NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR DURAI OF PASI FAME PASSES AWAY
Director Durai of Pasi fame passed away on April 22 due to age-related complications in Chennai. The director was 84.
Durai was one of the important voices back in the late 70s and 80s as he dealt with some bleak subjects of human existence. Poverty was one of the common themes in his works that struck a chord with the audience of the era.
Durai made his debut as a director in 1974 with the film Avalum Penthane. The movie follows the story of a sex worker, who tries to get out of the trap. While she tries to start a new life leaving her past behind, the story ends tragically without any redemption for her. It is said that Durai was against the sad ending but he was forced to conclude the film due to the social stigma back in the day.
Durai's 1979 film Pasi turned out to be his calling card, and it also became a prefix to his name. People started referring to him as 'Pasi Durai' as the film won him the National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. It also bagged him the Filmfare Award. The movie deals with the lives of people who live in extreme poverty. However, unlike his debut film, Pasi ends on a hopeful note making it a grand success that had a 100-day run at the box office.
Durai was awarded with Kalaimamani Award by the Tamil Nadu State government in 1982 for his contribution to art. Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam, Aasia 60 Naal, and Paavathin Sambalam are other films of Durai.
Netizens mourned the death of Durai on social media. Subramaniapuram director Sasikumar tweeted the news and wrote, "My deepest condolences to his family."
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2024-04-23T11:06:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd