The shocking news has come that veteran actor-director Manobala passed away a little while ago today (May 3rd). He was 69 and is survived by his wife children and grandchildren. Sources close to the family have confirmed that he was undergoing treatment for the past ten days for a liver related ailment.

Manobala's mortal remains will be kept at his residence in L.V. Prasad road in Saligramam Chennai and the last rites details will be revealed later. The affable comedy actor started his career as an assistant to Bharathiraja in 'Puthiya Vaarpugal' starring K. Bhagyaraj released in 1979.

Manobala debuted as director in the 1980 film 'Aagaya Gangai' and later helmed around 23 films including Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Oorkavalan', Mohan's 'Pillai Nila', Vijayakanth's 'En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan' and Sathyaraj's 'Mallu Vetti Minor' among others. He has produced three films including 'Sathuranga Vettai' and the upcoming sequel to the film starring Trisha and Arvind Swamy.

Manobala has acted in over hundred films and was one of the most favorite comedians who collaborated with the likes of the late Vivek, Vadivelu, Santhanam, Soori and Yogi Babu. We join the film industry in expressing our condolences to the family of Manobala whose contributions to Tamil cinema will forever be remembered. RIP!