Noted Malayalam director Rajesh Pillai (41) has passed away this forenoon at a private hospital in Kochi, where he was admitted yesterday owing to a liver related ailment.

Pillai made his debut as a director with the Malayalam film 'Hridhayathil Sookshikkan' that released in 2005. He took a long gap for his second film 'Traffic' which released in 2011. The film was hailed for creating an awareness about organ donation and it was also commercially successful. It was later remade in Tamil as 'Chennayil Oru Mazhaikkalam', in Kannada as 'Crazy Star' and in Hindi with the same title as the original.

He also directed 'Mili' a heroine-centric film with Amala Paul in the lead. The film released in 2015 and garnered positive reviews.

Rajesh Pillai's last film happens to be 'Vettah' starring Kunchacko Boban and Manju Warrier in lead roles, that released yesterday. This film has also won positive reviews across sections but it is highly unfortunate that its creator wont be available with us to see and celebrate its success.

The departed soul is survived by wife Mekha Rajesh.

Indiaglitz is shocked to note such an untimely and highly unfortunate death of a brilliant filmmaker. We convey our deep condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Rajesh Pillai and also pray the almighty for his soul to Rest in Peace.