Film fraternity condoles Marimuthu's demise

Actor and filmmaker Marimuthu died on Friday at the age of 57. The actor was dubbing for a TV soap he was working in, when he collapsed and reportedly succumbed to heart attack. Following his demise, many from the film fraternity took to social media to pay condolences.

Marimuthu started his career with a supporting role in Ajith's 1999 film Vaali. He assisted director Vasanth on Aasai (1999), which starred Ajith, Suvalaxmi and Prakash Raj in lead roles. He made his directorial debut with Kannum Kannum (2008), which starred Prasanna and Udhayathara in lead roles. He not only directed the film but also wrote the story, screenplay and dialogues along with performing a small role in it.

He then went on to star in many Tamil films in supporting roles, including, Yuddham Sei (2011), Kodi (2016), Bairavaa (2017), Kadaikutty Singam (2018), Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum (2021), and the Hindi film Atrangi Re (2021), among others. The final rites for the actor will reportedly take place in Madurai. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

Actor and producer Radikaa Sarathkumar took to social media X and wrote, “So sad and shocked to hear of his passing of Marimuthu  have worked with him a man with talent , gone so soon. Condolences to his family.”

Prasanna who has worked with Marimuthi in Kannum Kannum and Pulivaal, said that they shared a bond of the brothers. “Deeply shattered to know the passing away of director G Marimuthu. We agreed to disagree on many. His life wasn't easy at all. As an actor finally he was doing very well. He shud've been there for a while longer. Sad. Rip. Poittuvaappu,” he wrote.

Actor Arun Vijay also lauded him for being a “nice actor” who was “gone too soon” and paid his condolences to the bereaving family. Shanthnu Bhagyaraj paid his respects on social media, and noted how he followed the late artist's works. Director Pandiraj took to X to react to the sudden death, and said how life throws unexpected news at times.

Actor Vishal, who has known Marimuthi since he was a director, condoled his demise and said, “Once again it shows life is very unpredictable. Shocking & unable to digest the fact that my fellow actor & a good human being & director Marimuthu Sir is no more. My only prayer to God today is to give strength & support to his family. May his soul rest in peace. Speechless, no words coming out as of now, God Bless.”

Politician and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin wrote, "Film director and actor Annan Marimuthu's death is shocking and heartbreaking. My deepest condolences on his passing. My condolences to his bereaved family, friends, film industry and fans."

Karthi also paid his tribue and recalled the days when knew him as assistant director in Nerukku Ner (in which Suriya starred), and hailed him as a "seasoned actor and a stunning performer who could present every character realistically". He added, "He was well read and a passionate cinema afficianado. His sudden passing away is a huge shock. Deepest Condolences to his family, friends and fans."

Marimuthu is survived by his wife, son and daughter.