Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 2 hrs ago
Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar dies at 57
Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar died at 57 in a Kochi hospital on Tuesday.
He had become unwell while working in Alappuzha on an upcoming film starring actor Dileep, and was later taken to Kochi for treatment.
Hospital authorities said he died after cardiac failure; accounts differ on when his condition worsened.
Kumar worked on nearly 50 films over more than two decades, including popular titles such as Pulimurugan, Naran, Odiyan and Thudarum.
Cinematographers shape how films look through camera work, lighting and framing, making their work central to what audiences see on screen.
His work helped define the look of many successful Malayalam films, and he was known for filming action scenes.
His completed films Athimanoharam and Ottakomban are among his upcoming releases; Athimanoharam is scheduled for December 24, 2026.
Kumar is survived by his wife, Smitha, and sons Aryan and Sooryan.
Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar died in Kochi on November 10, 2026, at the age of 57.
He was being treated at a private hospital after becoming unwell while working on an upcoming film starring Dileep in Alappuzha.
Kochi hospital authorities cited by The Hindu said he died following cardiac failure.
Kumar worked on nearly 50 films over a career spanning more than two decades, including Pulimurugan, Odiyan and Thudarum.
He is survived by his wife, Smitha, and sons Aryan and Sooryan.
- Who
- Shaji Kumar, a Malayalam cinematographer, died at 57.
- What
- He died while receiving treatment at a private hospital.
- When
- November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Kochi, Kerala, India.
- Why
- The Hindu reported that Kochi hospital authorities attributed his death to cardiac failure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kumar became unwell in Alappuzha after returning from work on an upcoming film starring Dileep.
He was taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to a private hospital in Kochi.
Kumar died in Kochi at the age of 57.
- Age
- 57
- Place of death
- Kochi
- Date of death
- November 10, 2026
- Upcoming film
- Dileep-starrer being shot in Alappuzha
- Career
- Nearly 50 films, according to The Hindu
- Survivors
- Wife Smitha and sons Aryan and Sooryan
6 sources
Athimanoharam cinematographer Shaji Kumar dies at 57, a month before Mohanlal film’s release
Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar passes away at 57 while shooting for Dileep's upcoming film; Report
Malayalam Cinematographer Shaji Kumar, Known For Mohanlal's Pulimurugan, Dies At 57
Popular cinematographer Shaji Kumar passes away
Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar dies at 57, was shooting for Dileep's next film
Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar passes away at 57