Malayalam actor Akhil Vishwanath, known for his role in the critically acclaimed film "Chola," has died by suicide at the age of 30. The actor was found dead at his residence on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry and his hometown.
Vishwanath's mother, Geetha, reportedly discovered him hanging inside their house while preparing to leave for work. He had been working as a mechanic at a mobile phone shop in Kottali but had stopped attending work recently. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Akhil Vishwanath began his career in cinema as a child artist. He won the State Government Award for Best Child Artist for his role in the telefilm "Mangandi," in which he acted alongside his brother Arun; both brothers received the award in the same year. He rose to wider prominence with his performance in "Chola," directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, which won the Kerala State Film Award in 2019. The film was also selected for the Venice Film Festival, which he attended with the director and co-stars Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan. He also appeared in films including 'Operation Java'.
The Malayalam film fraternity has expressed deep sorrow over Vishwanath's death. Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan shared a message on Facebook, recalling that Akhil "came into cinema from a life filled with severe hardships". He added that "a single movie like Chola was enough for him to firmly establish himself as an actor in Malayalam cinema" but that circumstances limited the opportunities that followed. Sasidharan also expressed his disbelief, noting that he understood Vishwanath was preparing for an upcoming OTT film role. Actor Joju George also paid tribute, saying, "Rest In Peace Akhil".
In recent months, Vishwanath had been facing personal challenges. Three months ago, his father, an autorickshaw driver, was seriously injured in a road accident and left bedridden. Vishwanath had to quit his job to care for his father. His mother works as a collection agent, and his brother does daily-wage jobs.
Hundreds of friends, neighbors, and well-wishers attended the funeral, paying tribute to the young actor.
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