Police reports indicate that S. K. Muralidharan experienced a cardiac arrest in his hotel room in Bhubaneswar and was subsequently taken to Capital Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The 60-year-old filmmaker and choreographer, known for his contributions to Odia cinema, fell ill suddenly, as confirmed by Sritam Das, the secretary of the Odisha Cine Artists’ Association.

While the precise cause of his unexpected illness remains unclear, authorities have stated that it is believed to be a cardiac arrest. The exact cause of death will be determined following a postmortem examination.

Members of the association have notified Muralidharan’s family, who resides in Hyderabad, about his passing.

Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his sorrow over Muralidharan’s death, stating, “Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran filmmaker and choreographer S K Muralidharan. His contribution to the film industry will always be remembered. May Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family, friends, and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” in a message shared on X.

Muralidharan began his career in Odia cinema as a choreographer for the film Paradeshi Chadhei in 1990, transitioning to directing with Chaati Chiri Dele Tu in 2008. Additionally, he choreographed for the Telugu film Om Sairam in 2012.