Veteran Malayalam filmmaker I V Sasi, 69, passed away today morning Chennai. The legendary director developed uneasiness on Tuesday morning and breathed his last on the way to the hospital.In his three decades career, IV Sasi stood away from the other commercial filmmakers to give the audience gritty realism and films with technical brilliance.

IV Sasi started his career as an art director in 1968, and has more than 150 movies to his credit. He had received two state awards for Best Film. In 1992, IV Sasi was awarded the prestigious Nargis Dutt Award for best feature film on national integration for his film Aaroodam. The Kerala state government had honoured him with the JC Daniel award in 2015. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

I.V Sasi who was instrumental in establishing Mammootty and Mohanlal in the industry is also the one who introduced Rajinikanth to the Malayalam industry with Allauddinum Albutha Vilakkum in 1979. Kaali, one of Rajinikanth's memorable films, was also directed by IV Sasi. 

I.V Sasi is survived by his wife and Malayalam actor Seema. The couple has two children.