Director-turned-actor and producer Manobala, who was last part of actor Vijay's upcoming movie Leo has died at 69. Manobala was last seen in the Tamil movies Ghosty (2023), Kondraal Paavam (2023) and Telugu movie Waltair Veerayya (2023). In January 2023, he underwent angio treatment. 3 months later, the veteran has now passed away from liver-related ailment. 

Manobala began his career as an AD to another veteran - director Bharathiraja. He made his directorial debut with the 1982 film Agaya Gangai and went on to helm actors like Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth, Mohan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Shalini Ajith Kumar, Karthik, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Vadivelu, Bhanupriya, Keerthi Reddy, the late SP Balasubramaniyam, late Sivaji Ganesan, Saroja Devi, and half the Ponniyin Selvan stars like Rahman, Jayaram, Nassar, Prakash Raj, Prabhu among others.

Since the 2000s, Manobala has been predominantly appearing in comic/character roles in movies and TV productions. Manobala is survived by wife Usha and son Harish. His mortal remains are expected to be placed at his LV Prasad Road residence in Saligramam, Chennai.