Art director Hari Varkala passes away at 72

Mollywood art director Hari Varkala passed away on Monday, August 19, at the age of 72. He breathed his last at his residence in Varkala Maithanam, Saralamandiram. The funeral rites were conducted at a location near his home, surrounded by close family and friends. Hari was the beloved son of the late Madhavan and Sarala.

Hari Varkala’s legacy in the Malayalam film industry is significant, with a career spanning over four decades. He was a skilled art director and an accomplished production designer, contributing to over 40 films. His collaboration with veteran filmmaker Joshiy was particularly notable, as the duo worked together on several iconic films that are now etched in the history of Malayalam cinema.



Hari Varkala debuted with Joshiy’s 1984 film ‘Sandarbham’, marking the beginning of a long and successful partnership. Their most memorable collaborations include ‘Nair Saab’, ‘Pathram’, ‘Lelam’, ‘No.20 Madras Mail’, and many more. His work in these films was instrumental in creating the authentic and immersive environments that became synonymous with Joshiy's filmmaking style.

The 1990s were a golden era for Malayalam cinema, and Hari Varkala was a key figure behind the scenes, contributing to the success of numerous blockbuster films during this period.

Hari Varkala’s final work was in the 2015 Mohanlal starrer ‘Laila O Laila’ which was directed by Joshiy.