Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia film director, choreographer and writer SK Muralidharan passed away in the Odisha Capital on Monday, Odisha Cine Artists’ Association secretary Sritam Das confirmed.
According to preliminary information, Muralidharan was staying at a hotel in Bhubaneswar when he complained of feeling unwell.
He asked an associate for medicines and food. Shortly afterwards, he became unconscious.
Muralidharan was rushed to Capital Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Though the exact reason behind his sudden illness and death are not yet knows, he is suspected to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Police said an autopsy will be conducted after which a clearer picture will emerge.
Muralidharan’s demise brought about a pall of gloom in the Odia film industry.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed grief.
“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,” Majhi posted on X.
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.🙏— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 5, 2026
Muralidharan was well known for his contribution to Odia cinema, having directed several popular movies.
He made his debut in Ollywood as a choreographer for ‘Paradeshi Chadhei’ in 1990.
His directorial debut was in 2008, with ‘Chaati Chiri Dele Tu’. One of his latest directorial work was ‘Just Mohabbat’ in 2017, featuring Akash Dasnayak and Archita Sahu in lead roles.
As choreographer, he worked in popular films like ‘Mani Nageswari’ (1995), ‘Stree’ (1998), ‘Sathire’ (2004), ‘I Love You’ (2005), ‘Dhanare Rakhibu Sapatha Mora’ (2008), ‘Abhimanyu’ (2009), ‘Rangila Toka’ (2012), ‘Love Master’ (2012), ‘Akhire Akhire’ (2014) and ‘Pilata Bigidigala’ (2015).
He also choreographed for the Telugu film ‘Om Sairam’ in 2012.