New Delhi: Veteran Tamil film producer K Rajan died by suicide on Sunday (May 17) at the age of 85 in Chennai. The reason behind his death is still unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. According to initial reports, Rajan died by jumping off the Aadar bridge in Chennai, and further details are awaited.
L Suresh on K Rajan’s death
Speaking exclusively to News9 Digital, Former president of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, L Suresh, opened up about the death of the veteran producer. He told us, “Some personal reasons which we do not know. But he has been quite a voice for us, an all-time producer. Giving a voice against artists and technicians who are charging so heavily. Personally, we do not know, or I do not know, rather, what happened to him while he was going through this particular unfortunate event.
He further added, “He was a very vociferous person. I think he used to oppose every move or system, any unjustified move, and so on. He was a very person, first one almost to oppose his voice. And quite tall in stature. And his voice definitely had a good influence on the industry.”
Who was K Rajan?
K Rajan was a Tamil film producer, director, writer, actor, and film industry spokesperson who was known for his outspoken views on the Tamil cinema business. He worked in the industry for several decades and was associated with both commercial productions and public discussions on cinema economics. He has produced movies such as Brammacharigal, Doubles, Aval Paavam, and Ninaikkatha Naalillai.
Apart from producing film, he has appeared in supporting roles in several Tamil films, including Michael Raj, Sonthakkaran, Ulavuthurai, Kabadi Kabadi, Paambhu Sattai, Thunivu, and Bakasuran. In 1991, he made his debut as a director with Nizhalgal Ravi and Namma Ooru Maariamma. He went on to direct Unarchigal in 2005. Additionally, he wrote the stories of Thangamana Thangachi and Unarchigal.
Born on February 25, 1941, K Rajan is known in the Tamil film industry not only for filmmaking but also for his public speeches and press meets, where he frequently discussed issues such as rising actor salaries, production costs, and challenges faced by producers. In later years, K Rajan continued to appear at film events and remained a recognisable public voice in Kollywood.
He is survived by his son Prabhukanth, who later became a filmmaker and directed the Tamil political satire film LKG.