KOCHI: Director Naranipuzha Shanavas, who was in critical condition following a heart attack, passed away. Shanavas was shifted from a hospital in Coimbatore to Kochi for expert treatment. He was brought to Kochi around 9 pm on Wednesday. He died at 10.20 pm.

Shanavas is the director and screenwriter of the movie Sufiyum Sujathayum starring Jayasurya in the lead role. Shanavas, who was admitted to Coimbatore KG Hospital following a heart attack, was put on a ventilator. The director hails from Ponnani in Naranipuzha in Malappuram district.

Apart from being a director and screenwriter, Shanavas was also an excellent editor. In 2015, he directed the film Kari. The film received a lot of critical acclaim. It was screened at numerous film festivals and has won awards. Shanavas was busy with his new film.

Sufiyum Sujathayum was the first Malayalam film to be released on the OTT platform in the context of the ongoing pandemic situation. The film also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Kalaranjini, Dev Mohan and Siddique. The movie was produced by Vijay Babu under the banner of Friday Film House.