Kochi: Naranipuzha Shanavas, a noted Malayalam film director, died at a private hospital last night following brief illness. He was 37.  According to sources, he suffered a heart attack on Dec.21 on the sets of his upcoming film Gandhirajan.

 He was admitted to KG Hospital in Coimbatore where he went into cardiogenic shock and was declared brain dead. Later, he was shifted to a hospital in Kochi where he breathed his last. Last rites will take place in Kochi today.

Naranipuzha Shanavas’ death has shocked the entire film industry. His last film was Sufiyum Sujatayum starring Aditi Rao Hydari, Jayasurya and Dev Mohan in the lead roles.

 “Malayalam cinema has lost a promising filmmaker,” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, condoling the death.