Arunmozhi the social activist filmmaker whose credits include 'Yermunai' and 'Kaani Nilam' passed away suddenly in Chennai on Saturday night at the young age of 49. Directors Lenin Bharathi, Vasanth and Hariharan paid their respects to his mortal remains at his Tiruvanmiyur residence while Mysskin has released a tearful video tribute from London where he is shooting Vishal's 'Thupparivaalan 2'.

Mysskin has stated that Arunmozhi had the right to enter his house and use all his things anytime he wanted and also was the only person who he allowed to criticize his films. The late director has only liked a few scenes in one or two movies of Mysskin who has vowed that he will make a film that his friend would be proud of.

Arunmozhi assisted director Rudhraiya while making 'Aval Appadithaan' starring Sripriya, Kamal and Rajini that is considered one of the best films ever made in Tamil exploring woman empowerment theme. His films always tackled a social issue like 'Yermunai' that spoke against the use of inorganic manure that renders the soil impotent. In later days he focussed on the transgender community and giving them great hope to discard prostitution and beggary in films such as 'Moondravathu Inam', 'Aruna', 'Noori', 'Irandaam Piravi', 'Koodavagam' and 'Nirvaan'. With 'Beware of Commissions' he exposed the horrific murders of 17 workers of the Maanjolai gardens by cops near the Thamirabarani river and how an Inquiry Commission helped to cover up the issue.

Arunmozhi is also considered as the father of short filmmaking in Tamil cinema and till his death remained as the guiding light for many youngsters who took up the stream of education and did it with a service mind. We extend our deepest condolences to Arunmozhi a true unsung hero from Kollywood.