Manobala, a renowned South Asian comedian, director, and producer, passed away today in Chennai. He was 69. He had pancreatic problems, according to sources close to him, and was receiving treatment. Manobala had a reputation for producing quality Tamil films.
Social media has been flooded with condolence messages following his death. “I am saddened by the death of popular director, actor, and my friend Manobala,” the superstar Rajinikanth wrote in a tweet. My sympathies go out to his family. May he rest in peace, his soul.
Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, with whom Manobala got his start, said, “My student Manobala’s death is an irrepairable loss for me and the Tamil film industry.
Veteran actor and a close friend of Manobala, Kamal Haasan paid tribute to him. He tweeted, “The news of the passing away of a good friend who was a director, actor and producer, Manobala is a great sadness. His primary identity was that of an enthusiast of cinema. My condolences to his bereaved family, friends and fans.”
Manobala entertained audiences with his unique voice and sense of humour. Beginning his career as an assistant to renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja, Manobala acted in around 700 films, directed around 40 films and has produced a few films as well. His memorable films include Sethu, Pithamagan, Oorkavalan, Kaatrin Mozhi and Chakra.