Shaji Kumar dies at 57: Siju Wilson, Vysakh mourn Malayalam cinema's loss
Synopsis
Shaji Kumar, the cinematographer behind Malayalam blockbusters like 'Pulimurugan' and 'Ramaleela', died at 57 in Kochi on 10 November after collapsing on set days earlier. With two Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi films awaiting release, his death leaves an unfinished legacy — and a fraternity struggling to find words.
Key Takeaways
Cinematographer Shaji Kumar passed away on 10 November 2025 at a private hospital in Kochi ; he was 57 .
He reportedly collapsed on a film set in Alappuzha a couple of days before his death.
Actor Siju Wilson called him 'a true master of his craft'; director Vysakh described him as 'my brother, my biggest strength'.
Shaji Kumar worked on more than 50 films , including blockbusters 'Pulimurugan' , 'Ramaleela' , and 'Odiyan' .
Two upcoming films — 'Athimanoharam' (Mohanlal) and 'Ottakomban' (Suresh Gopi) — carry his final cinematography work.
Veteran Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar passed away on Monday, 10 November 2025, at a private hospital in Kochi at the age of 57, plunging the Malayalam film industry into shock and grief. His sudden death came days after he reportedly collapsed on a film set in Alappuzha, where he was working on an upcoming project featuring actor Dileep in the lead role.
Colleagues Pay Tribute
Popular Malayalam actor Siju Wilson, who collaborated with Shaji Kumar on the critically acclaimed period action drama 'Pathonpathaam Noottandu', shared a heartfelt condolence message describing his shock and grief. Wilson wrote, 'Heartbroken by the sudden passing of Shaji chettan. Working alongside him on 'Pathonpathaam Noottandu' is an experience I will always hold close to my heart.'
He further noted, 'Beyond his extraordinary vision and mastery behind the lens, he was one of the most genuine, warm, and pure-hearted souls in our industry. Every day on set was filled with shared laughter, positivity, and a beautiful bond of friendship.' Wilson concluded, 'We have lost a true master of his craft and, above all, an exceptional human being. Rest in peace, Shaji chetta. Your presence will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family during this painful time.'
Director Vysakh's Emotional Farewell
Director Vysakh, one of Shaji Kumar's closest collaborators, penned an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling the loss deeply personal. 'Shajichetta… I still can't believe I'm having to write these words about you. Honestly, no words feel enough to express the pain of losing someone like you,' he wrote.
Vysakh credited the cinematographer as being instrumental to his growth as a filmmaker: 'Chetta, I wouldn't be the filmmaker I am today if it weren't for you. You were never just someone I worked with. You were my brother, my biggest strength, my constant support and I will forever be grateful for everything you did for me, Chetta.' He signed off saying, 'This isn't goodbye, brother. You will always live on in my heart.'
A Career Spanning Over 50 Films
Shaji Kumar began his career in Malayalam cinema with 'Uthaman', featuring actor Jayaram in the lead, and went on to work on more than 50 films over the course of his career. His filmography includes blockbusters such as 'Pulimurugan', 'Ramaleela', 'Odiyan', 'Thudarum', and 'Pathonpatham Noottandu'. His work was widely recognised for its visual richness and storytelling power.
At the time of his death, Shaji Kumar had completed or was actively working on two of the most anticipated Malayalam releases of the year — director Tharun Moorthy's 'Athimanoharam', featuring Mohanlal, and director Mathews Thomas's 'Ottakomban', featuring Suresh Gopi.
Circumstances of His Death
According to reports, Shaji Kumar collapsed on the film set in Alappuzha a couple of days before his death. He was initially treated on-site and subsequently shifted to a private hospital in Kochi, where his condition reportedly showed brief improvement before deteriorating. He passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of landmark films and an industry that is still coming to terms with the loss.
Tributes from across the Malayalam film fraternity continue to pour in, as the industry mourns one of its most talented and beloved craftsmen.
Point of View
Collaborative culture of the industry. Mainstream coverage will focus on the condolences; the deeper story is how Malayalam cinema replaces singular craft voices at a time when the industry is in the middle of a commercial resurgence.
NationPress
10 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shaji Kumar and why is he significant?
Shaji Kumar was a veteran Malayalam cinematographer with a career spanning more than 50 films, including blockbusters like 'Pulimurugan', 'Ramaleela', and 'Odiyan'. He was widely regarded as one of the foremost visual craftsmen in Indian regional cinema.
How did Shaji Kumar die?
Shaji Kumar passed away on 10 November 2025 at a private hospital in Kochi at the age of 57. According to reports, he had collapsed on a film set in Alappuzha a couple of days before his death; his condition briefly improved in hospital before deteriorating fatally.
What was Shaji Kumar working on at the time of his death?
At the time of his passing, Shaji Kumar was reportedly working on a film featuring actor Dileep. He had also recently completed cinematography for 'Athimanoharam', starring Mohanlal, and 'Ottakomban', starring Suresh Gopi — two of the most anticipated Malayalam releases of the year.
What did actor Siju Wilson say about Shaji Kumar?
Siju Wilson, who worked with Shaji Kumar on 'Pathonpathaam Noottandu', described him as 'one of the most genuine, warm, and pure-hearted souls' in the industry. He called the cinematographer 'a true master of his craft and, above all, an exceptional human being'.
How did director Vysakh react to Shaji Kumar's passing?
Director Vysakh posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, saying he 'wouldn't be the filmmaker I am today' without Shaji Kumar. He described the cinematographer as 'my brother, my biggest strength, my constant support' and expressed profound personal grief at the loss.
