In a shocking development to the Tamil Cinema Industry amid the Coronavirus outbreak, one of legendary and reputed cinematographer B Kannan has passed away on Saturday at the age of 69 in the private hospital, where he was hospitalized following his heart disease.

Fondly known as phenomenal director Bharathiraja's eye, Kannan was defined as the finest cinematographer when Tamil cinema was watered with the seed of transformation. The demised artist had worked in more than 50 films predominantly in Tamil of which 40 films with Bharathiraja and the duo has crafted as one of the most celebrating pairs in the Tamil Cinema industry.

Some of the popular films of the successful pair include Alaigal Oivathillai, Kadhal Oviyam, Mann Vasanai, Mudhal Mariyadhai, Oru Kaidhiyin Diary, Kizhakku Cheemayile, and the duo's final unification was Arjun starred 'Bommalattam' in 2008. B Kannan was active in the Tamil Cinema Industry nearly for four decades from 1981 to 2018. 

The cinematographer had been ailing for his heart disease and he had undergone surgery recently in a private hospital in Vadapalani, Chennai. However, his health was deteriorating and, according to the reports, he was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, where he was declared dead at 2 pm on Saturday, leaving the cinema industry to mourn for an irreplaceable loss of the finest and admired cinematographer.

Producer Dhananjayan has put out the news of Kannan's death and expressed his condolences. He has mentioned that "very sad we lost such a jovial and wonderful person from our team" and the condolences have been pouring in from the industry, which has been paying its last respect. 

Very sad to report the passing away of Legendary Cinematographer #BKannan sir, who worked in more than 50 films (40 films with @offBharathiraja sir). He was HoD at @BOFTAindia for Cinematography. Very sad we lost such a jovial & wonderful person from our team. #RIP Kannan sir🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/GGJIldISrg

— Dr. Dhananjayan BOFTA (@Dhananjayang) June 13, 2020

The departed cinematographer has bestowed with the 'Shantaram' Award for his work in the movie in Kadal Pookkal in 2001 and he was also a recipient of the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer two times for Alaigai Oivathillai (1981) and Kangalal Kaidhu Sei (2004). Kannan was born in a family that had a rich reputation. He was the son of well-renowned Tamil director Bhimsingh and the younger brother of editor B Lenin.

Kannan was surviving with his wife Kanchana and two daughters. According to the reports, Kannan's mortal remains have been kept at his home in Alwarpet, Chennai and his last rites will take place on June 14. Bharathiraja has lost his eye and the Tamil Cinema industry has, undoubtedly, lost the vision and iconic artist, whose work must be preserved.