Malayalam filmmaker Belraj Kalarickal, who recently made his directorial debut with the web series Kappi Squad, was found dead in a hotel room in Kochi on October 17. His passing occurred just days after the project began streaming on JioHotstar.
According to reports, Belraj was discovered unresponsive inside his hotel room located in Kakkanad. While preliminary indications pointed toward a possible heart attack, the exact cause of death had not yet been officially confirmed.
Before stepping into the role of a primary director, Belraj served as an assistant and associate director on various Malayalam feature films, such as Nizhal, Madhuram, and Dakini. Kappi Squad, created by Srikanth Mohan and produced by Rahul Riji Nair through First Print Studios, marked his first independent venture at the helm. Belraj was also recognized as one of the founding members of the production studio.
The series centers on four young friends who attempt to establish a coffee shop while dealing with various career pressures, relationship dynamics, and entrepreneurial goals. Personally, Belraj had recently married Athira Bindu Sabu in September 2026 following a six-year relationship.
Following the news of his death, colleagues and industry members shared emotional tributes online. Filmmaker and actor Rahul Riji Nair expressed deep sorrow, remembering his close friend and creative collaborator as an essential driving force behind First Print Studios. Nair noted that the studio's identity was built largely upon Belraj's dedication and that the team would feel incomplete without him.
JioHotstar Malayalam also released a statement on social media expressing grief over the tragedy, noting that some farewells arrive prematurely. The lead cast members of Kappi Squad similarly shared heartfelt condolences online, leaving family, friends, and the broader Malayalam film community to mourn a promising career cut short.