Manobala, an actor-filmmaker who started his career in the industry as an assistant director before going on to direct more than a dozen films, passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Chennai. According to his spokesperson, he was hospitalised ten days ago and receiving treatment for a condition related to the liver. He was 69 years old, and his wife and son survived him.

Social media has been flooded with condolence messages following his death. Rajinikanth, a superstar, tweeted "I am saddened by the death of popular director, actor and my friend Manobala. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace".

பிரபல இயக்குநரும், நடிகருமான, அருமை நண்பர் மனோபாலாவுடைய இறப்பு எனக்கு மிகவும் வேதனை அளிக்கிறது. அவருடைய குடும்பத்தினருக்கு என்னுடைய அனுதாபங்கள். அவரது ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும்.@manobalam

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 3, 2023

Manobala amused crowds with his distinctive voice and sense of humor. Manobala began his career as an assistant to legendary director Bharathiraja. He went on to perform in about 700 films, direct about 40 films, and produce a few. Sethu, Pithamagan, Oorkavalan, Kaatrin Mozhi, and Chakra are some of his well-known flicks.

He's been a working actor for the past 20 years. He had appeared in more than 200 movies and was most known for playing comical minor roles. His final on-screen appearance was in Ghosty, a Tamil horror comedy starring Kajal Aggarwal.

Producer G Dhananjayan also took to Twitter and wrote that he’s shocked to learn about Manobala’s death. He tweeted, “Shocking and it's unbelievable such a sweet person and a good friend Manobala sir passed away. Heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace .” Actor Gautham Karthik also tweeted, “Heartbreaking to hear that director/actor Manobala sir is no longer with us. Was a true pleasure to work with you sir! You will be surely missed! Condolences to family, friends and loved ones...”

Extremely shocked to hear this news. A man who can be everywhere and for everyone. Miss you Manobala sir. #RIP

— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) May 3, 2023

Manobala will be brought to his house in Chennai, close to Prasad Lab, so that visitors can pay their condolences.

Tamil producer SS Chakravarthy passed away on Saturday due to a protracted illness

Kedarnath: Registrations of pilgrims stopped till May 3 for THIS reason

EU representative for the Gulf region is a former Italian foreign minister