One of the most influential figures in Malayalam comic literature, Kannadi Viswanathan, has passed away at the age of 93.He is known for creating iconic characters like ‘CID Moosa’ and ‘Irumbukayi Mayavi’.Kerala Kaumudi reports that born as Viswanathan Nair, he was a resident of Kannadi Prabha Mandiram in Palakkad. He wrote almost 123 comic books.
Creator of memorable characters and stories
Viswanathan wrote under the name Kannadi Viswanathan. Most of his works were based on detective stories and became very popular among young readers. His most famous titles are ‘Irumbukayi Mayavi’, ‘CID Moosa’, ‘CID Mahesh’ and ‘Boeing Boeing’. His early works also included ‘Irumpukai Mayavi’, ‘Sarpadweep’ and ‘Manjukatta Rahasyam’, which were translated from Tamil. His last published comic was ‘Shoonyakashthile Kshudrajeevi’ which he released in 1983. He was also credited with popular expressions like “Tamar Pathar”, which became familiar to generations of readers.
Journey from the tailor the pioneer of comics
Born in 1932 at Kannadi, Palakkad, he was the son of Viswanathan Achuthan Nair, Principal of Chungamandam School and Devaki Amma. He dropped out of school while studying in 10th standard and moved to Chennai where he worked as a tailor.He returned to Palakkad at the age of 32 and opened a tailor shop in the building where Achuthan Book House stood in Kunnathurmedu. A turning point came when the owner of the bookstore asked if he could return the comics.
Family and last rites
Kannadi Viswanathan is survived by his wife Sharada, daughters Renuka and Shobha and sons-in-law Aravindan and Hariprasad. His cremation will take place at the Chandranagar Electric Crematorium.
Tributes are pouring in on social media
News of his death prompted many tributes from readers and admirers. A heartfelt message read, “Farewell to Kannadi Viswanathan. His face and voice carried the warmth, humor and timeless charm of generations of Malayalar audiences. Beyond the screen, his contributions to Malayalam pop culture were truly unforgettable, especially as the creator of the iconic CID Moosa comics and reading through his Malaamvedlo Mayers Malaamvedlo translation of Malaamvedlo. Although he is no longer with us, the memories, laughter, imagination and emotions he conveyed through his art will live on forever for generations to come. Rest in peace, legend.” Another tribute simply said, “Pranamam.”
