MUMBAI: The Kerala Government has appointed veteran director Priyadarshan as chairman of the state Chalachitra Academy.

Priyadarshan, 54, succeeds eminent director KR Mohan as head of the Academy.

One of the nationally acclaimed directors from Kerala, Priyadarshan has made films in various Indian languages since he started his career with a Malayalam film in 1984.

His film Kanchivaram was adjudged the best feature film at the 2008 National Film Awards.