Malayalam cinema bids farewell to a true artist, Makkada Devadas, who passed away in Kozhikode on September 21 at the age of 78. Devadas, a visionary art director, was instrumental in crafting the visual identity of numerous films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with his exceptional talent.
Among his many brilliant contributions, Devadas’s work on Padmarajan’s drama film, Kallan Pavithran, stands out. His genius transformed a simple hall in Thiruvananthapuram into an intricate warehouse, brimming with intriguing vessels and antique pieces. This meticulously designed set lent a mysterious depth to the narrative of the small-time thief, demonstrating Devadas’s ability to use art direction to elevate storytelling.
Devadas’s career spanned over three decades, during which he contributed his artistic prowess to approximately 100 Malayalam films as an art director. Beyond set design, he was also a prolific creator of title credits, crafting the opening sequences for more than 300 movies in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
His journey into the film world began when he moved to Madras, carrying a recommendation from the esteemed Artist Namboodiri. Having already won first prize in a painting competition under the University of Calicut and operated a studio in Kozhikode, Devadas brought a strong artistic foundation. While initially intending to meet art director Rameshan, a serendipitous turn led him to dress designer Ramachandran, who introduced him to the legendary art director-turned-filmmaker P.N. Menon. Under Menon’s guidance, Devadas honed his skills in creating captivating movie titles. He further refined his art direction under the tutelage of S. Konnanatt.
Devadas’s independent career took flight with P. Chandrakumar’s Neeyo Njano in 1979. His work on Kallan Pavithran (1981) not only became a pivotal moment in Padmarajan’s career but also significantly propelled Devadas himself into the limelight. His talents weren’t limited to feature films; he also made significant contributions to tele-serials and tele-films, notably earning a State Television Award for Sulthan Veedu, a serial based on P.A. Mohammed Koya’s novel.
Makkada Devadas is survived by his wife, Thankam, and his daughter, Premkala. His legacy of intricate designs and captivating visual storytelling will continue to inspire future generations in the Indian film industry.