Legendary filmmaker K S Gopalakrishnan, who made memorable movies such as ‘Sarada’ , ‘Karpagam’ and ‘Kulama Gunama’, died in Chennai on Saturday night. He was 86 and is survived by six sons.

A writer, film producer and studio owner as well, Gopalakrishnan glorified women in his movies by penning strong characters for them. ‘Deivathin Deivam’, ‘Pesum Deivam’, ‘Chitthi’, ‘Panama Pasama’ and ‘Kurathi Magan’ were his other popular movies. He introduced actresses like K R Vijaya and Jayachithra who became popular later. He had worked with top names such as Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, S S Rajendran, (chief minister) and J Jayalalithaa.

Gopalakrishnan acquired a studio and named it after his popular movie ‘Karpagam’, His wife had died earlier in late 1990s and his last rites will be performed later today. Industry bodies, directors, producers and actors have condoled his death. “KSG was a master story-teller nad he was good at penning and making gripping emotional tales. Family bonding would be the bottomline and he successfully tried his hands at some revolutionary themes as well,” film historian Murali said.

One of Gopalakrishnan’s sons, K S G Venkatesh is an actor who has acted in television serials and in films like ‘Sathuranga Vettai’