It’s a scene worthy of one of the scariest horror films ever made in Malayalam: A phantasm straight out of the 1970s menaces a group of women at the beach. Lime green bell bottoms, tucked-in T-shirt and all. Then, he encounters the back of a fist.
Enter the hero, in a floral shirt unbuttoned to mid-chest. Jayan pummels the green groper to a pulp, makes him light his cigarette, and sends him packing. A romantic interlude follows (which also starts with Jayan lighting a cigarette).
Lisa (1978) actually is a horror film with some very Exorcist-like sequences and did terrify audiences at the time, although the beach menace is not the titular ghost. Without centring on Jayan, this ladies’ hostel horror also encapsulates many of the characteristics that endeared him to Malayalis as the industry’s first action hero: his charisma, athleticism — the man could really dive after his unfortunate punching bags — and above all, masculinity.
The film is also the origin of one of those memorable lines that have long outlived Jayan, who died 43 years ago today: “Da…neeyaanu ee alavalathi Shaji, alle (You’re that loafer Shaji, aren’t you),” he asks the man at the beach. His distinctive dialogue delivery would inspire a veritable Jayan imitation and mimicry industry in the 1990s and early 2000s, making such lines—and made-up ones along similar lines—familiar to younger generations. They live on in today’s meme culture.
Perhaps the most famous—and most misquoted—Jayan line is this English gem from Angadi (1980), which was one of his biggest hits along with Sarapancharam (1979): “What did you say? Beggars? Maybe we are poor, coolies, trolley pullers, but not beggars. You enjoy this status in life because of our sweat and blood. Let it be the last time. If you dare to say that word once more, I will pull out your bloody tongue.”
In Lisa, Jayan, who plays a police officer, isn’t the only male lead; he shares the screen with Prem Nazir. It’s one of a number of films starring this oddly matched pair, offering something for viewers across generations: the macho man in the noontide of his fame and the romantic hero in the twilight of his career. Nayattu (1973), Kannappanunni (1977) and Love in Singapore (1980) are a few other films that feature this combination. The two also shared a personal friendship.
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Whirlwind career
Jayan’s whirlwind career would end just two years after Lisa, due to a fatal accident while performing a stunt with a helicopter on the set of Kolilakkam (1980) — something typical of the action star, who insisted on doing his stunts himself. Rumours and conspiracy theories emerged immediately after the news broke, including a book theorising that Jayan was taken to the US for treatment.
He had risen to the peak of stardom in the six years since his first credited appearance in Shapamoksham (1974), following a 16-year career in the Navy, and created a solid cachet for action films in the industry.
The 1939-born actor filled a crucial gap in a time of transition for Malayalam cinema. While the stars of the earlier era were ageing or had died (in Sathyan’s case), the next generation’s superstars were yet to come into their own. Jayan himself acted alongside some of those who would become notable names in the 1980s, including Sukumaran and Soman.
He also acted alongside Mohanlal in one film, released after his death: Sanchari (1981). Mohanlal, who played the main antagonist — as he often did in the early days before his rise to superstardom — has recalled how Jayan advised him to be careful while filming action scenes without a stunt double.
What if he had lived? Jayan, whose real name was Krishnan Nair, was just 41 at the time of his death, and many have speculated about what he might have gone on to accomplish. While some criticise his acting ability, others say his focus on commercial films limited his opportunities to showcase his skills, or that he would have matured into a superior actor given time.
Ironically, it’s his dedication to the craft that killed him. Remembering Jayan, Kalliyoor Sasi, who was the production executive for Kolilakkam, said his death was nothing but fate. “The shot had been approved by the director. But, he went for another, the fourth one, only at the request of Jayan,” he said.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)