Malayalam filmmaker Joseph Manu James passes away at 31

Malayalam filmmaker Joseph Manu James passed away on Friday at the age of 31. A few days ago, Manu was taken to a private hospital in Aluva for some health issues and he was under the treatment for hepatitis. 

On Friday, he breathed his last while he was still under medical care. He died just days before the release of his directorial debut Nancy Rani. Joseph started his journey in the film industry as a child artist. He made his screen debut in 2004 with I am Curious directed, which was helmed by Sabu James. 

Joseph later pursued a career in filmmaking by assisting several directors. He worked in Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi film industries. And he was all set to make his dream directorial debut with Nancy Rani. Starring some of the prominent actors in Malayalam cinema, the film was getting ready to open in cinemas soon. The film stars Lal, Sreenivasan, Ahaana Krishna, Sunny Wayne, Aju Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, and Leena. 

"Gone too soon brother Prayers," wrote Aju Varghese on his Facebook page, while expressing condolences over Manu's untimely death. 

"Words can't express how saddened and devastated we are to hear the unexpected death of our dear Manu Manu.. Your Dream movie ‘Nancy Rani’ location memories and happy times we had together can never be replaced. Our hearts breaking for you…May your soul RIP My thoughts and prayers with grieving family n friends," read the condolence Facebook post by popular RJ Raina Sunil. 

Several other members of the film fraternity have also expressed their shock and condolence over the passing of Joseph. He's survived by his wife Naina. His funeral took place on Sunday at Major Arch Episcopal Martha Mariyam Archdeacon Pilgrimage Church, Kurilanga. The Malayalam film industry is still mourning the death of popular television anchor and actor Subi Suresh. Subi passed away earlier this week due to liver failure.