Renowned Malayalam actor and mimicry artiste Kalabhavan Navas passed away unexpectedly on Friday night, sending shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. Leading actors Mammootty and Mohanlal expressed heartfelt condolences, remembering Navas for his ever-smiling presence and natural comedic flair.

Mohanlal, in a Facebook post accompanied by Navas’s photograph, wrote, "We have always known Navas as someone with a cheerful face. He portrayed characters filled with humour and natural charm in his films. Heartfelt tributes to a beloved brother who departed too soon."

Mammootty also took to Facebook with a message: “Tributes to Kalabhavan Navas.”

Navas was found dead in a hotel room in Chottanikkara around 8:30 p.m. on Friday. He had been staying there for the past few days for the shooting of the film Prakambanam. According to reports, he had returned to the hotel after the day’s shoot and informed the hotel that he would be checking out by 8 p.m. When he did not appear even after 8:30, hotel staff opened the room to find him unresponsive on the bed.

 

Following a post-mortem at Kalamassery Medical College, his body was taken to his home on Saturday noon. Public homage is being held at his residence from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by another viewing at Aluva Town Masjid until 5:00 p.m. The funeral is scheduled to take place at 5:15 p.m. after the final rites.

Kalabhavan Navas was widely loved for his contributions to Malayalam cinema and television, particularly for his mimicry performances and supporting roles.