10 November,2026 02:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shaji Kumar. Pic via X
Renowned Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar, best known for films such as Pulimurugan, Naran and Thudarum, tragically died at the age of 57 on Tuesday, November 10. Kumar was shooting for an upcoming film featuring Dileep in Alappuzha, Kerala, when he reportedly developed health complications over the weekend.
During the film's shoot, Kumar was staying at a hotel in Alappuzha when he experienced physical discomfort on Saturday night. He immediately alerted the film's director, Ullas Krishna. He was then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and was subsequently shifted to a private hospital for further treatment.
According to reports, his condition improved after admission and he was even able to speak normally. However, his health deteriorated again on Sunday night. He died on Tuesday, leaving the Malayalam film fraternity mourning his loss.
Shaji Kumar had been residing in Perumbavoor for several years. The late cinematographer is survived by his wife, Smitha, and sons Aryan and Sooryan. His mortal remains are expected to be kept at Ernakulam Gokulam Convention Centre from 10 am to 1 pm. Later, his funeral will take place at his house in Perumbavoor at 7 pm.
The FEFKA Directors' Union also expressed condolences following Shaji's unexpected death, remembering him for his contribution to Malayalam cinema.
Shaji Kumar was a native of Thiruvananthapuram and was known as a disciple of veteran cinematographer Vipin Mohan. He started his career assisting on several films before eventually establishing himself as an independent cinematographer.
Over the years, he became a popular name in Malayalam cinema, having worked on several commercially successful films. He was known in the industry for his understanding of lighting, colour composition and framing. Over the years, he also adapted to the transition to digital filmmaking and had even embraced newer techniques of visual storytelling.
Shaji has even collaborated with several prominent filmmakers, including Joshiy, Shaji Kailas, V M Vinu, M Padmakumar and Vaishakh. His filmography includes several popular titles such as Naran, Pulimurugan, Ramaleela, Odiyan, Madhura Raja, Ittymaani: Made in China, Night Drive, Pathonpatham Noottandu, Bandra, Once Upon a Time in Kochi and Thudarum.
His most recent cinematography assignments included Athimanoharam, which wrapped up in September, starring Mohanlal and directed by Tharun Moorthy, and Suresh Gopi's Ottakomban.
