THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Director Ajayan passed away at a private hospital in the capital city. He became famous after directing the only feature film Perunthachan which had Thilakan in the lead role. He was the son of famous dramatist Thoppil Bhasi and Amminiyamma. He had assisted noted directors Bharathan and Padmarajan. He leaves behind his wife Dr Sushama and daughters Parvathy and Lakshmi. His body will be cremated tomorrow.

Ajayan had won the Indira Gandhi Award for best debut film of a director and Kerala State Film Award for best debut director in 1990. The film also won the Kerala State Film Award for best popular film in 1990 and was nominated for the Golden Leopard award at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1992.