Actor, Director, and Comedian of Tamil Cinema Manobala Passed Away!

The Tamil film industry has lost a veteran actor, comedian, director, and producer with the passing away of Manobala at a Chennai hospital on May 3, 2023. He was 69 years old.

Born in the year 1953, Manobala started his career in the Tamil film industry in the early 1970s. He began his journey as an assistant director under the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja for his 1979 film ‘Puthiya Vaarpugal’. Later, he directed over 40 films in Tamil cinema that include some big names like Sivaji Ganesan’s ‘Parambariyam’, Rajinikanth’s ‘Oorkavalan’, Sathyaraj’s ‘Malluvetti Minor’, Vijayakanth’s ‘En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan’, Mohan’s ‘Pagal Nilavu’ and Jayaram’s ‘Naina’.

Manobala has also produced several critically acclaimed films, including H. Vinoth’s ‘Sathuranga Vettai’ and the Keerthy Suresh-Bobby Simha starrer ‘Paambu Sattai’. He was highly respected for his filmmaking skills, which helped him carve a niche for himself in the industry.

While Manobala was highly regarded for his directing and producing abilities, it was his comic timing that endeared him to audiences of all ages. To the younger generation, Manobala was better known for his comedy roles in several hit films such as ‘Kalakalappu’, ‘Thamizh Padam 1 & 2’, ‘Aranmanai 2’, and others. He was a versatile actor who could easily switch between comedy and serious roles, and his performances were always highly appreciated by fans and critics alike.

Manobala’s last film as a Producer, ‘Sathuranga Vettai 2’, starring Arvind Swamy and Trisha, is complete, but its release has been delayed for several years due to various reasons.

The news of Manobala’s demise has come as a shock to his colleagues and fans in the industry. Several members of the Tamil film fraternity have expressed their condolences on social media, paying tribute to the veteran actor and director.

Manobala’s contributions to Tamil cinema will be remembered for years to come. He was a multifaceted artist who excelled in every role he took on, be it directing, producing, acting, or comedy. His loss is a huge loss to the Tamil film industry.