Idukki: Malayalam actor Anil Nedumangadu, best known for his role as a police officer in the critically acclaimed "Ayyappannum Koshiyum", drowned while bathing near the Malankara dam site Friday evening, police said.

The actor was in Thodupuzha in connection with a film shoot of his new movie " Peace" starring Joju George and had gone to bathe with friends during a break when the mishap occurred.

Anil,48, began his career in Malayalam television channels as an anchor and went on to don the grease paint in various films, including "Njan Steve Lopez", "Pavada", "Kammatti Padam", "Kismat", "Porinju Mariam Jose" besides "Ayyappannum Koshiyum" .

The actor had penned a touching Facebook post about "Ayyappannum Koshiyum" director K R Sachidanandan (Sachi), who passed away six months ago.

Today was Sachidanandan's birthday.

The tragedy comes close on the heels of the death of 37-year-old Malayalam film director Shahnavas Naranipuzha, who died of heart attack two days ago.

Shahnavas' "Sufiyum Sujatayum" with Bollywood actor Aditi Rao Hydari and Jayasurya in the lead role, was the first Malayalam film to be released on OTT platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Actors Prithviraj, Dulquer Salman, Biju Menon and Suraj Venjaramudu, took to social media to mourn the death of Anil.

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Udupi: Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning has lashed Udupi district since last night, bringing relief from the scorching sun but causing power outages in many areas.

The rain, which began around 10 pm last night, continued into the morning hours. Significant rainfall was recorded in various parts of the district, including Udupi Nagar, Kapu, Brahmavar, Kundapur, and Karkala.

Strong winds accompanied the rain, leading to damage to electric poles in some areas and subsequent power failures. In Udupi city's Kadabettu area, heavy rain resulted in the washing away and damage of drains.

The unexpected rain has provided a welcome respite from the heat for the district's residents. However, it has disrupted election-related programs scheduled for today.