Malayalam Actor & Mimicry Star Kalabhavan Navas Dies at 51
Kochi, August 2, 2025 — Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas, aged 51, passed away on the evening of August 1 while staying in a hotel in Chottanikkara, Kochi. He had just wrapped up shooting for his upcoming film Prakambanam and was preparing to check out when hotel staff found him unconscious in his room.
Incident & Medical Response
Hotel staff alerted authorities after failing to reach Navas by phone and discovering him collapsed on the floor. He was rushed to SD Tata Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Preliminary reports suggest he suffered a cardiac arrest; no foul play was suspected, and nothing suspicious was found in the room. Autopsy results will confirm the exact cause of death and the body will be handed over to his family afterward.
Legacy & Career Highlights
Navas began his journey with the famed Kalabhavan mimicry troupe before transitioning to films in 1995 with Chaithanyam. He became a household favorite through comedic roles in Mimics Action 500, Junior Mandrake, Mattupetti Machan, My Dear Karadi, and Chandamama. Over the years, he also appeared on television and stage shows, serving as a judge on popular reality programs like Comedy Masters and Thakarppan Comedy. His last screen appearance was in Detective Ujjwalan (2025), and he had upcoming releases including Prakambanam and Tiki Taka.
Navas hailed from Wadakkanchery, Kerala, to a family rooted in theatre and cinema. His father Aboobacker was a respected stage actor; his brother Kalabhavan Niyas and wife Rehana are also associated with the industry. He is survived by his wife, three children, and a legacy of laughter and artistic contribution across Malayalam entertainment.
Industry Reactions & Condolences
The Malayalam film fraternity was quick to express grief. Colleagues like Dileep, Shaju Sreedhar, Ramesh Pisharody, and Kottayam Nazeer visited the hospital, describing the loss as deeply painful. Many shared heartfelt messages on social media:
“This is too cruel… cannot believe he’s gone,”
“He was like family to us,”
“May his family find strength in this grief”.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the passing, highlighting Navas’s contribution to mimicry, cinema, and his progressive, democratic ideals.
Summary
What happened: Kalabhavan Navas was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Chottanikkara, just after completing filming. He died despite immediate medical attention.
Cause of death: Suspected cardiac arrest; police are awaiting autopsy results. No signs of foul play.
Who was he: Versatile entertainer known for mimicry, comedic films, stage and TV shows.
Industry impact: Widely mourned by colleagues and political leaders; seen as a cherished figure in Malayalam entertainment.
His untimely passing leaves a void in the world of regional cinema and comedy—one that fans and peers will deeply feel.
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