Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 5 hrs ago
Malayalam director Balraj Kalarickal found dead in Ernakulam hotel
Director Balraj Kalarickal was found dead in a hotel room in Ernakulam, in Kerala.
He was in his late 20s and came from Manimala in Kottayam district.
His debut series, Kappi Squad, had just begun streaming on JioHotstar, where four episodes have been released.
Kalarickal had worked as an assistant or associate director on films including Nizhal, Madhuram and Dakini before directing the series.
Police are investigating his death, and preliminary accounts suggest he may have suffered a heart attack.
A post-mortem examination is expected before his body is handed to relatives, according to one account.
Malayalam director Balraj Kalarickal was found dead in a hotel room in Ernakulam.
Reports gave his age as either 27 or 28.
He directed the web series Kappi Squad, which had recently begun streaming on JioHotstar.
Preliminary reports suggested he may have died of a heart attack, but the cause was not confirmed.
Police were investigating, and one report said his body would be handed to relatives after a post-mortem examination.
- Who
- Director Balraj Kalarickal, also reported as Belraj or Bellraj Kalarackal.
- What
- He was found dead in a hotel room. Preliminary reports suggested a possible heart attack.
- When
- He was found on or before October 17, 2026; the exact time was not stated.
- Where
- A hotel room in Ernakulam, also referred to as Kochi in one report.
- Why
- The cause of death was not confirmed. Preliminary reports suggested a possible heart attack.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Times of India reported that Kalarickal married Athira Bindu Sabu.
India TV News reported that Kappi Squad began streaming on JioHotstar.
Reports published that Kalarickal had been found dead in a hotel room in Ernakulam.
- Age
- Reported as 27 by The Times of India and 28 by India TV News.
- Hometown
- Manimala, Kottayam district.
- Hotel location
- Ernakulam.
- Web series
- Kappi Squad, streaming on JioHotstar.
- Reported cause
- Preliminary reports suggested a possible heart attack; it was not confirmed.
3 sources
What people are saying
With a heavy heart and immense sorrow, we share the tragic news of the passing of our dear brother and guiding light, Belraj Kalarickal, the Director of Kaapi Squad.
Some goodbyes come far too soon. Rest in peace, Belraj Kalarickal.