Tamil film producer Muthu Kumaran, known for producing the film Yaakkai, passed away on Saturday owing to COVID-19 related complications. The popular producer bankrolled Yaakkai under his Prim Pictures banner, with the film featuring Kreshna and Swathi Reddy in the lead roles featuring a story and screenplay by Kuzhandai Velappan, who also directed the romantic crime thriller, which also included chart-buster music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. 

Sharing the tragic news of producer Muthu Kumaran's death, Yaakkai's hero Kreshna posted an emotional tweet on Twitter saying he has lost a close friend, who was like family to him. He added that Muthu Kumaran was the kindest man he had known and one who would never so NO to anyone. Stating that the producer will be deeply missed, Kreshna said that he had always strived to see others being happy. He wrote, "Today I lost my close friend and the producer of my film Yakkai. He was family to me. The kindest man I have ever met n wld never say “NO” to anything or anyone. Always wanted to see people happy. We will miss u. My deepest condolences to his family. Gone too soon."

Producer Muthu Kumaran is the latest personality from the world of entertainment to succumb to COVID-19 as the pandemic continues to rage across India, with close to 20,000 fresh cases being recorded in Tamil Nadu alone on Saturday. Yaakkai released in early 2017 revolved around the issue of medical scam, with appreciation coming in for tackling the intense subject, but fell short in terms of the overall narrative and screenplay. The film's songs composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja turned out to be a success, with two-time National Award-winning actor Dhanush as well singing the hit "Solli Tholaiyen Maa" song.