Renowned cinematographer Shaji Kumar, known for his work in Pulimurugan and Thudarum, passed away at 57 in Kochi. With over 50 films to his credit, Kumar's contributions to Malayalam cinema spanned decades, earning him acclaim for his mastery of lighting and framing. He collapsed while recovering from illness during a film shoot, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic excellence.
Shaji Kumar, the cinematographer behind the Mohanlal films Pulimurugan (2016), the first Malayalam film to cross the ₹100 crore mark, and Thudarum (2025), died at a private hospital in Kochi early Tuesday, November 10. He was 57.
Kumar had been admitted two days earlier after feeling unwell during the shoot of a film starring Dileep in Alappuzha. The cinematographer had expressed feeling physical discomfort while in his hotel room on Saturday night and was taken to a local hospital after informing the film's director, Ullas Krishna.
He was first treated at the hospital before being shifted to Kochi for advanced care. While his condition reportedly improved, allowing him to speak normally again, his health deteriorated again on Saturday night.
Kumar was a disciple of veteran cinematographer Vipin Mohan and made his debut as a cinematographer in 2001 with the Malayalam film Uthaman. Over more than two decades, he shot more than 50 films and worked with directors such as Joshiy, Shaji Kailas, V.M. Vinu, M. Padmakumar and Vysakh, as well as newer filmmakers including Tharun Moorthy.
He worked on numerous titles, including Naran, Odiyan, Madhura Raja, Pokkiri Raja, Nasrani, Baba Kalyani, Vellinakshatram, Athbhutha Dweepu, Robin Hood, Mallu Singh, Ring Master, Pathonpatham Noottandu and Bandra. Several of these were large-scale commercial entertainers that built Kumar’s reputation in the mass-film space.
Kumar was also working as the cinematographer for Mohanlal’s upcoming title Athimanoharam, directed by Tharun Moorthy, and Suresh Gopi’s Ottakkomban.