Popular Malayalam filmmaker Thampi Kannanthanam has passed away. He was 64. 

A prolific director and producer, Thampi made his debut with Thavalam in 1983 and made over 15 films, including one in Hindi.

He was one of the directors from the 80s who was instrumental in giving Mohanlal an action superstar image with his first blockbuster, Rajavinte Makan. Mohanlal appeared in the film as Vincent Gomez, now one of his iconic roles. Thampi was also the film's producer.

The director also made Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmaar, Manthrikam, Masmaram and Onnaman. Mohanlal's son Pranav made his debut as a child actor in Onnaman.

Actor-turned-director Madhupal, who starred in Manthrikam, says, "It was Thampi who brought the concept of the mass hero in Malayalam cinema. His films inspired a lot of subsequent mass entertainers. The characters in his films had their own unique identities. They are still celebrated today. We don't see such characters anymore. I was fortunate enough to work with him."

Actor Kunchan, who worked with the director on several films, says, "He was such a talented, healthy and physically active man. This news comes as a big shock to me. We used to be neighbours in Chennai. He was a very friendly man. He used to visit us often and talk about our families."

Apart from directing and producing, Thampi also penned the scripts of three films, Aa Neram Alppa Dooram, Janmandharam, and Freedom. 

His last film was Freedom, which came out in 2004. He wasn't active in cinema since then. 

He is survived by his wife Kunjumol and daughters, Aishwarya and Angel.