Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has mourned the death of cinematographer Shaji Kumar, remembering their long-standing professional association and the friendship they shared over the years. The actor recalled working with Shaji from Joshiy's ‘Naran’ to their last collaboration, the upcoming film ‘Athimanoharam’.

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Taking to Facebook, Mohanlal described Shaji's demise as deeply saddening and paid tribute to his contribution to cinematography.

"Our dear Shaji Kumar has bid us farewell. His passing is deeply saddening. Shaji, who had made a distinct mark in the art of cinematography, has left us far too soon," the actor wrote.

Recalling their collaborations, Mohanlal said Shaji had been part of several important films in his career, including ‘Naran’, ‘Pulimurugan’, ‘Odiyan’ and ‘Thudarum’. Their association continued until ‘Athimanoharam’, which marks their final collaboration.

 

"Shaji was with me in films such as ‘Naran’, ‘Pulimurugan’, ‘Odiyan’ and ‘Thudarum’, right up to our last collaboration, ‘Athimanoharam’," he added.

The actor also remembered Shaji's ability to capture emotions through his camera, describing him as an exceptional talent.

ALSO READ: Renowned cinematographer Shaji Kumar dies; Mohanlal-starrer Athimanoharam among final films

"Shaji was an exceptional talent who could capture emotional expressions with remarkable depth. We always shared affection and friendship. My heartfelt tributes, with deep sorrow," Mohanlal wrote.

Shaji first collaborated with Mohanlal in the 2005 film ‘Naran’, directed by Joshiy. Their association went on to include films such as ‘Maha Samudram’, ‘Baba Kalyani’, ‘Red Chillies’, ‘Pulimurugan’, ‘Odiyan’ and ‘Ittymaani: Made in China’. ‘Pulimurugan’, directed by Vysakh, became the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 100-crore mark at the box office.

Their final collaboration, ‘Athimanoharam’, is directed by Tharun Moorthy, who also helmed Mohanlal's ‘Thudarum’. The film is scheduled to release on December 24.

 

Shaji Kumar, who worked on more than 50 films, died at a private hospital in Kochi on Tuesday. He was 57. He had suffered a medical emergency while shooting for Dileep's upcoming film ‘Henok’ in Alappuzha on Sunday and was later shifted to Kochi for treatment.

Actor Suresh Gopi also paid tribute to the cinematographer, remembering his work on the upcoming film ‘Ottakomban’. Describing Shaji's visualisation as integral to the project, he wrote, "Standing behind the camera, Shaji did not merely capture images; he captured the soul of every story and the strength and emotions of every character." Suresh Gopi added that every frame captured by the cinematographer would continue to speak to future generations, saying, "Even after an artist passes away, every frame they have captured will continue to tell future generations that their art never dies."