# Suresh Babu (screenwriter)

S Suresh Babu (born 30 May 1967) is an Indian film screenwriter and artist who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut as a writer in the movie Dada Sahib in the year 2000, with Director Vinayan and actor Mammootty. Since then, he has worked on movies like Shikkar (2010), Thiruvambadi Thamban (2012), Nadan (2013), Jalam (2016) and Oruthee (2022). The movie Oruthee acted by Navya Nair marked her return to Malayalam cinema after 10 years and it was a commercial success.

## Career

Suresh Babu, an accomplished alumnus of the renowned College of Fine Arts in Trivandrum, commenced his career as a columnist and writer with leading Malayalam newspapers and magazines. His foray into Malayalam cinema dates back over three decades to the year 1990 when he made his debut as an art director in the film Vembanad, directed by Kaviyoor Sivaprasad and featuring the iconic Malayalam actress, Ms. Jayabharathi in the lead role. This experimental film without dialogues won Kerala State Film Award – Special Jury Award in 1990. This movie also boasts the involvement of renowned Indian film professionals; cinematography is done by Ashwini Kaul, editing by Renu Saluja and music by Louis Banks.
Since then, Suresh has contributed significantly to the Malayalam film industry, scripting and screenwriting numerous commercial blockbusters alongside renowned directors and producers. Some of his notable works include Dada Sahib with Mammootty, Shikkar, Thandavam and Kanal, with Mohanlal, Nadan, Thiruvambadi Thamban, and Sir C.P with Jayaram, Film Star, The Reporter, Jalam, Oruthee and Live.
In addition to his achievements in filmmaking, Suresh Babu has earned acclaim in the industry, receiving the Film Critics award for best writer for the film-related article. With a career spanning over three decades, Suresh ventures into the world of film production as well.

## As an Artist

In addition to his career in the film industry, Suresh Babu has also gained recognition as an accomplished illustrator. He collaborated with prestigious Malayalam magazines, including Mangalam, Vanitha, and D.C. Books (Printed Magazines).
Suresh Babu is a curated painter in his own right, and his artworks have found their way into the boardrooms, lobbies, and drawing rooms of various corporate companies and heritage hotels across Kerala. One of his most acclaimed projects consisted of a series of 100 paintings depicting the history of the Travancore Kingdom, which are displayed at the Travancore Hotel in Cochin.
As a specialist in caricature art, Suresh Babu's most renowned collection features 75 caricatures of the living legend of Indian cinema, the superstar of the Malayalam industry, Mr Mohanlal. These caricatures are based on the unforgettable characters portrayed by Mohanlal during his illustrious four-decade career. In tribute to this iconic actor, Malayala Manorama launched an online mobile app named "VESl" (which stands for "Roles & Looks of Life"), showcasing his most celebrated characters, filmography, Suresh Babu's caricatures of his cinematic roles.
He also worked as Freelance Columnist in Chithrabhumi, Mathrubhumi, Madhyamam and Rashtra Deepika Cinema.

## Early life

Suresh Babu was born in Vallamkulam, Pathanamthitta. He attended National High School, Vallamkulam, and completed his pre-degree education at Marthoma College, Thiruvalla and later graduated with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Fine Arts College, Thiruvanathapuram in 1991.

## Personal life

Suresh Babu is married to Sindhu. K Suresh and they have two children.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Director | Credited as | Credited as | Credited as | Notes |
| Year | Title | Director | Story | Screenplay | Dialogue | Notes |
| 2000 | Dada Sahib | Vinayan | No | Yes | Yes | |
| 2002 | Thandavam | Shaji Kailas | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2005 | Five Fingers | Sanjeev Raj | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2008 | Swarnam | Venugopan | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2009 | Swapnamaalika | KA Devarajan | No | Yes | Yes | |
| 2010 | Shikkar | M Padmakumar | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2011 | The Filmstaar | Sanjeev Raj | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2012 | Thiruvambadi Thampan | M Padmakumar | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2013 | Nadan | Kamal | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2015 | The Reporter | Venugopan | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2015 | Sir CP | Shajoon Karyal | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2015 | Kanal | M Padmakumar | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2016 | Jalam | M Padmakumar | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2022 | Oruthee | V. K. Prakash | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2023 | Live | V. K. Prakash | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2023 | Manoharanum Janakiyum | Suresh Babu | No | No | No | Announced |
| 2024 | Arabikkadalinte Rani | M Padmakumar, Suresh Babu | Yes | Yes | Yes | |

## Awards

NCERT National award for best Illustrator in 1998.
State Award for best Illustrator for Children.
Bhima balasahithya award for best Children's Illustration in 1967 and 1996.