THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned director P Gopakumar passed away at a private hospital in Palakkad on Monday. He is the elder brother of director P Chandrakumar and cinematographer-turned-director P Sukumar.

Gopakumar, who began his career as P Bhaskaran's assistant director, went on to direct 11 films. He made his directorial debut in 1977 with 'Ashtamangalyam' starring Kamal Hassan and Vidhubala. His other prominent films include 'Harshabashpam', 'Manoradham', 'Kattupothu' and 'Arayannam'. His last film was 'Soudhamini' which released in 2003.