Actor-director Pratap Pothen died at the age of 70 at his house in Chennai’s Kilpauk. The cause of his death remains unclear.

The veteran actor and filmmaker was a popular name in the south Indian film industry, with more than 100 movies in languages, including Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil. He also worked in several Hindi films and was part of multiple ad agencies before making it to the big screen.

Also Read | Actor and filmmaker Pratap Pothen dies at 70

Here’s a list of the 5 best movies Pothen was part of as an actor or director:

Thakara

The 1979 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan, stars Prathap Pothen, Surekha, Nedumudi Venu and K. G. Menon in pivotal roles. It was remade in Tamil as Aavarampoo (1992). He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam for his portrayal of an orphan.

22 Female Kottayam

The 2012 Indian Malayalam-language revenge thriller film directed by Aashiq Abu was written by Syam Pushkaran and Abhilash S. Kumar. Pothen is seen playing a negative role in the film. The movie also stars Fahadh Faasil and Rima Kallingal. It was set and filmed in Bengaluru. Pothen won Best Actor in a Negative Role (Malayalam) at the South Indian International Movie Awards in 2012. He was also nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Malayalam) for his role in Ayalum Njanum Thammil the same year.

Also Read | Actor Pratap Pothen dies at 70, tributes pour in

Idukki Gold

Another of his masterpiece project was the 2013 Malayalam-language Indian feature film Idukki Gold. The Aashiq Abu-directed film also starred Maniyanpilla Raju, Raveendran, Babu Antony and Vijayaraghavan. It is based on Santhosh Echikkanam’s short story of the same name. Pothen received the Special Jury Mention for acting at Asianet Film Awards the same year.

Rithubhedam

Pothen directed the 1987 Indian Malayalam-language film, which starred Balachandra Menon, Thilakan, Geetha, Vineeth, Monisha Unni and Murali in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Shyam. Thilakan received the National Film Award for the Best Supporting Actor in the year 1987 for his role in the film. Pothen received the Best Director (Malayalam) at the Filmfare Awards South.

Chamaram

The 1980 Malayalam film written by John Paul Puthusery and directed by Bharathan, starred Pothen along with Nedumudi Venu, Zarina Wahab and Ratheesh. The story is about the tumultuous affair between a student and his college lecturer. This film has the evergreen song “Nadha Nee Varum Kalocha Kelkkuvan,” sung by S. Janaki. The film is considered one of the landmark movies in Malayalam film history.