Veteran filmmaker Durai, well known for his National Award-winning film Pasi (1979), has passed away on Monday. He was 84.

He has directed 46 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Durai's career, while having several commercial hits, also is known for women-centric films such as Avalum Penthaane and Pasi. Other notable films of his are Aasai 60 Naal, Neeya?, Aayiram Jenmangal and Paavathin Sambalam. He has won National, State and Filmfare awards for his films.

The director, who hails from Tirunelveli, has been fascinated with films since his childhood. Durai was multi-hyphenate in his almost two-decade old career, as he worked as a screenwriter, producer and also as an editor.

Durai's mortal remains will be kept at his Tiruvanmiyur residence for fans and celebrities to pay respects.

Durai is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.