It was a college fashion show that altered the course of Asha Kelunni's life. A photo taken at the event caught the attention of legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, who cast her as the heroine in 'Mann Vasanai' (1983).
That same year, she made her Malayalam debut in 'Kattathe Kilikkoodu'. Thus began the journey of the actor and director the world would come to love as Revathi.
Like Sridevi, Revathi is among the few actresses from South India who transitioned successfully to Hindi cinema. Having carved her space in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films, she also made her mark in Bollywood. In 'Love', she starred opposite Salman Khan-a film still regarded as one of Hindi cinema's memorable romantic dramas. The evergreen song "Saathiya tune kya kiya…," sung by S P Balasubrahmaniam and Chitra, remains etched in many hearts.
In 2002, Revathi stepped into direction with 'Mitr, My Friend', featuring her close friend Shobana in the lead. The English-language film went on to win three National Film Awards-for Best English Film, Best Actress and Best Editing. At the International Film Festival of India, Revathi received the Silver Peacock Jury Award.
She later directed Hindi films such as 'Phir Milenge' and 'Salaam Venky', and contributed to anthologies like 'Kerala Café' in Malayalam and 'Mumbai Cutting' in Hindi. She also directed the Tamil web series 'Good Wife'. Her film 'Red Building Where the Sun Sets', which won the Best Film on Family Welfare at the 59th National Film Awards, further showcased her sensitive storytelling.
A 39-year wait
Revathi won a Special Award at the South Filmfare Awards for her debut film, and that same year, also bagged the Best Actress award for her first Malayalam film. In 1992, she was honoured as Best Actress in Telugu, followed by consecutive wins in Tamil in 1992, 1993 and 1994. She also won the Tamil Nadu State Award for 'Kizhakku Vasal' in 1990. Despite accolades in every major South Indian language, Malayalam cinema remained an elusive space when it came to State recognition.
Many expected her to win for her performance in the 1988 film 'Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal', but the award went to Urvashi. Despite brilliant performances in films like 'Devasuram' and 'Mayamayooram', there was no award-related debate. But the fact that Revathi wasn't awarded for her iconic role as Nandini in 'Kilukkam' still bewilders Malayali film lovers. That year too, the award went to Urvashi.
It was only in 2022 that Revathi finally received the Kerala State Film Award-decades after she first stepped into Malayalam cinema and became one of its most beloved faces. The long-awaited honour came for her performance as Asha in Rahul Sadasivan's 'Bhoothakaalam'. By then, it had been 39 years since her Malayalam debut.
'This one's for me'
Revathi's acceptance speech, award in hand, was as heartfelt as her journey. "I didn't feel like leaving her on the chair," she said, referring to the award as "she".
"She took nearly 40 years to reach my hands. I've always received your love-through many, many films. But to hold this in my hand, it took all these years. The happiest people would be my parents, both born and raised in Kerala-Kelunni and Lalitha Kelunni of Malankad. When I got the call about the award, they were the ones who felt the greatest joy."
"In these 39 years, so many people have made so many wonderful films. But if you ask me to whom I want to dedicate this award-it's to myself. I believe I deserve this. I thank the jury chairperson, the Film Academy chairperson and the Chief Minister. Thank you so much. She is precious to me."