Veteran Tamil film producer M. Ramanathan, who founded the production house Raj Films International, has passed away at the age of 72. He had been battling health issues and was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai, where he died on the morning of April 7.
Before launching his own production company, Ramanathan worked for many years as the manager of actor Sathyaraj, known for his role in Baahubali. He went on to produce several successful Tamil films including Udbirappu, Villathi Villain, Nadigan, Vallal, and Vaathiyar Veetupillai, all featuring Sathyaraj in the lead role.
He is also known for producing the film Tamilchelvan, directed by Bharathiraja and starring Vijayakanth.
M. Ramanathan is survived by his wife Pramila and two daughters, Karunya and Saranya, who currently live abroad. His funeral is scheduled to be held in Chennai on Wednesday, after the arrival of his daughters.
His death follows recent tragic losses in the Tamil film industry, including the passing of Manoj K. Bharathi, son of director Bharathiraja, due to a heart attack, and actor Ramkumar. Ramanathan’s death has added to the grief in the Tamil film community.
