Prof. G. Somanathan

Prof. G. Somanathan was a distinguished Malayalam professor, cartoonist, writer, and filmmaker, widely regarded as a pioneer of cartoonist’s in Malayalam.
He was born on 4 March 1939 in Paruthiyara, a village near Kottarakkara in Kollam district, to R. Govindan and G. Bhargavi. He pursued higher studies in Malayalam and earned his M.A. in Malayalam from Sree Narayana College, Kollam, where he was also a former student. He later served as Professor of Malayalam at S. N. Colleges in Kollam, Cherthala, and Varkala.
From his school days at Government High School, Kottarakkara, Prof. Somanathan displayed exceptional talent in drawing and cartooning, winning several prizes. During his years as a student and later as a faculty member at S. N. College, Kollam, he contributed cartoons to most leading Malayalam publications. His popular cartoon series—Vasuvettan, Chinnan Chundeli, and Chellan Muyal—published in magazines such as Janayugam Weekly and Mathrubhumi Weekly, earned wide recognition.
Beyond cartooning and comic art, Prof. Somanathan was also active in cinema. He directed the film Chanakya Soothrangal, which received critical attention.
A prolific writer, he authored more than 30 books, including around 15 works of children’s literature. Notable titles include Chellan Muyal, Muyalkkeni, Kuttikalude Gulliver, Kuttikalude Marco Polo, Akbar Chirikkunnu, Kouthuka Kathakal, and Mookku. His other works include The Story of Bruce Lee, Pazhanjollile Chiri, Syamantakam, critical studies on Nala Charitham Attakatha and Swapnavasavadattam, and cartoon comic books such as C.I.D. Naseer and Prethabhoomi.
The comic C.I.D. Naseer, created by Prof. Somanathan, is widely recognized as the first cartoon comic book in Malayalam.
In 1999, the Kerala State Institute of Children’s Literature honoured Chellan Muyal with awards for both writing and illustration. His essay collection Niranjanam received the Kerala Kaumudi Readers Club State Award. He was conferred Distinguished Membership by the Kerala Cartoon Academy. 2008 he received the K. S. Pillai Memorial Freelance Cartoon Award posthumously from Kerala Cartoon Academy.
Prof. G. Somanathan’s multifaceted contributions to literature, visual art, cinema, and education continue to inspire generations, and his association as a former student of Sree Narayana College, Kollam, remains a matter of pride for the institution.