Malayalam filmmaker Ajayan, who made the critically acclaimed 1990 film Perumthachan, starring Thilakan, passed away today at Thiruvananthapuram due to a cardiac arrest. He was 66. As per reports, Ajayan had been undergoing cancer treatment for the past two months.

Ajayan, the son of noted playwright, writer, and director Thoppil Bhasi, began his career as an assistant of directors Padmarajan and Bharathan. 

Being a huge admirer of author MT Vasudevan Nair, Ajayan had initially dreamt of adapting Vasudevan's Manikyakallu for the big screen. However, as per Vasudevan's suggestion, he decided to make Perumthachan instead.  The film garnered several accolades, including a National Award for Best Film.

There were reports that Ajayan had plans to make Manikyakallu right after Perumthachan. However, due to some unresolved issues with a producer, the dream never came to fruition, which apparently sent him into deep depression. 

Ajayan is survived by his wife Dr Sushama, and daughters Parvathy and Lakshmi.