Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Nov 10: Veteran Malayalam cinematographer Shaji Kumar, whose camera work featured in several major commercial successes, including Pulimurugan, Thudarum and Odiyan, died at a private hospital in Kochi in the early hours of Tuesday. He was 57.
Shaji, who had worked on more than 50 films during a career spanning over two decades, suffered a medical emergency while shooting for Dileep's upcoming film Henok in Alappuzha on Sunday.
According to reports, he was initially admitted to a hospital in Alappuzha before being shifted to a private hospital in Kochi. Although his condition reportedly improved and he was moved out of the intensive care unit, he collapsed while walking towards the washroom. He died around 12.36 am on Tuesday following cardiac failure, hospital authorities said.
Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Shaji had been residing in Perumbavoor for several years. He is survived by his wife, Smitha, and sons Aryan and Sooryan.
Shaji made his debut as a cinematographer with the 2001 Malayalam film Uthaman. Over the years, he established himself as a prominent technician in mainstream Malayalam cinema, working across genres and collaborating with filmmakers such as Shaji Kailas, Joshiy, Vinayan and Vysakh.
His filmography includes popular films such as Naran, Nasrani, Pokkiri Raja, Madhura Raja, Ramaleela, Odiyan, Pathonpatham Noottandu and Thudarum.
His work in Vysakh's Pulimurugan, starring Mohanlal, remains one of the significant milestones of his career. Released in 2016, the action entertainer became the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 100-crore mark at the worldwide box office. Shaji's cinematography helped bring the film's action sequences and expansive jungle setting to life.
His association with Mohanlal extended to several other films, including Baba Kalyani, Red Chillies, Mahha Samudram, Ittymaani: Made in China and Odiyan. He was also part of Thudarum, the successful collaboration between Mohanlal and filmmaker Tharun Moorthy.
Although Malayalam cinema remained his primary area of work, Shaji also contributed to Tamil films. He collaborated with actor Prashanth on Ponnar Shankar, Mambattiyan and Saahasam. Another notable project was The King & the Commissioner, featuring Mammootty and Suresh Gopi.
Among his final assignments was Athimanoharam, which reunited him with Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy following the success of Thudarum. The police procedural drama is scheduled for a Christmas release on December 24. He was also associated with Suresh Gopi's upcoming film Ottakkomban.
Following news of his demise, several members of the Malayalam film fraternity expressed grief, with actors Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi paying emotional tributes to the cinematographer.
Mohanlal, who shared a long professional association with Shaji, recalled their collaborations, from Joshiy's Naran to their final project together, Athimanoharam.
"Shaji was with me in films such as Naran, Pulimurugan, Odiyan and Thudarum, right up to our last collaboration, Athimanoharam," the actor wrote on social media.
Remembering Shaji's ability to capture performances, Mohanlal described him as an exceptional talent who could portray emotional expressions with remarkable depth. He also recalled the affection and friendship they shared, expressing sorrow over the loss of a longtime colleague and friend.
Suresh Gopi also remembered Shaji's understanding of visual storytelling and his contribution to the emotional depth of films.
"Standing behind the camera, Shaji did not merely capture images; he captured the soul of every story and the strength and emotions of every character," the actor wrote.
Recalling their association with Ottakkomban, Suresh Gopi said Shaji's visualisation was central to the film and that his cinematographic excellence formed its backbone.
"Even after an artist passes away, every frame they have captured will continue to tell future generations that their art never dies," he added.
Shaji Kumar's death marks the loss of a cinematographer whose work helped shape several memorable films in contemporary Malayalam cinema. From the commercial spectacle of Pulimurugan to the success of Thudarum, his visual contribution left a lasting mark on the industry.