Actor-director Manobala no more

Chennai: Well-known Tamil actor-director Manobala died here on Wednesday following illness, film industry sources said.

Various film personalities, including superstar Rajinikanth condoled his death.

Manobala (69) started off his career as a director, making movies with top stars including Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth and Sathyaraj.

He had of late ventured into acting, largely confining himself to comic roles and featured in a number of movies with top actors including Vijay and Dhanush. He has also produced a couple of films.

In a tweet, Rajinikanth expressed grief over the death of his "dear friend" and extended his sympathies with the family of the deceased.

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

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 3, 2023

"Shocking & it's unbelievable such a sweet person & a good friend #Manobala sir passed away.

Heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace," film producer Dr Dhananjayan said in a tweet.