Debutant filmmaker Joseph Manu James passed away at a private hospital in Aluva in Kerala’s Ernakulam on February 25. His funeral took place in Ernakulam at 3 pm on February 26. He was only 31 years old. As per media reports, he was admitted after being diagnosed with pneumonia and died of hepatitis. He was about to make his directorial debut with Nancy Rani which is slated to release soon.
Manu James passed away at Rajagiri Hospital and was laid to rest at the Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Church, Kuravilangad on Sunday, February 26. His untimely and sudden demise left a deep void and sent shock waves in the Malayalam film industry. His directorial debut venture stars Ahaana Krishna, Aju Varghese, Sunny Wayne and Arjun Ashokan and is slated to release in a few days.
Ahaana condoled his demise and paid tribute on her Instagram Story. She wrote, “Rest in peace Manu! This shouldn't have happened to you!” Aju Varghese also paid tribute and wrote, “Gone too soon brother."
Manu James had made his debut in Malayalam films as a child actor in director Sabu James’ I Am Curious which released in 2004. He later worked as assistant and co-director in many films in Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi cinema. Yesteryear actors, including Sreenivasan, Lal, Lena and Indrans, were among the celebrities who paid tribute to Manu James.
(Source: Instagram)