Veteran music director SP Venkatesh, a revered figure in Malayalam cinema, passed away at his residence in Chennai. He was 70 years old. The musician reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest, leading to his sudden demise.
A Legendary Career in Film Music
SP Venkatesh began his film journey in 1971 as a guitarist, gradually emerging as one of the most sought-after music composers in the Malayalam film industry. His professional music career started in 1975 when he worked as an assistant music director in Kannada cinema. In 1981, he made his debut as an independent artist with the Telugu film Prema Yuddham.
Before achieving his breakthrough, Venkatesh served as an assistant music director under several composers, including Raghavan Master. His major career milestone came with the 1986 film Rajavinte Makan, starring Mohanlal. The film's songs became immensely popular, establishing Venkatesh as a prominent music director and leading to long-running collaborations with filmmakers such as Dennis Joseph, Thampi Kannanthanam, and Joshiy.
Award-Winning Compositions and Iconic Works
In 1993, SP Venkatesh received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director for his work in the films Paithrukam and Janam. His extensive body of work includes some of Malayalam cinema's most memorable soundtracks.
Some of his notable film scores include:
- Rajavinte Makan (1986)
- Kilukkam (1991)
- Minnaram (1994)
- Johnnie Walker (1992)
- Dhruvam (1993)
- Valsalyam (1993)
- Paithrukam (1993)
- Sphadikam (1995)
- Mannar Mathai Speaking (1995)
- Manthrikam (1995)
His background scores in films like Devasuram, Mahayanam, No. 20 Madras Mail, and Appu also developed a dedicated fan following, showcasing his versatility across different genres.
Mollywood Celebrates Pay Heartfelt Tributes
The news of SP Venkatesh's passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and admiration from the Malayalam film industry, with numerous celebrities expressing their condolences and sharing personal memories.
Superstar Suresh Gopi's Emotional Tribute
Superstar Suresh Gopi mourned the demise of SP Venkatesh with a heartfelt tribute shared on social media. He expressed being deeply saddened by the loss, stating: How many beautiful melodies he gave us - songs that still echo in the ears of Malayalees. His passing leaves a void that the music world cannot fill.
Filmmaker B Unnikrishnan's Poignant Reflection
Filmmaker B Unnikrishnan recalled Venkatesh's remarkable contributions to Malayalam cinema, writing: The passing of S. P. Venkatesh leaves behind a silence that Malayalam cinema will feel for a long time. He possessed a rare gift, the ability to elevate iconic action thrillers with music that amplified swagger, menace, and myth.
Unnikrishnan specifically highlighted how films like Rajavinte Makan and Spadikam owe much of their enduring aura to Venkatesh's instinctive, muscular soundscapes that fused rhythm with character. He also noted the composer's versatility, mentioning how he could turn around and musically enrich romantic comedies, infusing them with charm, lightness, and melodic warmth—as memorably seen in Kilukkam.
Veteran Singer MG Sreekumar's Heartwrenching Note
Veteran singer MG Sreekumar, who collaborated with Venkatesh on numerous songs, penned an emotional note on Facebook: So many memories, and an indescribable sorrow at your departure. I was fortunate enough to sing some of those songs; I consider that a blessing. Malayalees will sing your melodies until the end of time. Saying goodbye with tears.
Filmmaker Jayaraj Nair's Tribute
Filmmaker Jayaraj Nair also paid tribute, writing: Your legendary music in Johnny Walker, Paithrukam, Sopanam, and Highway will never vanish.
Final Arrangements
The musician's funeral is scheduled to be held on Wednesday in Alapakkam, Chennai, where friends, family, and admirers will gather to pay their final respects to the legendary composer whose melodies have become an integral part of Malayalam cultural heritage.
SP Venkatesh's legacy extends far beyond his film credits. He shaped the auditory landscape of Malayalam cinema for decades, creating music that resonated with audiences across generations. His ability to craft memorable melodies for diverse genres—from high-octane thrillers to tender romantic comedies—cemented his status as one of the industry's most versatile and influential music directors.
As the film community mourns this significant loss, his compositions continue to play on, ensuring that his musical spirit remains alive in the hearts of millions who grew up with his timeless tunes.
