Popular Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar passed away

Cinematographer Shaji Kumar | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Noted cinematographer Shaji Kumar, who had shot the camera for several popular films including Thudarum and Pulimurugan, passed away in Kochi on Tuesday (November 10, 2026) early morning. He was 57.

According to private hospitals in Kochi, the death occurred at around 12.36 pm following heart failure.

Representatives of the director’s union Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) said that he was experiencing unrest at his place of residence in Alappuzha after returning from the location of the shooting of a new film with actor Dileep on Saturday evening (November 7, 2026). He was taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Kochi. His condition worsened around Monday night (November 9, 2026).

The native of Thiruvananthapuram has been staying at Perumbavoor in Ernakulam for quite some time now. He is survived by his wife Smitha and children, Aryan and Sooryan, said.

Massive action scenes

A favorite among filmmakers for his excellence in capturing mass action scenes, he has worked in nearly 50 films in a career spanning over two decades. He collaborated with leading film directors.

Smooth action sequences in films like Pulimurugan, Naran, Odiyan to name a few have won him appreciation from film buffs. He was a highly sought-after technician among the older and newer groups of filmmakers for his discipline and quick execution of even challenging scenes.

2025 was a special year for him after he collaborated with director Tharun Moorthy in Thudarum wove magic on screen and at the box office. The blockbuster movie once again raised his chart and the young filmmaker had no choice but to team up with Mr Kumar again in his latest venture Athimanoharam starring actor Mohanlal. He was behind the camera of the upcoming film Ottakomban, where actor Suresh Gopi played the lead role.

Popular movies

His popular films included Uthaman (2001), Valkannadi, Pakalpooram (2002), Ammakilikoodu, Pattanathil Sundaran (2003), Sathyam, Vesham (2004), Athbhuthadweep (2005), Mahasamudhram (2006), Nasrani (2009) Pokkira (200) (2010), Seniors, Ponnar Shankar (2011), King and Commissioner, Mallu Singh (2012), Ramaleela (2017), Madhura Raja (2019), Pathonpatham Nootandu (2022), Once Upon a Time in Kochi (2024).

Chief Minister VD Satheesan condoled the death of the cameraman. “Shaji Kumar has been able to work with veteran and new directors of Malayalam cinema equally. He has been able to enhance his creative prowess by infusing technological advancements into his craft,” he said.

Published – 10 Nov 2026 08:45 IST