Malayalam Cinema Loses a Master Eye: Cinematographer Shaji Kumar Passes Away at 57; Mohanlal, Mammootty and Prithviraj Pay Tribute

Malayalam cinema lost one of its finest visual storytellers this week. Veteran cinematographer Shaji Kumar, known for his work in films including Naran and Thudarum, passed away on November 10, 2026, at the age of 57. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from the industry’s biggest names, with superstars Mohanlal, Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran all taking to social media to pay their respects. Mohanlal shared an emotional note, writing: “Our beloved Shaji Kumar is no longer with us. His passing is deeply saddening. Shaji, who carved a distinct identity for himself in cinematography, will be dearly missed. He was part of my journey in films like Naran, Pulimurugan, Odiyan, and Thudarum, right up to our last collaboration, Athimanoharam.” He added that Shaji was “an exceptional talent with a rare ability to capture emotions with remarkable depth,” and that they shared “a bond of love and friendship that will always remain special.” Mohanlal also personally attended the cinematographer’s wake, with director B. Unnikrishnan and producer Antony Perumbavoor also present. Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran likewise shared tributes online. According to reports, Shaji Kumar was in Alappuzha working on Dileep’s upcoming film HENOK: The Man in the Mist when he fell ill. While staying at a hotel on November 7, he experienced physical discomfort and informed the film’s director, Ullas Krishnan. He was taken to a hospital in Alappuzha and then shifted to a private hospital in Kochi. His condition reportedly improved and he was able to speak normally, but his health deteriorated again on November 8. Shaji Kumar worked extensively across Malayalam and Tamil cinema. He was best known for his work on the blockbuster Pulimurugan and his long-standing collaboration with Mohanlal, spanning Naran, Odiyan, Ittymaani: Made in China and Thudarum. He also worked with prominent filmmakers including Vysakh, Joshiy, Shaji Kailas and Tharun Moorthy, and his other notable Malayalam films include Athbhutha Dweepu, Pokkiri Raja, Ramaleela, Madhura Raja and Bandra. In Tamil cinema, he collaborated with actor Prashanth on Ponnar Shankar, Mambattiyan and Saahasam. His completed projects include Athimanoharam, scheduled for release on December 24, 2026, and he was also working on Suresh Gopi’s Ottakomban and Dileep’s HENOK: The Man in the Mist. He is survived by his wife, Smitha, and sons Aryan and Sooryan.

Source: Pinkvilla