Kochi, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Malayalam film industry personalities, including filmmaker Jeethu Joseph and actors Dileep, Joju George and Sshivada, have paid heartfelt tributes to cinematographer Shaji Kumar, who passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Monday. He was 57.
His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, particularly as he was working on an upcoming film featuring Dileep in the lead.
Actor Dileep paid tribute in Malayalam, remembering Shaji Kumar as a dear brother. Director Jeethu Joseph also expressed grief, describing him as a dear colleague. Shaji Kumar had worked on several successful Malayalam films, including Mohanlal-starrers Pulimurugan and Thudarum.
Sshivada shared an emotional message, recalling the warmth and bond she shared with the cinematographer despite not having worked with him or met him frequently.
“Shaji Cheta, never in my wildest thoughts did I imagine I would be writing something like this. We may not have worked together, or met often, but the warmth and bond we shared will always remain close to my heart,” she wrote, adding that he was someone she knew was always just a phone call away.
Actor Joju George also expressed his grief through a brief social media post, while producer Listin Stephen offered condolences in Malayalam.
According to reports, Shaji Kumar had collapsed on a film set in Alappuzha a couple of days before his death. He was initially provided treatment and later shifted to a private hospital in Kochi. Although his condition reportedly improved temporarily, his health subsequently deteriorated.
Shaji Kumar began his Malayalam film career with Uthaman, starring Jayaram, and went on to work on more than 50 films. His notable cinematography credits include Pulimurugan, Thudarum, Odiyan, Pathonpatham Noottandu and Ramaleela.
He had also worked on two much-anticipated upcoming films: director Tharun Moorthy’s Athimanoharam, featuring Mohanlal, and Mathews Thomas’s Ottakomban, starring Suresh Gopi.
His passing marks a significant loss for Malayalam cinema, where his work spanned several successful productions across genres.
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