Veteran Tamil filmmaker Thakkali Srinivasan, a versatile talent known for his work in thriller and horror genres, has passed away in Bengaluru at approximately 72. Srinivasan, who also served as a producer, director, composer, and actor, transitioned to philanthropy in his later years, dedicating himself to humanitarian causes.
Veteran Tamil filmmaker and composer Thakkali Srinivasan passed away in Bengaluru after battling a prolonged illness. The respected Kollywood personality breathed his last on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the age of around 72, and the news was shared by PRO Nikil Murukan via his social media. His final rites are scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on Wednesday, March 11.
An all-rounder in cinema
Srinivasan built a reputation as a versatile creative force who worked across multiple departments of filmmaking, and his work particularly stood out in the thriller, horror, and mystery genres from the late 1980s through the early 2010s.
Early career and rise as a producer
Thakkali Srinivasan began his career in the Tamil film industry primarily as a producer, and over time, he backed several films that later gained recognition among audiences.Some of his notable productions include ‘Nalaya Manithan,’ a science fiction-horror venture directed by Velu Prabhakaran. He also produced films such as ‘Manasukul Mathappu,’ ‘Ivargal Varungala Thoongal,’ ‘Adhisaya Manithan,’ and ‘Witness.’Many of these films leaned heavily into supernatural themes, suspense-driven narratives, and mystery elements, and his productions often experimented with unusual storylines, particularly those inspired by global horror and thriller cinema.
Director known for horror and mystery films
Apart from producing films, Thakkali Srinivasan also worked as a director, and one of his well-known works was ‘Jenma Natchathiram,’ which is a horror film starring Nassar. The film was inspired by the Hollywood classic ‘The Omen.’He also directed ‘Witness,’ which is a murder mystery starring Raghuvaran. Another project was ‘Asokavanam,’ which featured Livingston, Sriman, and Riyaz Khan.Later, he directed the thriller ‘Aduthathu,’ which had Sriman in the lead, and the film revolved around reality show contestants who become stranded on a desert island.
Work as a composer and actor
Thakkali Srinivasan also worked as a music composer, as he contributed music to some of his projects, occasionally working under the musical duo name Premi-Srini.Srinivasan also appeared on screen in supporting roles during his career, and one of his most memorable appearances was in the Kamal Haasan starrer ‘Soora Samhaaram,’ where he played the antagonist.
Later years dedicated to philanthropy
Thakkali Srinivasan gradually stepped away from mainstream filmmaking. Instead, he devoted much of his time to humanitarian and social service activities.Cinema Express reports suggest that he ran an ashram and focused on philanthropic work during these years. He was also known to be living with his adopted children. Go to Source
