Chennai, June 2 -- Well known Tamil film director and screenwriter Vikram Sugumaran, known for his realistic and rooted storytelling, passed away following a heart attack while travelling by bus from Madurai to Chennai, on Monday.

His sudden demise has shocked the Tamil film industry and saddened fans of meaningful cinema.

Vikram Sugumaran made a strong impression with his debut film "Madha Yaanai Koottam" in 2013, which drew attention for its hard-hitting portrayal of caste tensions in rural Tamil Nadu.

Before venturing into direction, he trained under the legendary Balu Mahendra and contributed as a dialogue writer to the critically acclaimed film 'Subramaniyapuram' (2008). His storytelling stood out for its cultural depth, raw...