Director Naranipuzha Shanavas passes away: Celebs express grief

Malayalam filmmaker and scenarist Naranipuzha Shanavas passed away yesterday in a private hospital in Kochi after losing a battle with illness. He was 40. Shanavas suffered from a massive heart attack on Sunday, while he was shooting for his upcoming film ‘Gandhirajan’.
Shanavas was under treatment in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Coimbatore.The hospital authorities shared that the filmmaker was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening and he was in a state of cardiogenic shock, which stops the heart from pumping blood. His kidney and brain functions were affected and hence they put him on renal replacement therapy. Although following the therapy his kidney began recovering, his brain functions didn’t recover and the doctors declared him brain-dead on Wednesday morning. Shanavas’ family and friends later shifted him to a private hospital in Kochi, in a ventilator supported ambulance for a second opinion. Despite all the prayers and hopes, Naranipuzha Shanavas lost his life yesterday evening.
Actor-producer Vijay Babu who has been updating about Shanavas’ health has shared the news of demise. “He left... Leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a lot of stories you told me. Our Sufi... We tried our best for u shaanu … love u lots,” Vijay Babu penned. Vijay Babu had produced Naranipuzha Shanavas’ latest film ‘Sufiyum Sujathayum’, which was an OTT release.

Jayasurya and Aditi Rao Hydari who played the lead characters in ‘Sufiyum Sujathayum’ are saddened by the demise of their dear friend and filmmaker Shanavas.
“As kind and sensitive as his stories… Rest in Peace Shanavas sir. I hope your Sufi soul finds a place as beautiful as the one you created for us in Sufiyum Sujathayum. Gone too soon. My Prayers and condolences to the family 🏻 #RIPShanawazNaranipuzha,” Aditi Rao Hydari said mourning the demise of the filmmaker.

Naranipuzha Shanavas was known for making socially relevant films and his debut film 'Karie' (Black), was based on the ritual of Karinkaliyattam and the caste system. His last outing ‘Sufiyum Sujathayum’ too spoke about an interfaith love story and how the prejudices of either party’s families stop them from getting together.