One of the most acclaimed directors of Malayalam cinema,  K G George passed away in Kochi today. He was 77. The veteran director was ailing for some time and was admitted to an old age home when he breathed his last. George,  who made his directorial debut with the movie Swapnadanam, for which he won the national film award for the best feature film has directed 19 films in his career spanning over 40 years in the Malayalam film industry. He contributed exceptional movies like Ulkkadal, Yavanika, Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback, Adaminte Variyellu, Panchavadi Palam, and Irakal among others. His films were marked by the realistic portrayal of complex human emotions and social issues. He won various film awards instituted by the Kerala government and the State Film Critics Association.
The Kerala government conferred him the JC Daniel Award in 2015 for his lifelong contributions to  Malayalam cinema.

George also served as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation and the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association. The funeral will take place later.