Palakkad (Kerala): Film and theatre director and Palakkad Assistant Excise Inspector Sreeji Balakrishnan has passed away after collapsing. On Friday morning, Sreeji informed his friends that he was experiencing physical discomfort and called them to his room. Following this, they sought medical treatment for him.

Later, around 3.30 pm while still undergoing treatment, Sreeji got out of bed to go to the toilet and suddenly collapsed. A heart attack is suspected to be the primary cause of death.

Sreeji Balakrishnan made his debut in Malayalam cinema as a director with the film 'Chandranum Policeum'. He was in Palakkad to attend the 'Natakolsavam' (Theatre Festival) organised by an artists' collective, where he directed and wrote plays – 'Beware of Dog', 'Maya Darpan' and 'Selfie'.

He was also an active presence in the cultural and awareness initiatives of the Excise Department.

He is the son of the late Balakrishnan Thambi and Jalaja Kumari. He is survived by wife Dhanya and children Niranjan and Aryan.

The body will be kept for the public to pay their respects at Palakkad Town Tower on Friday from 10.30 am to 11 am. Following this, the mortal remains will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram.

The cremation will be held on Saturday morning at the Shanthikavadom Crematorium in Thiruvananthapuram.