Odia Film Director SK Muralidharan Passes Away in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Oct 5: Veteran Odia film director and choreographer S.K. Muralidharan, known for directing several popular Odia films, passed away in Bhubaneswar on Monday, informed Odisha Cine Artists' Association secretary Sritam Das.

Bhubaneswar: Odia film director S K Muralidharan died at a hotel in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Cine Artists Association secretary Sritam Das said. He is suspected to have suffered a heart attack. Muralidharan had directed several Odia films. #SKMuralidharan #OdiaCinema #OdiaDirector #Odisha (File Photo)

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According to sources, Muralidharan was staying at a hotel in the city when he complained of gastric discomfort and requested medicines, grapes and food. Shortly afterwards, he reportedly became unconscious.

His associates immediately rushed him to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

While the exact cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed, sources indicated that he may have suffered a cardiac arrest. His mortal remains have been kept at Capital Hospital, and further formalities are underway.

A familiar figure in the Odia film industry, Muralidharan began his career as a choreographer and went on to establish himself as a successful filmmaker. Over the years, he carved a distinct identity in Ollywood through a series of commercially successful films.
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Among the notable films directed by him were Chhati Chiri Dele Tu, Nei Jare Megha Mate, Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila, To Akhire Mu, Nua Nua Prema, and Mu Ashiq Mu Awara. Of these, Chhati Chiri Dele Tu, Nei Jare Megha Mate and Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila emerged as major box-office successes and remain popular among Odia cinema audiences.

His death has sent shockwaves across the Odia film fraternity, with actors, filmmakers, technicians and fans mourning the loss of a director who contributed significantly to the growth of regional cinema.

Details regarding his final rites were awaited at the time of filing this report.