Shaji N. Karun, the visionary Indian director and cinematographer who redefined Malayalam-language cinema with his meditative visual language and emotionally resonant storytelling, died April 28 at his home in Thiruvananthapuram after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 73. ​

Karun’s early exposure to classical arts and literature laid the foundation for his cinematic journey. After earning a gold medal in cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India in 1975, he began his career behind the camera, collaborating with auteurs like G. Aravindan and K.G. George on films like “Thampu,” “Esthappan” and “Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback.”

Karun’s feature directorial debut, “Piravi” (1988), a poignant tale of a father’s search for his missing son during India’s Emergency period, garnered international acclaim. The film received the Caméra d’Or – special mention at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival and won India’s National Film Award for best director. His subsequent films, “Swaham...