Tamil actor-director-producer Manobala passes away

The ace comedian acted in over 300 films and directed over 40 movies besides TV serials.

ByManigandan KR

Published May 03, 2023 | 3:31 PMUpdatedAug 10, 2023 | 4:46 PM

Manobala tamil actor director

Well-known Tamil director, producer and actor Manobala passed away in Chennai today.  He was 69.

He had been keeping unwell for the last 10 days and was under treatment at his residence in Saligramam, Chennai. He is survived by his wife Usha and son Harish.

Sources close to the actor told South First that the actor passed away at 1 pm on Wednesday, 3 April. The time and place of the last rites would be announced shortly.

Manobala directed over 40 films, 16 television serials and three films for television. He also acted in over 300 movies in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

Actor manobala

Actor Manobala. (Twitter)

The ace comedian was known for his sense of humour, comic timing, and sharp retorts.

His performances in several films were well appreciated. Some of the movies that fetched him recognition include Pithamagan and those from the Aranmanai franchise.

Manobala debuted as a producer with the critically acclaimed superhit film Sathuranga Vettai (Chess Hunt, 2014) which won him SIIMA Award for best debut producer.

His next production venture Paambhu Sattai (Snake Skin, 2017) was a low-profile release. However, the release of Aravind Swami and Trisha-starrer Sathuranga Vettai 2 — a sequel to Sathuranga Vettai — has been delayed.

The news of Manobala’s death plunged the Tamil film industry into gloom. Several celebrities, including veteran director Bharathiraja, actors Rajinikanth and Silambarasan, expressed their condolences to his family.