Shaji N. Karun was a legendary award-winning cinematographer, director and writer in Malayalam as well as Hindi language films. He was known for his pathbreaking films and distinctive style of movie making called the new wave cinema in the 70s and 80s. Some of his notable works as a cinematographer were Kanchana Sita, Thampu, Kummatty, Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback, Panchavadi Palam, Koodevide, and Nakhakshathangal, etc. He also was the cinematographer for Hindi movies - Antim Nyay, Ek Chadar Maili Si and Nishad. Some of his notable works as director were Piravi (1989), Swaham (1994), Vanaprastham (1999) and Kutty Srank (2009). He breathed his last on 28 April 2025 at the age of 73 in Thiruvananthapuram after battling health issues.