The world of Malayalam cinema and comedy has been plunged into mourning following the sudden demise of Kalabhavan Navas, a beloved actor and mimicry artist. He was 51. Navas was found dead in a hotel room in Chottanikkara on Friday evening, where he was staying for the shooting of the film "Prakambanam". Initial reports suggest that he may have died of a cardiac arrest.

Navas began his career as a mimicry artist, quickly gaining recognition for his talent and unique style. He entered the film industry in 1995 with "Chaithanyam" and went on to act in numerous popular Malayalam films, showcasing his versatility and comedic timing. Some of his notable films include "Hitler Brothers", "Junior Mandrake", "Mattupetti Machan", "Chandamama," "Thillana Thillana," "Mimics Action 500," and "One Man Show". After a brief hiatus, he made a comeback in 2019 with "Driving Licence". Most recently, he appeared in "Detective Ujjwalan," released this year.

Beyond his acting career, Navas was known for his stage shows and his ability to capture the hearts of audiences through his comedic imitations. According to Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Navas brought new dimensions to the art of mimicry and upheld progressive and democratic values.

The news of his death has been met with widespread grief and condolences from colleagues, fans, and prominent figures. Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his condolences on social media, and Navas's "Detective Ujjwalan" co-star, Rony David Raj, also shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

Navas's body is currently being held at SD Tata Hospital in Chottanikkara. A post-mortem examination will be conducted at Kalamassery's Government Medical College Hospital to determine the exact cause of death, after which his body will be handed over to his family. He is survived by his wife and three children.