Renowned director and screenplay writer Harikumar passed away on May 6, 2024 after a battle with cancer. He took his last breath at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 70.

He started his career as a director with Ambalppoove in 1981. His most notable film was Sukrutam (1994) based on the screenplay by MT Vasudevan Nair with Mammootty in the lead role. It received several awards including the National award for the best Malayalam film. It sketched the life of an editor Ravi Sankar who confronted his death face to face and struggled to make a comeback. He directed about 20 films including Udyanapalakan (Gardner), Ezhunnallathu and Clint, his other prominent films. His Kattu vannu vilhichappol (When the wind came knocking), secured six state awards including the best story.

Harikumar started his career as an engineer in Town Planning Department of Kollam Municipal Corporation. He resigned his job to join the film industry. His last film was Autorikshakkarante Bharya (Wife of an Autorickshaw driver).

He is survived by his daughters Ammu and Geetanjali. His wife Chandrika predeceased him.