M.S. Mani

Biography

M. S. Mani (1926–2008) was an Indian film editor and director who predominantly worked in Malayalam cinema. He was one of the prominent editors of his generation and contributed to more than 300 films during a career spanning several decades.

Early Life and Career

M. S. Mani was born in November 1926 in Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram, to Mrithyunjaya Ayyar and Balambal. He entered the film industry in 1948 and began his career with Ashaadeepam.

As an editor, he worked on Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films. Some of his notable editing credits include Kathapurushan, Vidheyan, Sargam, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Anantharam, Amritham Gamaya and Iyer the Great.

Awards and Recognition

Mani received the National Film Award for Best Editing twice, for Iyer the Great and Sargam. He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Editing in 1972. His work on critically acclaimed films brought him national recognition.

Directorial Career

In addition to editing, M. S. Mani worked as a director. He directed seven films, including Doctor, Sathyabhama, Subaida, Thalirukal, Vilakkapatta Bandhangal and Jalakannyaka. He was particularly active as a director during the 1980s.

Death

M. S. Mani died on 9 March 2008 at Sree Ramachandra Hospital in Chennai following heart-related health complications. He was 81. He was survived by his wife, Seethamani, and their son, Karthik.

M. S. Mani is remembered as an influential editor and filmmaker whose extensive body of work made a lasting contribution to Malayalam cinema.