Actor and popular comedian Muthukalai's wife Malathi has passed away at the age of 47 after battling a prolonged illness that emerged after she underwent a surgery for brain hemorrhage.

The news comes a day after he sought the help of Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay for her advanced medical treatment. Vijay had minister Aadhav Arjuna to speak to the comedian and his family by phone and sent Minister Raj Mohan to the hospital to inquire about Malathi's health and instructed that she be given advanced medical treatment.

However, she passed away on Monday after the intense medical treatments provided failed to improve her condition. According to reports, she had been hospitalised for close to 20 days. In the video Muthukalai shared on Saturday, he said, "It’s been 17 days since she underwent the surgery. Although the surgery was successful, it caused complications in her lungs and other organs, making it difficult for her to breathe." 

Her mortal remains is being taken to her native place, Thirukothaiyapuram in Rajapalayam, for the final rites.

Muthukalai made his debut with Ponmanam (1998). He is well known for his appearances in the comedy tracks of Vadivelu and Vivekh in several hit movies. His comedic tracks alongside Vadivelu continues to surface on social media even today.

Muthukalai’s acting credits include Suyamvaram (1999), Pammal K. Sambandam (2002), Anbe Sivam (2003), Winner (2003), Pithamagan (2003), M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004), Mozhi (2007), Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Yuvan Yuvathi (2011), Pattathu Yaanai (2013), Pei Irukka Bayamen (2021), Chandramukhi 2 (2023). He was recently seen in the JioHotstar film Lucky The Superstar.