Director J Francis dies

Filmmaker J Francis, who has directed films like 'Poothumbiyum Poovalanmarum' and 'Masanagudi Mannadiyar Speaking', passed away in Kochi on Tuesday. The 52-year-old director had been undergoing treatment for liver-related disease at a private hospital.

Francis has also directed television serials and a string of advertisements. He is survived by wife Sheeba and son Savio Francis. The cremation will be held at Santa Cruz Church, Perumpadappu today.