Producer commits suicide, Kollywood shocked

Tamil film industry has been hit by a tragedy with a producer named B Ashok Kumar killing himself.

On Tuesday, Ashok committed suicide admittedly because he couldn't withstand pressure from a financier, who had been forcing him to pay unsustainable and unreasonable interest rates. Ashok had also directed movies.

Gautham Menon has said, "Ashok, I know that your death will help nab a heartless money-minded demon. But we wish you were alive and carried on the struggle yourself."

Condolence messages are pouring in from several quarters. More than this, a debate around usury is also gaining ground.