Tamil actor-director RNR Manohar passed away in Chennai on Wednesday, November 17. The 54-year-old had been unwell for some time, and reports say that he was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 for the past two weeks. He passed away around 8.30 am on Wednesday.
RNR Manohar was best known for his debut film Maasilamani, starring Sunaina and Nakul in the lead, which released in the year 2009. Two years later, in 2011, RNR Manohar directed his second film Vellore Mattavam. RNR was better known as a writer for many films than as a director. He is survived by his wife.
He began his career by assisting director KS Ravikumar in his earlier films such as Band Master and Suriyan Chandiran. He was also known for penning the dialogues for films such as Thennavan (in which he played a small role as the killer of actor Viviek’s character), and Punnagai Poove. In 1995, he played a role in the 1995 film Kolangal, directed by IV Sasi and co-starring Khushboo and Nasser, for which he was also the co-director and writer.
The actor-director will be seen in the upcoming film Veeramae Maagum Soodum, directed by Thu Pa Saravanan, which reportedly wrapped up shooting recently. As an actor, RNR Manohar kept busy as he was seen in movies such as Naanga Romba Busy, V, Bhoomi, Teddy and 4 Sorry.
As the news of his death emerged, many in the film industry took to social media to condole his death and share their tributes. Popular composer D Imman said on Twitter, “Rest in Peace RNR Manohar Sir. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family members. Had the privilege to work with him for his directorial venture “Masilamani” starring Nakul and Sunaina in the lead under Sun Pictures Production. An efficient director and a kind person.”
“RIP RNR.Manohar sir,” wrote actor Vishnu Vishal on Twitter, adding a broken heart emoji.
தி.மு.க மாநிலங்களவை உறுப்பினர் திரு. என்.ஆர்.இளங்கோ அவர்களின் சகோதரரும், திரைப்பட இயக்குநரும், நடிகருமான திரு. மனோகர் அவர்கள் மறைந்த செய்தி அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது. அவரை இழந்து வாடும் அவரது குடும்பத்தாருக்கும், நண்பர்களுக்கும் எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல். pic.twitter.com/qFYnTsh5ay
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) November 17, 2021
RIP RNR.Manohar sir...
— VISHNU VISHAL - V V (@TheVishnuVishal) November 17, 2021
Rest in Peace RNR Manohar Sir.
— D.IMMAN (@immancomposer) November 17, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family members.
Had the privilege to work with him for his directorial venture “Masilamani” starring Nakul and Sunaina in the lead under Sun Pictures Production. An efficient director and a kind person. pic.twitter.com/Xkkr3UMv0M
Popular actor and director #RNRManohar passed away. He director @Nakkhul_Jaidev and @TheSunainaa 's #Maasilamani. Also acted in several films including the recent OTT hit #Teddy. May his soul RIP, he was under COVID19 treatment for the past twenty days. pic.twitter.com/RVMr8FyoQq
— Rajasekar (@sekartweets) November 17, 2021
என்ன சொல்ல.. pic.twitter.com/BS0A3vWbkA
— Manobala (@manobalam) November 17, 2021