Malayalam Celebrities Who Died In 2025

Veteran playback singer P. Jayachandran passed away at the age of 80 on January 9, 2025. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Thrissur, marking the end of an illustrious musical journey that left a lasting imprint on Indian cinema and generations of music lovers. He was one of the most respected and soulful voices in South Indian playback singing, admired for his emotive depth, classical finesse, and timeless melodies. Apart from being a singer, P Jayachandran also acted in Malayalam movies like Nakhakshathangal and Trivandrum Lodge.

Malayalam film and television actor Vishnu Prasad passed away at the age of 49 on May 2, 2025, following complications related to liver ailments. A familiar and respected presence on both the big and small screens, he was known for his sincere performances and versatility across genres. Vishnu Prasad’s untimely demise has come as a shock to the Malayalam entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of an actor whose contributions to cinema and television left a lasting impression.

Film-maker and cinematographer Shaji N. Karun passed away at the age of 73 after a prolonged battle with cancer, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Indian parallel cinema. A pioneer of the Malayalam new wave of the 1970s, he was instrumental in shaping a cinema rooted in realism, artistic depth, and bold storytelling. Shaji first gained prominence as a cinematographer, collaborating closely with masters like G Aravindan and K G George, helping redefine the visual language of Malayalam cinema. He later emerged as a celebrated director, with films acclaimed internationally for their poetic visuals, philosophical layers, and deep humanism, inspiring generations of filmmakers and taking Malayalam cinema to global audiences.

Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas has passed away at the age of 51. He was found dead in a hotel room in Kochi on August 1, 2025, sending shockwaves through the Malayalam entertainment industry. The shocking reports of his sudden demise have left colleagues, friends, and fans deeply saddened, as many remember him for his vibrant screen presence, comic timing, and contributions to cinema, television, and stage performances.

Ravikumar Menon, a seasoned actor known for his contributions to Malayalam and Tamil films, passed away on April 4, 2025. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, he grew up in a cinema-oriented family, with producer KMK Menon as his father and actor Bharathi Menon as his mother. Over the years, he built a steady career marked by restrained and memorable roles. His last film outings were Aarattu and CBI 5: The Brain in 2022, bringing closure to a long and dedicated acting journey.

Actor Akhil Vishwanath, best known for his role in Chola, was found dead at his residence on December 14, 2025. The tragic incident occurred at his home, where he was discovered unresponsive in his bedroom. The shocking news has sent waves of grief across the film fraternity and among fans, with many remembering Akhil Vishwanath for his promising talent and screen presence. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and well-wishers, mourning the untimely loss of a young actor whose career had shown much potential.

The Malayalam film industry lost actor Shanavas on August 4, 2025. The son of cinema legend Prem Nazir, Shanavas began his acting journey with Premageethangal in 1981 and built a prolific career spanning 96 films. He was admired for his adaptability and memorable roles in films like Mouna Raagam and China Town. His rare on-screen collaborations with his father in television and cinema remain special highlights of his career, as he successfully forged his own path while honoring a rich legacy.

Popular Malayalam filmmaker Shafi, celebrated for shaping some of the most loved comedies in Malayalam cinema, passed away on January 25, 2025. He began his journey in films as an assistant director under noted filmmaker Rajasenan and made a strong debut as a director with One Man Show in 2001. Shafi went on to carve a distinctive space in the industry with his flair for humour and mass appeal. His successful collaborations with actor Dileep resulted in several blockbuster hits, most notably Kalyanaraman, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, and Two Countries. Together, these films cemented Shafi’s legacy as a filmmaker who consistently brought laughter and joy to audiences.