Director Shankar Dayal, best known for directing the 2012 Karthi-starrer Saguni, has passed away at the age of 54. According to initial reports, the filmmaker suffered a heart-related condition on Thursday evening and was subsequently admitted to a hospital, where he later passed away.

The director began his career by writing dialogues for films. He had scripted Arjun's action film Parasuram (2003) along with KC Thangam and Jayam Ravi's hit 2007 film Deepavali. However, it was the political thriller film Saguni that brought him to the limelight. Along with Karthi, the film also starred Pranitha, Santhanam, Kiran Rathod, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Radhika Sarathkumar and Nassar in prominent roles. It dealt with a story of how Karthi's character becomes a game changer in a political milieu filled with corrupt officials. The unique story, was well-received among audiences and was a commercial success.

After several years, he returned to the director's chair to helm another political satire Kuzhanthaigal Munnetra Kazhagam. The upcoming film stars Senthil and Yogi Babu in lead roles. Speaking to CE in an earlier interview, the director mentioned that the film will deal with politics with a special appeal to the children. A release date for the film is yet to be announced.

Condolences have been pouring in for the director, whose sudden passing has come as a shock to many in the industry. His death occurred just hours before he was set to attend a press conference for his upcoming film.