In a shocking development, reputed filmmaker and producer SP Muthuraman has been hospitalized in Chennai after he developed COVID-19 symptoms. The 86-year-old octagenarian was admitted to Medway Hospitals in Kodambakkam, Chennai on Wednesday when he celebrated his birthday. 

The hospital has on Wednesday issued a statement concerning Muthuraman's health condition in which it has said, "Mr. SP Muthuraman, renowned film director in the Kollywood Industry has been admitted to Medway Hospitals with symptoms and signs of COVID19. He is suspected to have COVID Pneumonia". "He is under the observation of the Medical Team at Medway Hospitals. He is stable at present", the hospital added.  

SP Muthuraman is one of the popular directors of the Tamil Cinema industry who was active for over two decades. Muthuraman started his film career through AVM Productions as an editor, then an assistant director to the duo Krishnan- Panju, and went on to work with notable directors Bhimsingh, Yoganand, Puttanna Kanagal, Krishnan Nair, and AC Tirulokchandar. He has presented some of the ever-lasting movies to Kollywood. 

Muthuraman has worked with top stars including Sivaji Ganesan, Jaishankar, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth. Muthuraman had played a significant role in the path of Rajinikanth as a Superstar by directing some of the blockbuster movies including Aadu Puli Attam, Murattu Kalai, Netrikann, Pokkiri Raja, Paayum Puli, Naan Mahaan Alla, Priya, Velaikaran, and more.

Muthuraman had also directed Rajinikanth's 100th movie 'Sri Raghavendhar'. In 1979, Muthuraman has got his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award as the Best Director for 'Aarilirundhu Arubathu Varai' in which Rajinikanth starred in the lead role. His first movie was 'Kanimuthu Paappa' which was released in 1972.

Muthuraman was conferred with the Filmfare Awards South for the Best Director in 1977 for 'Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu' and in 1978 for 'Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri'. In 2021, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Ever since the news of his hospitalization broke out, thousands of his fans and fraternities from across and beyond the borders have been expressing their wishes for him to get a speedy recovery.