Blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Hari's father V. A. Gopalakrishnan passed away in Chennai on Saturday, October 21. He was 88. Gopalakrishnan, who was ill for the last few weeks, had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city, latest reports state. Although Gopalakrishnan was on the way to his recovery, the 88-year-old veteran breathed his last today morning. According to reports, his mortal remains have been kept at director Hari's residence in Saligramam, Chennai, and will be taken to their Katchanavilai, their native village in the Tuticorin district, where the last rites will be held tomorrow, October 22. Gopalakrishnan is survived by director Hari, and his four other sons and two daughters.
Condolences have been pouring in on social media for director Hari and his family from well-wishers in the Tamil film industry among whom actor-politician 'Captain' Vijayakanth also extended his sympathies upon hearing the tragic news. The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder has released a press note writing, "I felt heartbroken after hearing the news of popular Tamil film director Thiru. Hari's father Thiru. V. A. Gopalakrishnan's passing today. Director Hari has always shown his utmost respect, regard, and affection towards me. I extend my deepest condolences to director Hari and his family for the loss of their beloved father."
Director Hari made Tamil cinema fans take note of him in his filmmaking debut with Thamizh (2002) starring Prashanth and Simran in the lead roles before hitting the bullseye with the blockbuster Saamy (2003), which saw 'Chiyaan' Vikram play a fearless cop alongside Trisha. The hit filmmaker has in his 21-year-old career in the industry collaborated with several leading stars and is currently working with Vishal in the tentatively titled Vishal 34, which recently wrapped its second schedule. Vishal 34 is the third-time collaboration for the Hari-Vishal duo after their previous box office hits, Thamirabharani (2007) and Poojai (2014).
