P. K. Manthri

P. K. Manthri (real name P. K. Manthri Kumaran) (21 May 1933 – 6 December 1984) was a renowned Indian cartoonist.

Manthri was born to Poomangalathu Kesavan and Kochikka, at Pandalam in Kerala, India. His father was a school manager and headmaster. Manthri studied painting from the Ravi Varma School of Arts, Mavelikkara. He published cartoons in Sarasan, Asadhu, and Narmada. Later, his works appeared in Mathrubhumi, Janayugam, Malayala Nadu, Malayala Rajyam, and Manorajyam. Pachu, Kovalan, Mr. Kunju etc. are the popular cartoon characters created by Manthri. Manthri himself appeared in many of his own cartoons.

Manthri was a drawing teacher by profession. He drew cartoons mainly for Thaniniram daily, although he started drawing cartoons for Sarasan in 1950s. His rash criticism through cartoons had irritated the then education minister C. H. Muhammad Koya. As a result, Manthri was under suspension from government service for two and a half years from 1969. While he was under suspension, he still drew cartoons using the pseudonym 'Thanthri'. He also published a cartoon book named Chithrahasyam during this period. Over 20000 copies of the book were circulated. Finally, he was inducted back in government service in 1973, as per the report of the then government secretary Malayattoor Ramakrishnan.

Manthri was responsible for making the first animated film title in Malayalam cinema. This was for the movie Poocha Sanyasi, directed by Hariharan. Renowned cartoonist and publisher Cartoonist Shankar had invited Manthri to Delhi several times for becoming part of the Shankar's Weekly. But Manthri was not willing to relocate to Delhi.

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Name	Manthri, P. K.
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Date of birth	21 May 1933
Place of birth
Date of death	6 December 1984
Place of death