Veteran filmmaker Lenin Rajendran breathed his last at a private hospital in Chennai on Monday. He was undergoing treatment for the past several months following a liver transplant.

The veteran filmmaker, who mainly worked in Malayalam cinema, was known for handling intense, thought-provoking topics. His films were known for their top-notch acting and uncompromising filmmaking. 

Before making his directorial debut with Venal (1981), Lenin worked as an assistant of director P A Backer. In his 35-year-old career, the filmmaker garnered many awards including five Kerala State Awards. 

The veteran filmmaker's impressive filmography included Swathi Thirunal (1987), Prem Nazir-starrer Prem Naseerine Kanmanilla (1983), Raghuvaran-starrer Daivathinte Vikrithikal (1992), Santosh Sivan-starrer Makaramanju (2011), and Vineeth-starrer Rathri Mazha (2007). 

Lenin used to be very active in politics and was known to incorporate his politics into his work. This was very much evident in his 1986 film Meenamasathile Sooryan. 

His last film was Edavappathy (2016), which starred Manisha Koirala, Utthara Unni, and Siddhartha. 

Lenin is survived by his wife Dr Ramani, daughter Dr Parvathy and son Gauthaman.