Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi have mourned the death of cinematographer Shaji Kumar, remembering their long-standing associations with him and his contribution to Malayalam cinema. Shaji, who worked on more than 50 films, died at a private hospital in Kochi on Tuesday. He was 57.

Mohanlal, who collaborated with Shaji on several films over the years, took to social media to express his grief. Recalling their association from Joshiy’s Naran to the upcoming Athimanoharam, the actor wrote, "Shaji was with me in films such as Naran, Pulimurugan, Odiyan and Thudarum, right up to our last collaboration, Athimanoharam."

Describing the cinematographer's ability to capture emotions, Mohanlal added, "Shaji was an exceptional talent who could capture emotional expressions with remarkable depth. We always shared affection and friendship." The actor also expressed his sorrow over the untimely loss, remembering Shaji's distinctive contribution to cinematography.

Shaji first collaborated with Mohanlal in the 2005 film Naran, which is particularly remembered for its challenging river sequences featuring the actor. Their association continued with films such as Mahha Samudram, Baba Kalyani, Red Chillies, Pulimurugan, Odiyan, Ittymaani: Made in China and Thudarum. Pulimurugan, directed by Vysakh, went on to become the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 100-crore mark at the box office. Athimanoharam, helmed by Thudarum filmmaker Tharun Moorthy, marks their final collaboration and is scheduled to release on December 24.

Suresh Gopi, meanwhile, remembered Shaji as a cinematographer who brought more than just visual appeal to the films he worked on. "Standing behind the camera, Shaji did not merely capture images; he captured the soul of every story and the strength and emotions of every character," the actor wrote.

Reflecting on their upcoming film Ottakomban, Suresh Gopi said Shaji's visualisation was integral to the project. "When I think of Ottakomban, the first thing that comes to mind is Shaji's beautiful visualisation. His visual imagination and cinematographic excellence form the backbone of the film. His camera could convey a character's strength and the scale of a story to the audience," he added.

The Commissioner actor further wrote, "Even after an artist passes away, every frame they have captured will continue to tell future generations that their art never dies." Describing the loss as deeply personal, he added that the industry had lost not just an accomplished cinematographer but also a dear colleague who was passionate about cinema and deeply committed to his work.

Shaji's association with Suresh Gopi also included The King & the Commissioner, which featured Mammootty alongside the actor-politician.

Shaji suffered a medical emergency while shooting for the upcoming Dileep-starrer Henok in Alappuzha on Sunday. He received initial treatment there before being shifted to a hospital in Kochi. Although his condition reportedly improved enough for him to be moved out of intensive care, he collapsed while walking to the washroom and died early on Tuesday.