Tamil film director Balaji Sakthivel's father Sakthi Vadivel has died. He passed away on Thursday morning in Chennai. Many notable film industry personalities paid their final respects to Balaji Sakthivel's late father in person at his residence today morning among whom also included filmmaker Sasi. Family members and close friends too were seen paying their last respects to the director's father, with fans on social media extending their condolences as well. 

Balaji Sakthivel, who is best known for his 2004 film Kaadhal, started his career in Tamil cinema as an assistant director to blockbuster filmmaker Shankar. He then made his directorial debut in 2002 with Samurai, which starred National Award winner 'Chiyaan' Vikram in the lead role. The filmmaker then hit the bullseye in 2004 with his Kaadhal, which was produced by director Shankar's S Pictures banner and featured Bharath and Sandhya in the lead roles. The romantic drama film turned out to be a phenomenal success commercially, while also basking in critical glory. 

Known for including elements with a social theme in his films, Balaji Sakthivel's 2007 film Kalloori won him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer. His next big directorial was the crime thriller Vazhakku Enn 18/9 released in 2012, which won multiple accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and the Tamil Nadu State Awards for Best Film and Best Director. As for his upcoming projects, Balaji Sakthivel had announced ventures titled Yaar Ivargal and Ra Ra Rajasekhar, which are said to be in various stages of development. 

Over the years, Balaji Sakthivel has also ventured into acting and played the role of a police officer in director Vetri Maaran's 2019 box office blockbuster Asuran, starring Dhanush and Manju Warrier in the lead roles. He also appeared in a pivotal role in Mani Ratnam's production venture Vaanam Kottatum, which came out in early 2020. As for his next, Balalji Sakthivel has been cast in a major supporting role in the upcoming magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan, which includes an ensemble star cast under Mani Ratnam's direction and features music by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman.