Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas was found dead in a hotel room in Chottanikkara, Kerala, on Friday, August 1, 2025. He was 51 years old. Navas was staying at the hotel while filming for the upcoming movie "Prakambanam" and was scheduled to check out on Friday. A hotel staff member found him unresponsive while confirming his departure.
According to reports, the actor was discovered in his room on Friday evening. While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, initial reports suggest a suspected heart attack. Police have stated that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Inquest proceedings have begun to determine the exact cause, and an autopsy is scheduled for Saturday. His body is currently being held at a private hospital in Chottanikkara and will be handed over to his family after the autopsy.
Kalabhavan Navas rose to fame through the iconic Kalabhavan troupe and was widely recognized for his mimicry and comedic talent. He often performed on stage alongside his brother, Niaz Bakkar, who is also an artist. Navas made his film debut in 1995 with "Chaithanyam". Throughout his career, he played comic roles in numerous movies, including "Mattupetti Machan," "Junior Mandrake," and "Amma Ammayi Amma". He also appeared in television shows and stage events.
Navas, born in 1974 in Wadakkanchery, Kerala, was introduced to films by director Balu Kiriyath in the movie "Mimics Action 500" (1995) along with 38 other mimicry artists. He is known for his roles in films such as "Hitler Brothers" (1997), "Junior Mandrake" (1997), "Mattupetti Machan" (1998), "Chandamama" (1999) and "Thillana Thillana" (2003).
Navas's late father, Aboobacker, was also an actor and a renowned theatre artist, known for his roles in films like "Keli" (1991) and "Vatsalyam" (1993). He is survived by his wife, Rehana Navas, whom he married in 2002, and their three children: Naharin, Rihan, and Ridwan.
The news of his sudden demise has shocked the Malayalam film industry. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences.
