Kobe Bryant one of the greatest basketball players ever who has inspired millions all over the world passed away in a helicopter crash along with his daughter thirteen-year-old Gianni Bryant. Tributes are flowing in from all quarters including South Indian celebrities Mohan Babu, A.R. Rahman, Dhanush, Anirudh and others.

Director Arivazhagan has shared "when I researched basketball for 'Vallinam', I came across Kobe Bryant and realised how a game can be played so stylish & heroic as an iconic inspiration to all. A Great Loss to the World of Basketball & his family but he lives forever." He also posted the tribute video "Dear Basketball" which is very touching.

'Vallinam' released in 2014 was produced by Aascar Films Ravichandran and had Nakkul as a basketball player with Mridhula Bhaskar, Atul Kulkarni and Aadhi. Arivazhagan is gearing up to begin his next 'AV31' starring Arun Vijay in the lead role.

when I researched basketball for #Vallinam , I came across #KobeBryant and realised how a game can be played so stylish & heroic as an iconic inspiration to all. A Great Loss to the World of Basketball & his family but he lives ever ???????? pic.twitter.com/OpRWztbR5u

— Arivazhagan (@dirarivazhagan) January 27, 2020