The multi-faceted film personality, Manobala, who had been moonlighting the Tamil film industry as a journalist, director, producer and an actor over many years, died in Chennai on Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 69, and is survived by his wife and son.
While today, he is known mostly for sharing screen space with senior and young stars in comic roles, Mr. Manobala started his career in cinema as a director. He had directed 24 films and worked with some of the biggest stars of the 80s and the 90s, such as Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj, Rajinikanth, Vijayakant, Prabhu, Karthik and Ramki. He made his debut in 1982 with Aagaaya Gangai, starring Karthik and Suhasini. Some of his best-known films are Oor Kavalan (1987), featuring Rajinikanth; Sivaji Ganesan-starrer Paramparyam; Vijayakant’s hit film En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan; Mallu Vetti Minor, starring Sathyaraj; and Pillai Nila, starring Mohan. In 1999, he directed the telefilm Siragugal, featuring Radikaa Sarathkumar, which was widely appreciated.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Mr. Manobala said that he, along with K. Balachander, monopolised the ‘serial’ business, and that he was involved in creating such content during the early days of the proliferation of serials on private television channels.
In his later years, he worked mainly as a supporting actor. He featured in over 300 films, in a career spanning five decades. Recently, Mr. Manobala’s performances in films like Kalakalappu, the Thamizh Padam franchise and the Aranmanai franchise were notable. His other memorable performances came in films like Thuppaki, Siruthai, Chandramukhi, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, and Pithamagan. Mr. Manobala is particularly known for his collaboration with the late actor-comedian, Vivekh.
He also dabbled successfully in film production – his first film as a producer, Sathuranga Vettai, received critical acclaim and introduced H. Vinoth, who is now one of the most sought-after directors. Sathuranga Vettai 2, starring Arvind Swamy, is yet to release due to financial issues. More recently, Mr. Manobala started a YouTube channel named ‘Waste Paper’, in which he interviewed directors and actors – both past and present, young and old – and gently prodded them to speak in detail about their lives, struggles and the road they travelled to reach where they are.
Following the announcement of his death, Mr. Sathyaraj, Mr. Vijayakant, actors Vijay, Suhasini, Bhagyaraj, Siddharth and Sivakumar, music composer Ilaiyaraaja, filmmaker Mani Ratnam, cinematographer P.C. Sreeram and many others expressed their condolences and paid their respects.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my dear friend Manobala. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr. Rajinikanth said.
Actor Kamal Haasan, who is said to have introduced Mr. Manobala to director Bharathiraaja, under whom he later worked as an assistant director, said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of a good friend, a director, actor and producer Manobala. His primary identity was that of an enthusiast of cinema. My condolences to his bereaved family, friends and fans.”
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said, “He wasn’t just a director, but was also a good comedian and an artist who played many good roles. His death is an irreparable loss to the Tamil film industry. I remember how he appreciated the photo exhibition that was organised for my birthday. I offer my condolences to his bereaved family, film industry, fans and friends.”
Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami said, “He made many people laugh by playing comic roles, and was also a pleasant person. He was loyal to the AIADMK. He was the star speaker of the party, who spoke about its policies in a manner which people could easily understand. He was a good worker of the AIADMK. His work during elections was notable. I offer my condolences to his family.”
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief K.S. Alagiri, AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran and former AIADMK interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala also offered their condolences.
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