In an unexpected turn of events, veteran actor and director Pratap Pothen passed away during the morning hours of Friday at his residence in Chennai. According to reports, he breathed his last around 8 AM in the morning and he was 70. Details regarding his cause of death are yet to be officially confirmed and more information is awaited. His demise has come as a shocker for one and all across the South India. Several leading film personalities have extended their heartfelt condolences on social media and at this juncture, Galatta Media extends its deepest condolences to Pratap Pothen's family and prays for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Pratap Pothen is one of the most important personalities in the history of Tamil and Malayalam cinema and he has several cult classics to his credit. As an actor, Pratap Pothen has been a part of more than 100 films across multiple languages.  As a filmmaker, Prathap Pothen has directed several critically acclaimed hit films like Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai, Vetri Vizha, My Dear Marthandan, Seevalaperi Pandi, etc. Pratap Pothen won the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director for his work in Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai.

Pratap Pothen made his acting debut with the 1978 Malayalam film, Aaravam, directed by Bharathan. He ventured into Kollywood as an actor with Balu Mahendra's critically acclaimed Azhiyatha Kolangal. Some of his other popular films as an actor include Ilamai Kolam, Moodu Pani, Varumayin Niram Sivappu, Nenjathai Killathe, Karaiyellam Shenbagapoo, Kudumbam Oru Kadambam, Panneer Pushpangal, Thillu Mullu, Vaazhve Maayam, Sattam Sirikkiradhu, Eera Vizhi Kaaviyangal, Nandri Meendum Varuga, Manaivi Ready, Pesum Padam, Penmani Aval Kanmani, Amaran, Thedinen Vanthathu, Raam, Guru, Aayirathil Oruvan, Bangalore Days (Malayalam), Ponmagal Vandhal. Pratap Pothen's last film as an actor would be Barroz: Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure, the Malayalam fantasy film directed by Mohanlal.