Tamil Filmmaker Vikram Sugumaran Succumbs to Cardiac Arrest at 47

Chennai: Tamil film director Vikram Sugumaran, celebrated for his debut film Madha Yaanai Koottam, passed away on Monday in Chennai after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 47 years old. According to sources close to the filmmaker, Sugumaran was traveling back to Chennai from Madurai by bus after discussing a new script with a producer when he experienced severe chest pain. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, medical efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Sugumaran leaves behind his wife and children. His career in cinema began as an assistant to renowned director Balu Mahendra from 1999 to 2000. He gained prominence with his 2013 directorial debut, Madha Yaanai Koottam, a raw and compelling rural drama praised for its authentic storytelling and social commentary. His most recent work, Raavana Kottam (2023), featured actor Shanthnu Bhagyaraj in the lead role.

The Tamil film industry has been deeply shaken by Sugumaran’s sudden death. Actor Shanthnu Bhagyaraj expressed his grief on X, writing, “#Rip dearest brother @VikramSugumara3 I’ve learnt so much from you & will always cherish every moment. Gone too soon. You will be missed #RIPVikramSugumaran.” Music composer Justin Prabhakaran also paid tribute, posting on X, “A filmmaker who dreamed beyond frames, but left us too soon. Gone with countless stories untold. May your soul rest in peace Vikram Sugumaran sir #RIPVikramSugumaran.”

Sugumaran’s passing marks a significant loss for Tamil cinema, where his commitment to authentic and socially relevant narratives left a lasting impact.