Joseph Manu James, a debutant filmmaker took his last breath at a private hospital in Aluva, in the district of Ernakulam, Kerala on February 24. The 31-year-old was reportedly undergoing treatment for hepatitis.

The young filmmaker died just a few days before the release of his debut movie ‘Nancy Rani.’

Joseph Manu James

Taking notes from Manu’s film journey, he began his career as an actor when he was a kid in the 2004 Sabu James film I Am Curious. Later, in the Malayalam and Kannada cinema industries, among others, he skyrocketed in his career and became an assistant director.

On February 26, a church in Kuravilangad, Kottayam, hosted his last rites. Joseph’s wife’s name is Manu Naina. The Kuravilangad couple James Joseph and Cicily James was the parents of Manu.

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Movie stars extend condolences

The movie, which was in the post-production stage, also features senior actors like Ahana Krishnakumar, Arjun Ashokan, Aju Varghese, Sreenivasan, Indrans, Sunny Wayne, Lene, Lal and others. Offering his condolences, Aju shared a photo of Joseph on his Instagram and wrote, “Gone too soon brother.”

Ahaana Krishna and Arjun Ashokan starred in Manu’s first movie, Nancy Rani, which was scheduled to arrive in theatres soon. Ahaana wrote on an Instagram story, “Rest in peace Manu! This shouldn’t have happened to you!”