Young Director Died Just After The Friday Release!

Article by Satya Published on: 11:44 pm, 17 October 2026

Malayalam director Belraj Kalarickal was found dead in a hotel room in Kochi, shocking the film industry. He was just 27 years old, and his untimely demise came shortly after his directorial debut, Kaapi Squad, began streaming on JioHotstar.

According to reports, the exact cause of his death has not been officially confirmed, although some reports suggest a possible heart attack. Belraj was one of the founding members of First Print Studios, the production house associated with projects such as Ottamuri Velicham and Kerala Crime Files.

Before becoming a director, he worked as an assistant on films including Nizhal, Madhuram and Dakini. Adding to the tragedy, Belraj had married Athira Bindu Sabu on September 11, 2026, after six years of being in a relationship.

His death has left friends, colleagues, and the Malayalam entertainment industry mourning the loss of a young filmmaker whose career was only beginning. With Kaapi Squad marking an important milestone in his journey, his sudden demise has left everyone in tears.