‘Pulimurugan’ and ‘Thudarum’ cinematographer Shaji Kumar dies at 57

Indian cinematographer Shaji Kumar, known for his work in Malayalam cinema, including the Mohanlal blockbusters Pulimurugan, Thudarum and Naran, has died at the age of 57.

Kumar’s cause of death wasn’t known immediately.

Kumar, according to Onmanorama, was staying at a hotel in Alappuzha, in the south Indian state of Keralam, while working for an upcoming movie starring Dileep, when he experienced physical discomfort on Saturday night.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital and on Monday night, shifted to the intensive care unit of the Ernakulam Medical Trust Hospital, where his condition improved. He even made calls to some of his friends, according to the news portal.

However, his condition deteriorated subsequently resulting in his death.

Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan was among those leading the tributes to Kumar.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of renowned cinematographer Shaji Kumar,” he wrote in a post on his official X handle. “Through his exceptional lens, he brought visual magic to blockbusters like Thudarum, Pulimurugan and Naran. His sudden demise is a great loss to the Malayalam film industry. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.”