Balu Mahendra, 75, who suffered heart attack, was rushed to the hospital where he breathed his last, sources said.
He is survived by his wife and son.
Born on May 20 1939, he started his career in the tinsel world as a cinematographer and later went onto direct some of the most memorable movies including the award winning "Moondram Pirai" and "Veedu".
He recently released his directorial venture "Thalai Muraigal" which depicts the relationship between a grand-father and his grandson, in which he played the role of a protagonist.