Popular Tamil film producer K Balu of KB Films passed away on Saturday morning at a private hospital in Chennai. He was being treated after testing positive for COVID-19 and had died as a result of a heart attack. His funeral will take place today at 11.30AM at the E-Cemetery in Besant Nagar, Chennai. Soon after news of K Balu's death, many reputed Tamil film industry celebrities and personalities paid their tributes and expressed their condolences on social media, with fans as well mourning his passing away. 

Actor-politician Sarath Kumar wrote about K Balu on his Twitter page saying, "Shocked & saddened by the sudden demise of #KBFilms #Balu today. He left too soon & created a void in film industry. May his soul rest in space. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & my colleagues from the industry." Hit director Venkat Prabhu too shared his condolences and tweeted, "An amazing human being!! miss u uncle!! #kbfilms #balu #rip #chinnathambi my deepest condolences to the family." Popular Tamil film producer and distributor Dhananjayan Govind said, "Shocked to hear the news of Popular Producer #KBalu sir passed away today. Very sad. Rest in Peace Balu sir."

K Balu had established himself as a reputed producer in Tamil cinema having bankrolled more than 15 ventures over the years. His most notable film is the 1991 blockbuster Chinna Thambi starring Prabhu and Khushbu in the lead roles under P. Vasu's direction and featuring music by 'Isaignani' Ilaiyaraaja. The romantic drama film went on to become a sensational box office hit and is still remembered to date for its performances and memorable music, while also reportedly completing a year in its theatrical run in several screens across Tamil Nadu. K Balu, who has also produced films like Seeman's Panchalankurichi, Sarathkumar's Janagraman and Pandithurai, was also an Executive Member of the Tamil Film Producers Association.