May only good things happen to everyone: Sathyan Anthikkad leaves note beside Sreenivasan as final tribute

A small piece of paper bearing the words, “May only good things happen to everyone,” and a pen he was fond of were placed beside Sreenivasan’s mortal remains by filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad. It was a quiet gesture, but one that captured the spirit of a friendship and creative bond that spanned decades.

Sreenivasan was laid to rest amid deeply emotional scenes, as family, friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to bid farewell. Of the 58 films Sathyan Anthikkad directed, Sreenivasan wrote the screenplays for 16. More than a frequent collaborator, Sreenivasan was also a mentor to Sathyan, whose influence continued to shape his filmmaking even in projects where Sreenivasan was not directly involved.

Vineeth Sreenivasan lit the funeral pyre, performing the final rites for his father. Dhyan Sreenivasan stood close by, visibly shaken, breaking down as the ceremony progressed. Before the pyre was lit, Dhyan raised a clenched fist in salute, offering a silent, final goodbye.

The last rites were conducted with full state honours. Thousands of people paid their respects during the public viewing held at the Ernakulam Town Hall, and later at Sreenivasan’s home in Kandanad through the evening and into the following morning. People from political, cultural, and film circles arrived in large numbers, many waiting patiently for a final glimpse.

For many, his passing feels deeply personal. Sreenivasan was more than an actor or screenwriter. He was a voice that spoke with honesty, humour, and empathy, reflecting everyday struggles with rare clarity. That voice now falls silent, but its echoes will remain in Malayalam cinema for years to come.