RB Choudary, Veteran Tamil Film Producer, Dies in Rajasthan Car Crash

Key facts

• RB Choudary died on May 5, 2026, in a car accident near Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• He founded Super Good Films in 1988 and produced over 100 films.
• His first Tamil production was Pudhu Vasantham (1990), debut of director Vikraman.
• He won seven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and four Cinema Express Awards.
• His sons Jiiva and Jithan Ramesh are established actors.
• The accident occurred around 3 pm; his body will be flown to Chennai on May 6.
• Actor Santhosh K Nayar also died in a separate road accident on the same day.

Fatal Crash in Udaipur

Ratanlal Bhagataram Choudary, known across South Indian cinema as RB Choudary, died on Tuesday afternoon when the car he was traveling in met with an accident near Udaipur, Rajasthan. The crash occurred around 3 pm, killing the 75-year-old producer on the spot. The cause of the accident and the condition of any other occupants remain unknown. Choudary’s body is scheduled to be transported to Chennai on Wednesday, May 6, where his funeral will be held. The news sent shockwaves through the Tamil and Telugu film industries, with condolences pouring in from actors, directors, and production houses. Archana Kalpathi of AGS Entertainment posted on X: 'Shocked to hear that #RBChoudary Sir is no longer with us. The industry has lost a stalwart producer who gave some of the biggest blockbusters. A very good human. RIP Sir.'

A Career Spanning Four Decades

Choudary began his film journey in 1988 by establishing the Super production banner, initially producing Malayalam films. He later partnered with R. Mohan to launch Super Good Films, which would become one of the most respected production houses in South India. Over the next 37 years, the banner produced more than 100 films in Tamil and Telugu, earning a reputation for feel-good family entertainers and clean-slate narratives. His first Tamil production, Pudhu Vasantham (1990), marked the directorial debut of Vikraman and won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award. That same year, he backed Puriyada Pudir (1990), the directorial debut of K.S. Ravikumar. Choudary also introduced actors such as Livingston and directors including Rasu Madhuravan, S. Ezhil, Perarasu, and Rajakumaran.

Blockbusters and Award-Winning Films

Among the iconic films produced by Choudary are Nattamai (1994), Poove Unakkaga (1996), Suryavamsam (1997), Thullatha Manamum Thullum (1999), Aanandham (2001), and Keerthi Chakra (2006). In Telugu, his banner delivered hits like Suswagatham, Megastar Chiranjeevi’s God Father (2021), Mr. Pellikoduku, Rachcha, and Bheemili Kabbadi Jattu. His most recent release was Maareesan (2025). Choudary’s work earned him seven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and four Cinema Express Awards — for Nattamai (1994), Suryavamsam (1997), Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen (1998), and Aanandham (2001). He worked with leading stars such as Sarath Kumar, Vijay, and Venkatesh, often delivering commercially successful and critically acclaimed films.

A Family of Cinema

Choudary is survived by his wife Mahjabeen and four sons: Jiiva, Jithan Ramesh, Ashok, and another son. Jiiva and Ramesh are established actors in Tamil cinema. Jiiva starred in Super Good Films productions such as Thithikudhe (2003), Keerthi Chakra (2006), E (2006), Kacheri Arambam (2010), Rowthiram (2011), and Kalathil Santhipom (2021). Ramesh appeared in Pillaiyar Theru Kadaisi Veedu (2011), produced by his father. Since 2010, Jithan Ramesh has taken over the responsibility of the Super Good Films banner. The producer’s death comes on the same day as the passing of Malayalam actor Santhosh K Nayar, who died in a separate road accident on the morning of May 5. Though unrelated, the coincidental tragedies have cast a pall over the South Indian film community.

Legacy and Open Questions

Choudary’s contribution to Tamil and Telugu cinema is measured not only in box-office numbers but in the careers he launched. He introduced at least five directors who went on to become major names, and his banner served as a launchpad for multiple actors. The Super Good Films brand, built on family-centric stories, remains active under his son’s management. As the industry mourns, questions linger about the exact circumstances of the crash. Authorities in Rajasthan have not yet released details on the cause or whether other vehicles were involved. Choudary’s body is expected to arrive in Chennai on Wednesday, where the final rites will be held. The family has not issued a public statement beyond confirming the funeral arrangements.

The bottom line

• RB Choudary, founder of Super Good Films, died in a car crash near Udaipur on May 5, 2026.
• He produced over 100 films in Tamil and Telugu, winning seven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
• His banner launched the careers of directors Vikraman, K.S. Ravikumar, and several others.
• His sons Jiiva and Jithan Ramesh are actors; Ramesh now runs the production house.
• The cause of the accident remains unknown; his funeral will be held in Chennai on May 6.
• His death coincided with that of actor Santhosh K Nayar in a separate road accident.