In 2008, Tom Alter was recognized with the Padma ShriTom Alter might not be a familiar name for Malayalam movie buffs. But do a quick recap of the movies that featured foreign actors in Malayalam, and you will easily remember the American-origin actor. From his roles in the iconic Kaalapani to the more recent Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Alter has left behind a handful of characters for Keralites to cherish.
Alter, who was battling stage four skin cancer, breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai Friday night. He was 67. In 2008, the veteran was recognized with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor of India.
Here, we take you through four of his Malayalam films:
1921: The film directed by I.V. Sasi had Mammootty and Suresh Gopi in the lead. The movie representing the Malabar society of the early 20th century focused on various social dilemmas which led to the 1921 uprising. It narrates the atrocities committed by the British army and the eventual collapse of the unity forged by the local rebel groups. This was Alter's first outing in the Malayalam cinema.
Kaalapani: The 1996-historic drama written and directed by Priyadarshan featured a host of actors from various languages. The movie with Mohanlal in the lead narrated the story of a Keralite, who was sent to jail in the year 1916 during the British Rule. Alter played one of the ruthless British officers, who cracked the whip on a bunch of rebel prisoners.
Ore Thooval Pakshikal: Another movie that had Alter playing the foreigner in subcontinent. The 1988 Malayalam film was written, directed and produced by Chintha Ravi. The film, in a docu-drama style, depicted the last days of the British Raj.
Anuraga Karikkin Vellam: Who can forget Abhi's boss in the movie? The 2016 film directed by Khalid Rahman was about the life of an ordinary man, Raghu, and his son, Abhilash. Unlike his earlier characters that had shades of negativity, Alter portrayed the role of a kind architect.
Tom Alter in the movie 'Anuraga Karikkin Vellam'