Writer Mankombu Gopalakrishnan, who had written dialogues, lyrics, and screenplay for many Malayalam movies, passed away on March 17, 2025. According to India Today, the 78-year-old was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi almost a week ago, and died due to heart failure. Gopalakrishnan had written dialogues for the Malayalam dubbed versions of many movies including SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali franchise and RRR.
The filmmaker took to X to mourn the writer’s demise. He wrote, “Sad to hear about the passing of legendary Malayalam writer Mankombu Gopalakrishnan sir. His timeless lyrics, poetry, and dialogues have left a lasting impact. Grateful to have collaborated with him on the Malayalam versions of Eega, Baahubali and RRR. Om Shanti.”
Gopalakrishnan had written more than 700 songs in around 200 Malayalam movies. He had also penned story, screenplay, and dialogues for multiple Mollywood films. Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal had also received a pan-India release, and Gopalakrishnan had written lyrics for all the songs in the Malayalam version.
As a lyricist, he had worked with many well-known music composers like Ilaiyaraaja, AR Rahman, Keeravaani, Yuvan Shankar Raja, and others. He was famously known for writing dialogues and lyrics in Malayalam for the dubbed movies.
Gopalakrishnan’s famous songs include, Oru Punnaram, Sugandhi Sumukhi, Ilammanjin Kulirumaayi, Palaruvi Naduvil, Navaneetha Chandrike Thiri Thaazhthoo, and others.
While Mankombu Gopalakrishnan had worked with Rajamouli in mostly all his pan-India releases, we wonder if the writer-filmmaker were supposed to team up for Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra’s film as well. The movie is currently in production, and it is touted to be one of the biggest upcoming films. It will mark Priyanka’s comeback in Indian cinema, and it is going to be Mahesh Babu’s first pan-India release. We are sure this is a big loss for Rajamouli.
We at Free Press Journal pray that his soul rests in peace.
