Popular Malayalam film producer Gandhimathi Balan passed away at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was 66. Balan had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related sickness.

A highly renowned producer and distributor from the 1980s, Balan had backed many noteworthy classics, including Adaminte Variyellu, Panchavadi Palam, Moonnam Pakkam, Nombarathi Poovu, Sukhamo Devi, and Thoovanathumbikal. His last production venture was Joshiy's Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu, written by P Padmarajan, with whom Balan associated the most.

During his time, Balan held office as the Vice Chairman of Chalachitra Academy, Kerala. He was also the owner of the Dhanya and Ramya theatres in Thiruvananthapuram. In association with his daughter, he also started a cyber-forensic startup company at the age of 63.

Balan is survived by his wife Anitha Balan and children Sowmya Balan and Anantha Padmanabhan.