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. Initial reports suggest the cause of death was a heart attack.
Navas was in Chottanikkara for the shooting of his upcoming film, "Prakambanam". He had returned to his hotel room after completing the day's shoot. According to reports, the actor was planning to check out of the hotel after wrapping up the film shoot. When he didn't come out of his room for a long time, the hotel staff checked and found him unresponsive. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, doctors declared him dead.
Police have stated that no suspicious circumstances were found surrounding his death. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Kalabhavan Navas began his career as a mimicry artist and rose to fame with the Kalabhavan troupe. Along with his brother Niyas Bakr, he established a mimicry troupe called Cochin Arts. He entered the Malayalam film industry through the film "Chaithanyam" in 1995. Navas was known for his roles in films like "Mattupetti Machan", "Junior Mandrake", "Thillana Thillana", "My Dear Karadi", and "Ishtamanu Nooruvattam". He was last seen in the film "Detective Ujjwalan".
Navas was also a singer and was known for his frequent stage appearances with his brother, Niaz Bakkar.
Navas is survived by his wife Rehana and his brother. Rehana has acted in a few films and television serials. They have three children: Naharin, Rihan, and Ridwan. Their daughter, Naharin, made her acting debut in the film "Confessions of a Cuckoo" (2021).
The news of Kalabhavan Navas's sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences, acknowledging Navas's popularity as a stage comedian and actor.