Thiruvananthapuram: Filmmaker Shaji N Karun has been honored with the prestigious 2023 J C Daniel Award for his lifetime contribution to the Malayalam film industry. This award, the highest given by the state government, includes a cash prize of five lakh rupees, a citation, and a sculpture. Cultural Affairs and Cinema Minister Saji Cherian announced the recognition on Monday. The selection committee, chaired by filmmaker T V Chandran, included playback singer K S Chithra and actor Vijayaraghavan.

The jury praised Shaji for his significant impact on both national and international cinema, particularly his work as a cinematographer. He played a pivotal role in Malayalam cinema's "new wave" through his collaborations with legendary filmmaker G Aravindan. Shaji's directorial works, such as Piravi, which earned 31 awards and was showcased at over 70 film festivals, Swam (which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes), and Vanaprastham (screened in Cannes' official section), brought global acclaim to Malayalam cinema.

Born in 1952 in Kollam, Shaji graduated from University College, Thiruvananthapuram, and later earned a cinematography diploma from the Pune Film Institute in 1974. He was instrumental in the creation of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation in 1975 and served as a film officer in 1976. With over 40 films as a cinematographer, he won a National Award for Best Cinematographer and three state awards.

Shaji made his directorial debut with Piravi in 1988, and his subsequent films like Kutty Srank, Swapaanam, Nishad, and Oolu further solidified his reputation. With seven national and seven state awards, Shaji also received international honors, including the French government’s Order of Arts and Letters and the Padma Shri for his contributions to the arts.