Remembering Jayan on his 42nd death anniversary: Here’s a rare throwback picture of the iconic actor!

November 16, 1980, was a dark day in the history of Malayalam cinema. The entertainment industry lost its iconic action hero Jayan, to a fatal accident. Jayan, who was known to perform daredevil stunts was filming the climax scene of ‘Kolilakkam’, in Madras, Tamil Nadu.
The action sequence involved Jayan standing on a moving bike and jumping onto a moving helicopter.The director of the film PN Sundaram was reportedly impressed with the first take. Jayan, who is known to be a perfectionist, however, wasn’t pleased and went for three more retakes.
The fourth retake went well, Jayan jumped onto the helicopter, grabbed the landing rods, fought the villain, and, threw him off the copter. Everything was going as expected, however, fate had other plans for the beloved star. Before Jayan could jump off the helicopter, it crashed, stealing the life of the rising star of Malayalam cinema. Jayan was only 41 and had decades of successful career and life ahead of him.
On Jayan’s 42nd death anniversary, let’s take a look at a rare still from his film ‘Avesham’ released in 1979. Directed by Vijayanand, the film featured Jayan and Sheela in the lead roles. ‘Avesham’ also had remarkable action sequences.


Jayan’s legacy continues to live on, even four decades after his demise. His heroic style, daredevil stunts, remarkable sartorial choices, and unique dialogue delivery continue to win hearts and minds. A naval officer turned actor, Jayan has delivered several blockbuster films in his short career span, including ‘Sarapancharam’, ‘Aavesham’, and ‘Angadi’. An icon, Jayan continues to live in our hearts!