CHENNAI: Renowned Tamil film producer who M Ramanathan, ran a production banner under the name Raj Films International, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai today i.e. 7th April morning. He was 72. He has worked as Sathyaraj's manager for many years. Under his production, Sathyaraj has played the lead role in films such as Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai, Nadigan, Vallal, Thirumathi Palanisamy, Bramma and Villadhi Villain. Ramanathan has also produced Tamizh Selvan directed by Bharathiraja with Vijayakanth as the lead.

He is survived by his wife Pramila and two daughters Karunya and Saranya. As both of them are abroad, it has been reported that the last rites will be held in Chennai on Wednesday after they reach Chennai. His demise has left Sathyaraj deeply saddened as he was very close to Sathyaraj and his family. Many are mourning his death.

The Tamil film industry has seen a series of deaths in the last few weeks. Veteran director Bharathiraja's son Manoj passed away at the age of 48 due to a heart attack. This shocked everyone. After that veteran actor Ramkumar passed away. The film industry is saddened by such successive deaths within a few weeks.