Keralam cultural icon Jayapala Menon passes away

P. Jayapala Menon, 92, one of the early leaders of Keralam’s film society movement and director of Janashakthi Films, passed away on Sunday (September 27, 2026).

He led several initiatives in the cultural sphere and was also associated with publications, including Kala Bhasha .

Mr. Menon was the chairman of the Panchajanyam Film Festival, held annually at Chittur, since its inception.

He was actively associated with Swaralaya, Palghat Fine Arts Society, Kathakali Trust, Chithrakala Trust, Purogamana Kala Sahithya Sangham, Deshabhimani Study Circle, Thekkegramam Thunchan Memorial Trust, and Margadeepthi Charitable Trust.