Renowned filmmaker IV Sasi (69) passed away today, October 24, 2017 at 11 AM. According to reports, he was under treatment for illness. Actress Seema, his wife confirmed the news to media. The filmmaker ruled the Malayalam box office with his films between 1970 and 1990. He started his career as an art director in 1968 with the film ‘Kaliyalla Kalyanam’ and turned to film direction. His directorial debut was with the film ‘Ulsavam’ and has directed more than 150 films. He received the lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and Kerala State Government honoured him with JC Daniel award in 2015. He introduced Mammootty as a hero in his film ‘Thrishna’ and directed ‘Ineyengilum’, one of the first breaks of Mohanlal as a co-hero. He has also directed a number of films in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu. It was IV Sasi, who introduced Rajinikanth to Mollywood with the film ‘Allauddinum Albutha Vilakkum’ in 1979.