ramu Kariat.

• In 1974, he wrote the screenplay for the Malayalam film ‘Nellu.’ He also worked as an associate director for the film.

  

• His directorial debut film, ‘Swapnadanam’ (1975), proved to be a commercial success and also received critical acclamation after which George became a prominent figure in the New Indian Cinema Movement of the early 1970s.

• In the 1980s, he was honoured with the label of ‘via media director,’ along with the filmmakers Padmarajan, Bharathan, and Mohan.

• He directed and wrote the screenplay and dialogue for the Malayam film ‘Iniyaval Urangatte’ in 1978.

• In 1982, he worked as a director, story writer, and screenplay writer for the detective thriller film ‘Yavanika’ (1982). He used the technique of cinema within cinema to make the film.

• George wrote and directed the Malayalam film ‘Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback’ (1983). The film was loosely based on the suicide of the Indian actress Shobha, who committed suicide at the age of 17. Initially, the film received criticism from some critics and the audience. However, it was highly appreciated after its release.

  

• In 1984, he directed and wrote the screenplay for the satirical comedy film ‘Panchavadi Palam.’ The film was based on a short story written by the popular Indian satirist Veloor Krishnankutty. The film was the first film in the Malayalam film industry to satirize the political scenario of Kerala state.

  

• In the same year, he acted in the Malayalam film ‘Adaminte Vaariyellu’ (1984).

• He worked as a director, story writer, screenplay writer, and dialogue writer for the film ‘Irakal’ in 1985. The film was based on the theme of the psychology of violence.

• In addition to direction and writing, he also tried his hand at film production. In 1992, he produced the Malayalam film ‘Mahanagaram.’

• He worked as a director and screenplay writer for various films including ‘Vyaamoham’ (1978), ‘Ulkkadal’ (1979), ‘Kolangal’ (1981), ‘Adaminte Vaariyellu’ (1984), ‘Yaathrayude Anthyam’ (1989), and ‘Ee Kanni Koodi’ (1990).

  

• K. G. George appeared as a doctor in the films ‘Pranayavarnangal’ (1998) and ‘Five Fingers’ (2005).

  

• In 2009, he played a supporting role in the Malayalam film ‘Currency.’

• The filmmaker published his memoir titled ‘Flashback Enteyum Cinemayudeyum’ in 2012.

• In 2018, a documentary film titled ‘8½ Intercuts: Life and Films of K.G. George’ was made, based on the life and career of K.G. George.

  

• Among all, seven of his films have been presented at various national and international film festivals.

• He had founded the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) and had served as its chairman.

• He had been the chairman of the government organisation ‘Kerala State Film Development Corporation.’

• In an interview, his wife Selma shared their marriage story. She said that they initially met in Chennai during her struggling days. She said that she approached George upon her mother’s advice, seeking a chance to sing in one of his films. She further said that on their second meeting, George asked Selma’s mother for her (Selma’s) hand in marriage. ^[3]Onmanorama

• In another interview, his wife revealed that she initially wasn’t willing to marry him when he made a marriage proposal for her in front of her mother, but her elder brother arranged their marriage. She further expressed her dissatisfaction with their marriage and said that George was constantly preoccupied with work, leaving her to manage the household alone. Selma revealed that his habit of getting angry with her and ignoring her for months during the early years of their marriage had a significant impact on her. She admitted that she had thought about divorcing several times, but her financial dependence prevented her from taking that step. ^[4]The New Indian Express

• In 2021, rumours about George being abandoned by his family were circulated. Reportedly, the filmmaker was abandoned at an old age home following a stroke he faced in 2018. However, his wife refuted the claims by providing clarification in an interview. She said,
  

  We are paying a heft amount as monthly fee here. There is ambulance facility in case of an emergency. Our house is just 10 minutes away from this place. Every week, we visit him, with his favourite dishes. Despite all these, some people have been spreading lies that we have abandoned George at an orphanage and that the expenses are bore by an actor and some other organisations.” ^[5]Onmanorama

• The filmmaker passed away on 24 September 2023 at an old age home located in Kakkanad, Kerala. He had been residing there for the past five years and had been receiving treatment for a stroke for a long time.