Bobby Kottarakkara

Bobby Kottarakkara—man, the guy was everywhere in Malayalam cinema during his time. If you’ve watched any films from the late '80s to the late '90s, odds are you’ve spotted him. The dude had this knack for slipping into roles that felt so... lived-in, you know? Comedy, sidekick, sometimes even the odd villain or a grumpy uncle—he’d nail it every single time. Born in Kerala, and yeah, he kept it local. Most of his movies were rooted in that Kerala vibe, full of earthy humor and everyday chaos. He’s probably best remembered for his work in flicks like “Pilots” in 2000, “Aaram Thamburan” in '97, and that classic, “Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam” back in '85. The guy just brought a certain spark to the screen. Not in-your-face kind of stuff, but more like that friend who’s always around, cracking a joke or making a scene lighter. His chemistry with the lead actors? Underrated, honestly. He’d bounce off the stars, add some color, and sometimes even steal a scene or two. Kottarakkara wasn’t some mega superstar, but he was absolutely essential—the glue guy, you could say. He kept the wheels turning in so many films, you almost take it for granted until you notice his absence. Sadly, he passed away in December 2000, right in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala cinema lost a real character that day. His filmography’s still a treat to dig into if you want a taste of that era’s charm.