# Cochin Haneefa

Cochin Haneefa (22 April 1951 – 2 February 2010) was an Indian actor, film director, and screenwriter. He started his career in the 1970s mainly portraying villainous roles, before going on to become one of the most popular comedians of Malayalam cinema. He acted in more than 300 films in Malayalam and Tamil.
As a director he is best known for the films Aankiliyude Tharattu (1987) and Vatsalyam (1993).

## Personal life and education

Haneefa was born in Cochin (present-day Kochi) to Veluthedathu Tharavattil A. B. Muhammed and Hajira, as the second among their eight children. He studied at Kochi St. Augustine's School and St. Albert's College and graduated with a degree in commerce. He was married to Fasila and they had twin daughters, Safa and Marwa.

## Career

He made his film debut in 1972 in Azhimukham directed by Vijayan and went on to act in over 300 films in Malayalam. He also acted in over 80 Tamil films, including popular movies like Mahanadi with Kamal Haasan, Sivaji and Enthiran with Rajinikanth.
Haneefa played memorable roles in many Malayalam films, including Mannar Mathai Speaking, Devaasuram, Kireedam, Chenkol , Punjabi House and Swapnakoodu, Pulivaal Kalyanam, Meesa Madhavan, C.I.D Moosa, Thilakkam etc. He also directed around 20 films, including Valtsalyam and Moonu Masangalkku Munbu. The last Tamil films in which he appeared were Madrasapattinam and Enthiran. His final Malayalam film was the 2010 film Bodyguard.
Even though he started off in villain roles, he slowly transitioned to the comedic characters. He had also played dramatic supporting character roles to a great effect. Haneefa's comedic roles smartly captured his physique in a self-deprecating nature and eventually, he became one of the most popular comedians in Malayalam cinema. In Kireedam, he played the role of Hydrose, a hilarious rowdy. His first noted role as a comedian came in Mannar Mathai Speaking, where he played the role of Eldho.
Punjabi House was the movie which established him as a major comedian in Malayalam cinema. Considered one of the best slapstick comedy film in Malayalam cinema, Haneefa portrayed the character Gangadharan in the movie. Punjabi House was a major breakthrough in the careers of Harishree Asokan and Dileep as well. The movie eventually developed into a cult. Haneefa along with these Asokan and Dileep eventually formed a successful trio in Malayalam cinema. They acted together in numerous movies such as Udayapuram Sulthan, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, Thilakkam, C.I.D. Moosa, Runway and Pandippada. Haneefa played the role of S.I Veerappan Kurupp in the 2001 slapstick comedy movie Ee Parakkum Thalika. He again played the role of a hilarious police officer, this time becoming Sudarshanan in the movie Snehithan, which was released the same year. His role as Mathukkutty in the 2002 film Mazhathullikkilukkam was also noted. Haneefa's character Thrivikraman in the 2002 movie Meesa Madhavan was highly appreciated. It was the highest-grossing movie of that year and many of the characters in the movie like Pillechan and Pattalam Purushu became a cult. It was in the year 2003 that Haneefa played some of the best iconic comedy characters in his career. In Thilakkam, he became the local rowdy called Bhaskaran and in Kilichundan Mampazham, he portrayed the role of Kalanthan Haji. Haneefa's one of the career best role came in the slapstick comedy movie C.I.D Moosa, where he played the role of Vikaraman. Similar to that of Punjabi House, Ee Parakkum Thalika and Meesa Madhavan, the performance of Dileep-Asokan-Haneefa trio along with Jagathy Sreekumar in this movie were highly appreciated and it became the second highest-grossing movie in 2003.
In Swapnakoodu, he played the role of Philipose and as Panchayath President in Vellithira. Haneefa's another memorable character came out in the movie Pulival Kalyanam, where he played as Dharmendra, often mistaken in the movie with the Bollywood legendary superstar of the same name. This movie was well appreciated especially for the comedy scenes between Haneefa and Salim Kumar, who played as Manavalan in the movie. Manavalan eventually became a cult character in Malayalam cinema.

## Awards

Kerala State Film Awards:
* 2001 – Second Best Actor – Soothradharan

## Death

Haneefa died on 2 February 2010, aged 58, at Sri Ramachandra Hospital in Chennai, from multiple organ failure. He had been treated for liver cancer. He was buried at Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid with full state honours.

## Filmography
### As actor
#### Malayalam films
##### 1970s

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1972 | Azhimukham | |
| 1974 | College Girl | College Student |
| 1975 | Love Letter | |
| 1975 | Velicham Akale | |
| 1975 | Kalyaanappanthal | |
| 1975 | Hello Darling | |
| 1976 | Chottanikkara Amma | Kannappan |
| 1976 | Yudhabhoomi | |
| 1976 | Panchami | Rajan |
| 1976 | Chirikkudukka | Vasu |
| 1977 | Mini Mol | |
| 1977 | Niraparayum Nilavilakkum | |
| 1977 | Aval Oru Devaalayam | |
| 1977 | Rathimanmadhan | |
| 1977 | Pattalam Janaki | |
| 1978 | Thacholi Ambu | |
| 1978 | Aval Kanda Lokam | |
| 1979 | Maamaankam | Vellodi - Zamorin's Warrior |
| 1979 | Manasa Vacha Karmana | Rameshan |
| 1979 | Irumbazhikal | Krishnankutty |
| 1979 | Aavesham | |
| 1979 | Ponnil Kulicha Rathri | |
| 1979 | Kochu Thampuratti | |
| 1979 | Choola | |
| 1979 | Sarapancharam | |
| 1979 | Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum | Yusaf |

##### 1980s

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1980 | Benz Vasu | Thoma |
| 1980 | Dwik Vijayam | |
| 1980 | Sakthi | Khadir |
| 1980 | Karimpana | |
| 1980 | Kari Puranda Jeevithangal | Muthalali |
| 1980 | Sathyam | Appu |
| 1980 | Moorkhan | Police Officer |
| 1981 | Aarathi | Gangan |
| 1981 | Vayal | Paappi |
| 1981 | Sambhavam | |
| 1981 | Adima Changala | |
| 1981 | Kaahalam | |
| 1981 | Itha Oru Dhikkari | Sekharan |
| 1982 | Sharam | |
| 1982 | Kayam | |
| 1982 | Dheera | Williams |
| 1982 | Ivan Oru Simham | Joseph |
| 1982 | Sree Ayappanum Vavarum | Kaliyappan |
| 1982 | Aadharsam | Babu |
| 1983 | Himam | Ameer Khan |
| 1983 | Thaalam Thettiya Tharattu | Chandran |
| 1983 | Bhookambam | Anwar |
| 1983 | Attakkalasam | Kuttappan |
| 1983 | Aa Raathri | |
| 1983 | Charam | |
| 1983 | Ee Yugam | |
| 1983 | Kaathirunna Divasam | |
| 1983 | Kodungattu | Vijayan |
| 1983 | Kaathirunna Divasam | |
| 1984 | Koottinilamkili | Krishnanunny's Roommate |
| 1984 | Chakkaraumma | |
| 1984 | Sandarbham | |
| 1984 | Krishna Guruvayoorappa | Pandya Rajan |
| 1984 | Oru Nimisham Tharu | |
| 1984 | Inakkilly | Peter |
| 1984 | Piriyilla Naam | |
| 1984 | Umanilayam | Gopi |
| 1984 | Ente Upasana | Doctor |
| 1985 | Oru Sandesam Koodi | Chandran |
| 1985 | Kaiyum Thlayum Purathidaruthe | Bus Passenger |
| 1985 | Makan Ente Makan | Doctor |
| 1986 | Thalavattam | Antony |
| 1986 | Rakkuyilin Ragasadassil | |
| 1986 | Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu | Kadathanattu Pappan Gurukal |
| 1987 | Aankiliyude Tharattu | Sudhir |
| 1987 | Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku | |
| 1987 | Cheppu | Police Inspector |
| 1988 | Inquilabinte Puthri | Das |
| 1988 | Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu | Police Inspector |
| 1989 | Kireedam | Haidros |
| 1989 | Vandhanam | Salim |
| 1989 | Lal Americayil | |
| 1989 | Eenam Thettatha Kattaru | George |

##### 1990s

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1990 | No.20 Madras Mail | Himself | Cameo |
| 1990 | Kadathanadan Ambadi | Kathiroor Chandrappan | |
| 1990 | Veena Meettiya Vilangukal | Antony | |
| 1990 | Sunday 7 PM | | |
| 1991 | Abhimanyu | Chotta | |
| 1993 | Devaasuram | Achuthan | |
| 1993 | Vatsalyam | Bullock cart driver | |
| 1993 | Chenkol | Haidros | |
| 1994 | Kinnaripuzhayoram | Mental Patient | |
| 1994 | Bheesmacharya | Sidharthan | |
| 1994 | Chakoram | Sreedharan Kartha | |
| 1995 | Mannar Mathai Speaking | Eldho | |
| 1995 | Kaattile Thadi Thevarude Ana | Nagayya | |
| 1995 | Thacholi Varghese Chekavar | Puthooran | |
| 1995 | Kakkakkum Poochakkum Kalyanam | | |
| 1995 | Achan Rajavu Appan Jethavu | Thalakkadi Thankappan | |
| 1996 | Kalyanji Anandji | Vengalam Chakkunni / Adv. General Oorumadam Subbarama Iyer | |
| 1996 | Udyanapalakan | | |
| 1996 | Kala Pani | Ahmed Kutty | |
| 1996 | Hitler | Jabbar | |
| 1996 | King Solomon | | |
| 1996 | Sulthan Hyderali | Damu | |
| 1996 | Kaliveedu | Dr. Gonzales | |
| 1996 | Azhakiya Ravanan | Varghese | |
| 1997 | Superman | Rajan Philip | |
| 1997 | Mayaponman | Pattalam Vasu | |
| 1997 | News paper boy | Jagadeeshwara Iyer | |
| 1997 | Nagarapuranam | Manikyan Thampuran | |
| 1997 | Chandralekha | Sathyapalan | |
| 1997 | Mangalya Pallakku | Raghavan | |
| 1997 | Vamsham | Thampan | |
| 1997 | Aaraam Thampuran | Govindan Kutty | |
| 1997 | Lelam | Jayasimhan | |
| 1997 | Aniyathipraavu | Inspector Eeyyo | |
| 1998 | Vismayam | Janardhana Kurup | |
| 1998 | Punjabi House | Gangadharan | |
| 1998 | Mayilpeelikkavu | Gopichetty | |
| 1998 | Kanmadam | Police Officer | |
| 1998 | Harikrishnans | Kunjikuttan | |
| 1998 | Elavamkodu Desam | Singer | |
| 1998 | The Truth | Kumaran | |
| 1998 | Sreekrishnapurathe Nakshathrathilakkam | KrishnaKumar | |
| 1998 | Anuragakottaram | Pala Poulose | |
| 1998 | Sooryaputhran | Chekanoor Neelakantan Karthavu | |
| 1999 | Udayapuram Sulthan | Beeran Kutty | |
| 1999 | Pathram | David Sabhapathi | |
| 1999 | Panchapaandavar | Varkey | |
| 1999 | Vazhunnor | Vadakethala Sivadas | |
| 1999 | Njangal Santhushtaranu | Soudamini's Husband | |
| 1999 | Megham | Kunjikuttan | |
| 1999 | Crime File | SI Jamal | |
| 1999 | English Medium | Mathukutty | |
| 1999 | Auto Brothers | | |
| 1999 | Independence | | |
| 1999 | Charlie Chaplin | | |
| 1999 | Friends | Sundareshan | |
| 1999 | Chandamama | Natwarlal | |

##### 2000s

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | Mr. Butler | Swamy | |
| 2000 | Dada Sahib | Raghavan | |
| 2000 | Snehapoorvam Anna | Abu Uncle | |
| 2000 | Arayannangalude Veedu | Gangadharan | |
| 2000 | Indriyam | C.I Theepori Veerabhadran | |
| 2000 | Sathyam Sivam Sundaram | Ajayan | |
| 2001 | Rakshasa Rajavu | Attuva Antony | |
| 2001 | Praja | Hamid Plaavullakandi Methar / Malayalees | |
| 2001 | Pranayamanthram | | |
| 2001 | Goa | Kanakambharan / David Thomas | |
| 2001 | Nalacharitham Naalam Divasam | | |
| 2001 | Dubai | Vincent Sebastian | |
| 2001 | Soothradharan | Mani Uncle | |
| 2001 | Kakkakuyil | Local goon | |
| 2001 | Ee Parakkum Thalika | Veerappan Kurup | |
| 2001 | Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka | Kittunni | |
| 2001 | Ee Naadu Innale Vare | Chandrakumar | |
| 2001 | Rajapattam | | |
| 2001 | Sundrapurushan | Alavuddin | |
| 2001 | Barthavudyokam | Pratapan Nair | |
| 2002 | Snehithan | Sudarshanan | |
| 2002 | Pranyamanithooval | Moosakka | |
| 2002 | Phantom | Sexton Devasia | |
| 2002 | Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan | Punchiri Pushparaj | |
| 2002 | Mazhathullikkilukkam | Mathukutty | |
| 2002 | Kunjikoonan | Thoma | |
| 2002 | Kaiyethum Doorath | Kundara Sharangan | |
| 2002 | Chirikkudukka | Sathyavan | |
| 2002 | Bamboo Boys | Makku | |
| 2002 | Meesa Madhavan | Thrivikraman | |
| 2002 | Kasthooriman | Philipose Uncle | |
| 2002 | Kattuchembakam | Kankani Rajappan | |
| 2002 | Kannaki | Ravunni | |
| 2002 | Bucket | Shilpa | |
| 2002 | Ee Bhargavinilayam | | |
| 2002 | www.anukudumbam.com | | |
| 2003 | Relax | Ganesh | |
| 2003 | Thilakkam | Bhaskaran | |
| 2003 | Kilichundan Mampazham | Kalanthan Haji | |
| 2003 | Sadanandante Samayam | Headmaster Chacko | |
| 2003 | Vellithira | Panchayath President | |
| 2003 | C.I.D. Moosa | Vikraman | |
| 2003 | Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum | Divakaran | |
| 2003 | Swapnakoodu | Philipose | |
| 2003 | Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu | Velappan | |
| 2003 | Valathottu Thirinjal Nalamathe Veedu | Bullet Ismail | |
| 2003 | Pulival Kalyanam | Dharmendra | |
| 2003 | Malsaram | Bhaskaran | |
| 2003 | Pattanathil Sundaran | Shekhara Pillai | |
| 2004 | Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku | Vadival Vasu | |
| 2004 | C. I. Mahadevan 5 Adi 4 Inchu | Mahadevan | |
| 2004 | Vismayathumbathu | Nandakumar | |
| 2004 | Chathikkatha Chanthu | Dharma | |
| 2004 | Runway | Divakaran | |
| 2004 | Vettam | Kurup | |
| 2004 | Maratha Nadu | | |
| 2004 | Ee Snehatheerathu | Neelan | |
| 2004 | Ennittum | Professor Villas | |
| 2004 | Youth Festival | Kannappan | |
| 2004 | Mampazhakkalam | Manathudi Madhavan | |
| 2004 | Vesham | Adv. Chithrabhanu | |
| 2004 | Vellinakshatram | CI Velayudhan | Cameo |
| 2004 | Vacation | Urumees | |
| 2005 | Udayananu Tharam | 'Sona' Balan | |
| 2005 | Chandrolsavam | Sreedharan | |
| 2005 | Daivanamathil | | |
| 2005 | Iruvattam Manavaatti | Ambujakshan/ Ambiyannan | |
| 2005 | Pandippada | Ummachan | |
| 2005 | Nerariyan CBI | George C. Nair | |
| 2005 | Chiratta Kalippattangal | | |
| 2005 | Ben Johnson | ASI Eenashu | |
| 2005 | Immini Nalloraal | Sub Inspector | |
| 2005 | Rajamanikyam | Varghese | |
| 2005 | Anandabhadram | Maravi Mathai | |
| 2006 | Vargam | A.S.I Gopala Krishna Pilla | |
| 2006 | Kilukkam Kilukilukkam | Appukuttan / Annamma | |
| 2006 | Madhuchandralekha | Abootty | |
| 2006 | Thuruppugulan | Raman Kartha | |
| 2006 | Keerthi Chakra | Nairettan | |
| 2006 | The Don | | |
| 2006 | Aanachandam | Pulikkathara | |
| 2006 | Janmam | | |
| 2006 | Lion | Vendor Chandy | |
| 2006 | Rashtram | | |
| 2006 | Chakkaramuthu | Kumarettan | |
| 2006 | Red Salute | Hamsa Koya | |
| 2006 | Badadosth | Javed | |
| 2007 | Rathri Mazha | | |
| 2007 | Changathipoocha | Vattu Bhargavan | |
| 2007 | Chotta Mumbai | Vasuttan | |
| 2007 | Inspector Garud | Gopalan | |
| 2007 | July 4 | Abukka alias Abu | |
| 2007 | Mayavi | Jailor | |
| 2007 | Panthaya Kozhi | Parunthu Bhaskaran | |
| 2007 | Paradeshi | Head Constable | |
| 2007 | Detective | Shivaraman | |
| 2007 | Heart Beats | Plaparabil Inashu | |
| 2007 | Kichamani MBA | Jinnah | |
| 2007 | Romeo | Ratheesh Kumar | |
| 2007 | Avan Chandiyude Makan | Chackochi | |
| 2007 | Indrajith | Udumbu Rudrakshan | |
| 2007 | Ali Bhai | Kunji Kannan | |
| 2008 | Mayakazhcha | Kilippadan | |
| 2008 | Twenty:20 | Peruchazhi Vasu | |
| 2008 | Annan Thampi | | |
| 2008 | Parunthu | Kunjachan | |
| 2008 | Bullet | Uttaman Vellayani | |
| 2008 | Thirakkatha | | |
| 2008 | Kurukshetra | Havildar | |
| 2009 | Loudspeaker | Organ agent Sarangadharan | |
| 2009 | Changathikoottam | Pathrose | |
| 2009 | Colours | Rahul's father | |
| 2009 | Hailesa | Police Inspector Pothuval | |
| 2009 | Venalmaram | Achuthankutty | |

##### 2010s

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2010 | 3 Char Sau Bees | | |
| 2010 | Bodyguard | Principal | |
| 2011 | Kalabha Mazha | | Posthumous release |
| 2013 | Musafir | GK | Posthumous release |
| 2014 | Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 | Eldho | Posthumous release |
| 2015 | 3 Wicketinu 365 Runs | | Posthumous release |

#### Tamil films

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1988 | Paasa Paravaigal | Dhanraj | |
| 1988 | Paadatha Thenikkal | Killer | |
| 1990 | Pagalil Pournami | Hotel Manager | |
| 1990 | Mounam Sammadham | Kallupatti Rangan | |
| 1990 | Vaigasi Poranthachu | Malaiyappan | |
| 1991 | Gopura Vasalile | | |
| 1991 | Vaasalil Oru Vennila | Singer | |
| 1992 | Vaaname Ellai | M.R.T. | |
| 1992 | Mahanadi | Dhanush | |
| 1996 | Siraichalai | Ahmmed Kutty | |
| 1998 | Thulli Thirintha Kaalam | Nair | |
| 1998 | Kaathala Kaathala | Vikadananda | |
| 1999 | Adutha Kattam | | |
| 1999 | Kakkai Siraginile | Kanmani's father | |
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | Paandi | |
| 1999 | Mudhalvan | Chinnasamy | |
| 2000 | Mugavaree | Director | |
| 2001 | Citizen | Manmadha Kutty | |
| 2002 | Youth | Dhanushkodi | |
| 2002 | Maaran | C.B.I officer Madanagopal | |
| 2002 | Paarthale Paravasam | | |
| 2003 | Lesa Lesa | Kailasam | |
| 2003 | Parthiban Kanavu | | |
| 2003 | Nadhi Karaiyinile | | |
| 2004 | Attahasam | Swapna's father | |
| 2005 | Anniyan | Delinquent car owner | |
| 2005 | Thotti Jaya | | |
| 2005 | Chanakya | MLA | |
| 2005 | Kasthuri Maan | | |
| 2006 | Pattiyal | Saamy | |
| 2006 | Suyetchai MLA | | |
| 2006 | Unakkum Enakkum | Ravichandran | |
| 2007 | Madurai Veeran | Teacher | |
| 2007 | Deepavali | Sait | |
| 2007 | Sivaji: The Boss | A. Kuzhandhaivel | |
| 2007 | Kireedam | Chellapandi | |
| 2007 | Sringaram | | |
| 2008 | Theekuchi | Kasi | |
| 2008 | Tharagu | Kanmani's assistant | |
| 2008 | Arai En 305-il Kadavul | Giri Chettan | |
| 2008 | Jeyam Kondaan | Kasi | |
| 2008 | Poi Solla Porom | Vijayakumar | |
| 2008 | Aegan | Hanifa | |
| 2009 | A Aa E Ee | Vedachalam | |
| 2009 | Modhi Vilayadu | Chanakya | |
| 2009 | Vettaikaran | Complex Owner | |
| 2010 | Kattradhu Kalavu | Vaikavardhan | Posthumous release |
| 2010 | Ambasamudram Ambani | Nandhini's father | Posthumous release |
| 2010 | Madrasapattinam | Nambi | Posthumous release |
| 2010 | Enthiran | Traffic police officer | Posthumous release |
| 2010 | Thottu Paar | | Posthumous release |

#### Hindi films

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1988 | New Delhi | | |
| 2010 | No Problem | Dr. Ramacharya |

#### Telugu films

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2010 | Puli | Al Saleem's PA | |
| 2010 | Thakita Thakita | Nandini's father | |

### As director

Malayalam Films
* Bheesmacharya (1994)
* Vatsalyam (1993)
* Veena Meettiya Vilangukal (1990)
* Aankiliyude Tharattu (1987)
* Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku (1987)
* Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu (1986)
* Oru Sandesam Koodi (1985)
Tamil films
* Paasa Paravaigal (1988)
* Paadatha Thenikkal (1988)
* Pagalil Pournami (1990)
* Pillai Paasam (1991)
* Vaasalile Oru Vennila (1991)
* Naalai Engal Kalyanam (later released as Kadalora Kaadhal)

### As writer

* Aval Oru Devaalayam (1977) (Directed by A.B. Raj)
* Adima Changala (1981) (Directed by A.B. Raj)
* Ithihasam (1981)
* Chicagoyil Cheenthiya Raktham
* Aarambham (1982) (Directed by Joshi)
* Dheera (1982) (Directed by Joshi)
* Thaalam Thettiya Tharattu (1983) (Directed by A.B. Raj)
* Sandharbham (1984) (Directed by Joshi)
* Inakkilly (1984) (Directed by Joshi)
* Piriyilla Naam (1984) (Directed by Joshi)
* Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya (1985) (Directed by Priyadarshan)
* Puthiya Karukkal (1989) (Directed by Thampi Kannanthanam)
* Lal Americayil (1989) (Directed by Sathyan Anthikkad)
* Kadathanadan Ambadi (1990) (Directed by Priyadarshan)
* Bheesmacharya (1994) (Directed by himself)
* Mission (2010)