The sudden passing away of veteran actor, director and producer Manobala caused great shock and grief amongst Tamil cinema celebrities and fans. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the film industry stalwarts Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth expressed their condolences on social media. Thalapathy Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Lokesh Kanagaraj and H. Vinoth were amongst those who paid their last respects to Manobala in person.

Usually it is the custom in Tamil Nadu to burn the clothes of the person who passed away. But it is reported that Manobala's wife Usha has donated Manobala's wardrobe to an orphanage to be used by the needy. Sources say that Usha only retained the watch that her husband wore and gave away all of his clothes and other gadgets that he used.

Manobala is known for lending a helping hand to several struggling actors and filmmakers. He was so friendly with everyone in the film industry that he was always called for to compromise anyone who has misunderstandings or mediate between two unions. The fact that even after his death he is helping someone in need has moved those close to him to tears.