Belraj Kalarikkal, Young Director of ‘Kappi Squad’, Reportedly Dies at 27 in Kochi; Cause Not Confirmed
Malayalam director Belraj Kalarikkal, who made the series Kappi Squad, has reportedly died at 27 in Kochi. The cause is not confirmed. Read the tributes.
Malayalam director Belraj Kalarikkal has reportedly died at the age of 27. According to the report, his body was found in a hotel room in Kochi on Saturday, October 17. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed. Some reports suggest he may have had a heart attack, but this has not been verified. The news has shaken the Malayalam film industry.
His Latest Work
View this post on InstagramKalarikkal had recently directed “Kappi Squad,” a Malayalam slice-of-life series about young friendships, which began streaming on JioHotstar on October 15. It is produced by Rahul Riji Nair of First Print Studios.
Tributes
JioHotstar paid tribute on its official Instagram handle, writing, “Some farewells come too soon.” It added that the series is streaming on the platform.
Rahul Riji Nair, a filmmaker and actor, wrote that he and his team shared the news “with heavy hearts and deep sorrow.” He called Kalarikkal their “dear brother and mentor” and one of the founding members of First Print Studios. He described him as a visionary filmmaker and the lifeblood of the creative team, whose dedication and passion shaped their work and personalities. Without him, he wrote, the studio will always feel incomplete.
Career and Background
First Print Studios has been associated with award-winning films such as “Ottamuri Velicham” and web series such as “Kerala Crime Files.” Before directing, Kalarikkal assisted on films including “Nizhal,” “Madhuram” and “Dakini,” gaining experience in several stages of filmmaking.
A New Chapter
According to the report, Kalarikkal married Athira Bindu Sabu on September 11, 2026, after a six-year relationship. He had shared wedding photos on social media.
Why It Matters
The loss of a young director just as his first major release reaches audiences leaves a sense of unfinished promise. Tributes from colleagues suggest he was valued as much for his role in the studio’s culture as for his directing.
