Kerala writer Nagavally dies at 86

Nagavally R.S. Kurup, who is known as a pioneer in stage and radio drama, film, literature and running commentary, died at a private hospital of a stomach ailment here yesterday. He was 86.

He has authored about 50 books. He also wrote screenplay for Malayalam films, including Newspaper Boy, the first neo-realistic film, and acted in some of them. Kurup is survived by his wife Bharathamma, his sons, well-known actor and film director Venu Nagavally and S. Ramachandran, and daughters Swara Devi and Lalithambika.