Pencil director Mani Nagaraj passes away due to cardiac arrest

Director Mani Nagaraj, who has helmed films like Pencil and Vasuvin Garbinigal, passed away today after a cardiac arrest. Mani Nagaraj was awaiting the release of his upcoming film, Vasuvin Garbinigal, which is a remake of the Malayalam film, Zachariayude Garbhinikal. The film is produced by Xavier Britto. Mani Nagaraj had earlier assisted director Gautham Menon before making his directorial debut with GV Prakash-starrer Pencil in 2016. The film marked GV Prakash's debut an actor opposite Sri Divya and was a mystery thriller. GV Prakash had also composed the music for the film. Vasuvin Garbinigal, on the other hand, features Neeya Naana Gopinath, Seetha, Vanitha Vijayakumar and Anikha Surendran.

The news was announced by actor Kayal Devaraj. Actor Kayal Devaraj took to his social media account to announce this Nagaraj’s passing. He wrote, “Team #VasuvinGarbinigal, with a heavy heart, regret to inform you that our Director #ManiNagaraj passed away this morning due to cardiac arrest. May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family and dear ones. You will be missed (sic)."

Taking to his social media page, GV Prakash 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)."

Editor TS Suresh stated that it was Nagaraj, who taught him the basics os post production. He wrote on his social media handle"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)."

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