National Award winning director SP Jananathan passes away at 61; Condolences pour in on Twitter

SP Jananathan, who was working on Vijay Sethupathi starrer Laabam, passed away today morning at 10 AM in Chennai. He was 61. Director Arumugakumar confirmed the news on Twitter and wrote, "Our director #SPJananathan sir, who was in a critical condition and was undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospitals, passed away at 10.07 am today morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. May his soul rest in peace (sic)." SP Jananathan was found unconscious at his home a few days ago and was rushed to a nearby hospital by his assistants working on the film Laabam. 

The Kollywood director was in a critical condition and on a ventilator at Apollo Hospital, Chennai. He was kept under doctors' observation with ventilator support. Unfortunately, he took his last breath while undergoing treatment at the hospital. According to a few media reports, SP Jananathan was brain dead. Meanwhile, condolences are pouring in on Twitter from all quarters. Moviegoers are shocked and deeply saddened by this news. #RIPSPJananathan is trending on Twitter as fans are remembering him and his incredible contribution to the cinema. 

Take a look:

Saddened To Know About The Demise Of #SPJananathan Sir. Sending Our Deepest Condolences To His Family Members, Relatives And Friends. May His Soul Rest in Peace. #RIPSPJananathan

Saddened to know about the demise of #SPJananathan sir. Sending our deepest condolences to his family members and friends. May his soul rest in peace #RIPSPJananathan

எஸ்.பி.ஜனநாதன் காலமானார்! இயற்கை, பேராண்மை, லாபம் படங்களை இயக்கியவர்#SPJananathan #RIPSPJananathan #jananathan

SP Jananathan had been busy editing his upcoming political thriller Laabam. The filmmaker decided to take a break during the film's edit and headed home for lunch. However, when he didn't return after a long time, his team rushed home to check on him. He was found unconscious on the floor.  

Talking about his upcoming film Laabam, it stars Vijay Sethupathi and Shruti Haasan in lead roles. His first film as director was Iyarkai and it went on to earn the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil in 2004.  

After Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai in 2015,  SP Jananathan was making a comeback in the direction with Laabam. 

ALSO READ: Vijay Sethupathi and Shruti Haasan’s Laabam: Makers release romantic first single Yaazha Yaazha