Actor Manobala, who had many talents, died on Wednesday, upsetting both stars and lovers of Tamil cinema. The actor-director passed away at his Chennai home, where he was receiving treatment for liver-related conditions. The performer was 69.

Manobala initially received treatment at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai before being sent to his home in Saligramam. He had been ill for the previous fifteen days but ceased responding to therapy, passing away this afternoon.

Manobala was a well-known filmmaker in the 1980s and 1990s despite being most recognized for his humorous parts. Rajinikanth, Radhika, Suhasini, Prabhu, Sathyaraj, and Sivaji Ganesan are among the actors he has helmed. Some of his well-known films include Oorkavalan, Dhoorathu Pachai, and En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan.

Leading Tamil actors including Dhanush, Suriya, Vijay, Karthi, and Jaya Ravi have been onscreen alongside Manobala. The films Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Siruthai, and Nanban feature him the most prominently. Despite having only minor roles in films, Manobala had a significant influence and was incredibly well-liked.

Superstar Rajinikanth, who acted in the Manobala directorial Oorkavalan, took to Twitter to convey condolences for the death of his dear friend. He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my dear friend Manobhala, a famous director and actor. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”