Noted Tamil filmmaker S P Jananathan passed away in Chennai on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. He was 61. The director began his career with the 2003 release Iyarkai, which did well at the box office while receiving rave reviews from critics. The drama featured Shaam in the lead and revolved around the journey of a ship mechanic. It won the National Award for 'Best Feature Film in Tamil', establishing SPJ as a force to be reckoned with.
His sophomore film E hit the screens in 2006, exceeding expectations at the box office. The medical-thriller was a complete departure from Iyarkai and served as strong proof of SPJ's versatility as a storyteller. The film featured Nayanthara and Jiiva as the lead pair and received praise for its unique storyline.
He consolidated his standing in the industry with the adventure drama Peranmai, which hit the screens in 2009. The film garnered a great deal of attention with its powerful storyline, which highlighted a tribal forest gaurd's attempts at ensuring the welfare of his community. It had an impressive cast headlined by Jayam Ravi and Kabali actor Sai Dhanshika.
In 2015, he turned producer with the Arya-starrer Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai, which dealt with the sensitive issue of capital punishment. His delayed film Bhooloham hit the theatres the same year, emerging as a moderate success. The sports-drama featured Jayam Ravi in the role of a boxer with former WWE star Nathan Jones playing his nemesis Steven George.
He later teamed up with Vijay Sethupathi and Shruti Haasan for Laabam, one of the biggest films of his career. The political-thriller is expected to release later this year. The trade buzz is that it may do well at the box office as VJS recently expanded his fan base with the Pongal blockbuster Master, which featured him as the antagonist opposite 'Thalapathy' Vijay.
SPJ's death is a big loss for the Tamil film industry,