This morning actor Nithish Veera, who captivated the audiences with his riveting performance as the villain in Dhanush's 'Asuran' passed away after complications due to COVID-19. A shell-shocked Kollywood is paying tributes to the intense performer who impressed in many other films including 'Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu', 'Pudhupettai', 'Kaala' and 'Ratchasi'.

Sources add that Nithish Veera has also given another great performance in the upcoming movie 'Laabam' directed by the late S.P. Jhananathan in which he played the role of the friend of the hero character played by Vijay Sethupathi.

Nithish Veera released a video last on October 4th 2020 to commemorate the completion of one year of 'Asuran'. A highly emotional Nithish Veera thanked Vetrimaaran for giving him such a meaty role and that he would not have got the praise if not for the director. The late actor also praised Dhanush for being an excellent costar and helping him in his performance once again after 'Pudhupettai'. He also thanked all his other costars and crew members in the much-acclaimed film.

While Selvaraghavan has shared a photo of Nithish Veera from 'Pudhupettai' and wrote "REST IN PEACE MY "MANI ", Dhanush who is Spain shooting 'The Gray Man' wrote on Twitter "This is disheartening. Rest in peace my brother.."

This is disheartening. Rest in peace my brother. pic.twitter.com/kIpgiiiHPI

— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) May 17, 2021

REST IN PEACE MY "MANI " pic.twitter.com/SwcQLeUPOB

— selvaraghavan (@selvaraghavan) May 17, 2021