Acclaimed director S.P. Jananthan (61) passed away this morning at 10.07 pm from a cardiac arrest after being in the intensive care unit of Apollo Hospitals in Chennai since Thursday afternoon. He was found unconscious in his room by one of his assistants and was rushed to the hospital where he was found to be brain dead.

Jananathan in all his five films namely 'Iyarkai', 'E', 'Peraanmai', 'Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai' and the upcoming 'Laabam' have tackled social issues and remain a strong voice for the downtrodden. He was also active in supporting film workers and took up positions in the FEFSi and Directors Union too.

Tamil cinema celebrities have posted their rich tributes to Jananathan hailing him as a visionary director who is irreplaceable to the industry. Bharathiraja, Vairamuthu, Shruti Haasan, Jayam Ravi, Arya, A.R. Murugadoss, D.Imman and Sai Dhanshika are amongst those who expressed their grief on social media.

Can’t believe he is no more.. Really saddened by the news.. One of the nicest person I have ever met in my life. Will miss you deeply sir .. love you always #RIP pic.twitter.com/QKmTK5fuPq

— Arya (@arya_offl) March 14, 2021

RIP Jana sir. No one can take u away from our memories. pic.twitter.com/4uVlYPgoZu

— Jayam Ravi (@actor_jayamravi) March 14, 2021

We lose another gem. Extremely saddening to hear we have lost Director #SPJananathan He will always be remembered for his films made on social issues. Never wanted to be part of commerca cinema, he had carved a niche for himself on his terms. #RIPSPJananathan ????????

— KhushbuSundar ❤️ (@khushsundar) March 14, 2021

My deepest condolences to family, friends and fans. RIP director Jananathan sir. pic.twitter.com/hCj6B7T9ka

— Actor Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) March 14, 2021

#SPJananathan sir. You will always be remembered through your films and will continue to live in our hearts. Deepest condolences to the family

— A.R.Murugadoss (@ARMurugadoss) March 14, 2021

You had given me fond memories sir!
Couldn’t accept the reality that you’re no more..#RIPSPJananathan Comrade. pic.twitter.com/88xHjms3Qx

— D.IMMAN (@immancomposer) March 14, 2021

இயக்குநர் ஜனநாதன் இறப்பு
ஒரு கெட்டியான துக்கம்.

அவருக்கு நானெழுதிய
‘காதல் வந்தால் சொல்லியனுப்பு’
மறக்கவியலாது.

செலுலாய்டு புத்தகத்தின்
ஓர் இலக்கியப் பக்கம்
கிழிந்துவிட்டது என்பேனா?

வானவில்லில் முற்போக்குச் சிவப்பு
அழிந்துபட்டது என்பேனா?

வருந்துகிறேன்;இரங்குகிறேன்.#jananathan

— வைரமுத்து (@Vairamuthu) March 14, 2021

I feel like yesterday, had started shooting for peranmai, the man with all knowledge is no more..
Rest in peace jana sir ???? pic.twitter.com/05l3DFAOh7

— சாய் தன்ஷிகா (@SaiDhanshika) March 14, 2021

It is with the heaviest Heart that We say good bye to #SPJananathan sir - it was a pleasure working with you sir Thankyou for your wisdom and kind words you will always be in my thoughts ! My deepest condolences to his family ?? pic.twitter.com/Ox1Ag0EEYE

— shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) March 14, 2021

நம்பிக்கையும்..
பிரார்த்தனைகளும்..
கை நழுவிச் சென்றாலும்
இயற்கை அன்னை
ஒரு போதும் கைவிடாது
உன்னைத் தழுவிக்
கொள்ளும்..
சென்று வா..
செந்நிறத் தோழனே.

பாரதிராஜா.

- pic.twitter.com/Jqdl617nGN

— Bharathiraja (@offBharathiraja) March 14, 2021

Love u sir pic.twitter.com/FTfNVsFZnT

— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) March 14, 2021