He was 86.
Born in 1929 at Moothakunnam near Paravoor, Bharathan began his acting career in mid-1940s when Malayalam dramas started influencing the minds of Keralites.
"Rakthabandham", released in 1951, was his first movie.
He acted in more than 250 movies, enacting significant roles along with yesteryear heroes like Sathyan and Nasir.
He has also acted in movies starring Mammootty, Mohanlal and new generation heroes of Malayalam films.
Some of his well-known films include "In Harihara Nagar", "Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava" and "Aniathipravu".
Bharathan was active in movies till 2009. He last appeared in "Changathikoottam".