Veteran art director and production designer Sunil Babu passed away on Thursday. The 50-year-old passed away after suffering a major cardiac arrest. Sunil was well-known for his works in Malayalam films like Ananthabhadram, Premam, Bangalore Days, and Urumi. He also worked in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. In Hindi, his most noted works include Lakshya, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Ghajini, Paa, and Special 26.

Sunil was also the production designer of Sita Ramam, one of the most-spoken-about films of 2021. Dulquer, who played the lead in it, penned a heartfelt note paying his condolences to Sunil. He wrote, "Heart hurts. The kindest warmest soul who quietly went about his work with so much passion and made no noise about his immense talent. Suniletta thank you for the memories. You brought life to our films. Can’t come to terms with this. Praying for your family and all those who loved you dearly.”

One of Sunil's last works include the upcoming Vijay-starrer Varisu. In a brief note, the makers wrote, "Sir, You've been an amazing person & we feel honoured to have known you in person. As the saying goes, A man may leave this world but his legacy will continue through his deeds. Today the pain of losing you is difficult to bear because this world needed you for some more years. Deepest condolences to sir's family & friends, our thoughts and prayers are now with them. Always on our mind, forever in our heart.

Rest In Peace, Sunil Babu sir"

Ace cinematographer Santosh Sivan, actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, filmmakers Anjali Menon, Neeraj Pandey and Hanu Raghavapudi are among the many who paid their tributes to Sunil on social media.