<p>Tamil actor-director Manivannan passed away at his residence here today following a cardiac arrest, family sources said.<br /><br /></p>.<p>He was 59. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.<br /><br />Manivannan started his career as an assistant with well known director Bharathi Raja and in 1982 directed his first movie 'Gopurangal Saivathillai'.<br /><br />He also acted as a villain in 'Kodi Parakkuthu' directed by Bharathi Raja, which had superstar Rajnikant playing hero.<br /><br />His 50th and last directorial venture was 'Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA', released in May this year.<br /><br />The audio launch of the movie was his last public appearance.<br /><br />The character artiste also essayed the role of a comedian in several movies, including 'Ullathai Allithaa'.<br /><br />The film fraternity expressed shocked at his demise and many flocked to his residence to pay their last respects.</p>
<p>Tamil actor-director Manivannan passed away at his residence here today following a cardiac arrest, family sources said.<br /><br /></p>.<p>He was 59. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.<br /><br />Manivannan started his career as an assistant with well known director Bharathi Raja and in 1982 directed his first movie 'Gopurangal Saivathillai'.<br /><br />He also acted as a villain in 'Kodi Parakkuthu' directed by Bharathi Raja, which had superstar Rajnikant playing hero.<br /><br />His 50th and last directorial venture was 'Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA', released in May this year.<br /><br />The audio launch of the movie was his last public appearance.<br /><br />The character artiste also essayed the role of a comedian in several movies, including 'Ullathai Allithaa'.<br /><br />The film fraternity expressed shocked at his demise and many flocked to his residence to pay their last respects.</p>