Director Mani Nagaraj of Pencil fame dies of cardiac arrest

CHENNAI: Filmmaker Mani Nagaraj, who directed GV Prakash’s ‘Pencil’ suffered cardiac arrest and breathed his last on August 25.

The director, a former associate of Gautham Vasudev Menon made his debut with ‘Pencil’ that had GV Prakash and Sri Divya in lead roles.

Reportedly, the director suffered a cardiac arrest.

Film editor TS Suresh took to Twitter to share his grief "Shocked & saddened to know about the passing away of film-director Mani Nagaraj, former associate of Gautham Vasudev Menon. He’s the one who taught me the basics of post-production. A good friend & a great teacher gone too soon. Rest in Peace, Mani Ji. You will be missed." (sic)

G V Prakash offered his condolences and wrote, "Hard to believe My beloved friend director Mani Nagaraj is no more. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and Friends. Rest in Peace my friend." (sic)

Lyricist Parvathy also offered her condolences. "So sorry to know about the passing of director of Pencil, Mani Nagaraj. Deepest condolences @gvprakash and everyone associated with him." (sic)

The director's debut film 'Pencil' in 2016 was technically GV Prakash's debut as an actor before with Trisha Illana Nayanthara eventually hitting the screens much earlier.