At 62, Kannan Pattambi, Malayalam Actor Dies Due To Kidney-Related Ailment, Confirms His Brother, Major Ravi

Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of Kannan Pattambi, a respected actor and production controller, who has died at the age of 62. He passed away late on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. The news was confirmed by his elder brother, film director and actor Major Ravi, in a heartfelt social media post. Pattambi breathed his last at around 11:40 pm and was surrounded by close family. 

Pattambi was known for his versatile contributions in Malayalam films, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Over nearly three decades, he worked on beloved movies and built a reputation as a reliable and warm-hearted industry professional.

Kannan Pattambi Cause of Death: Kidney-Related Ailment

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Actor and noted production controller Kannan Pattambi (62) passed away late last night while undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment. The demise occurred at around 11.40 pm at a private hospital in Kozhikode, his brother, filmmaker Major…

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2026

According to reports, Pattambi had been receiving treatment for a kidney-related illness before his health worsened. While detailed medical records have not been publicly shared, multiple news outlets confirm that kidney disease was the primary reason for his hospitalisation and eventual passing. 

Kidney disease can range from early-stage impairment to advanced kidney failure, which disrupts the body’s ability to filter waste from the blood. Such conditions often require careful medical management, including medications, diet control, and in severe cases, dialysis or transplantation. However, when complications intensify or the disease progresses, it can become life-threatening.

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Kannan Pattambi’s Health Journey

एक्टर और जाने-माने प्रोडक्शन कंट्रोलर कन्नन पट्टाम्बी का रविवार रात किडनी से जुड़ी बीमारी का इलाज कराते समय निधन हो गया। वह 62 साल के थे।

एक्टर के निधन की खबर की पुष्टि उनके बड़े भाई फिल्ममेकर मेजर रवि ने की। एक्टर ने कोझिकोड के एक प्राइवेट अस्पताल में रात करीब 11:40 बजे आखिरी… pic.twitter.com/8mBayhSIej

— Dainik Jagran (@JagranNews) January 5, 2026

Kannan’s health had been a concern for his family and close colleagues in the months leading up to his passing. While he remained active in the industry with his final screen appearance expected in the upcoming film Rachel, he had been undergoing regular treatment for his kidney issues.

Industry insiders noted that despite his private health struggles, Kannan maintained a professional and dedicated presence on film sets. His death comes as a shock to many who saw him as a "quiet force" behind some of Malayalam cinema's biggest successes, including the historic blockbuster Pulimurugan.

A study published in the Lancet Global Health highlights that the burden of CKD is rising rapidly in India, often linked to secondary factors like diabetes and hypertension. The research suggests that early detection through routine blood and urine tests is the only effective way to slow the progression toward kidney failure.

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Conclusion

Kannan Pattambi’s passing marks a moment of sadness for Malayalam cinema. His diverse contributions as an actor and production professional helped shape many memorable films. While his chronic kidney condition was a serious health challenge, his commitment to his craft and calm presence won him respect across the industry.