The Kannada film industry is grieving the passing of veteran director and actor Joe Simon. And he died late Thursday night at a private hospital in Bengaluru, as the towering filmmaker who pioneered the action and thriller genres in Sandalwood entered the world of cinema in unprecedented leaps. He was 78. Joe Simon. His family said his last rites will take place today, Feb. 13, 2026, in the city.
A career of Action and Grit
Joe Simon was a stalwart of the Kannada film industry during the 80s and 90s. In fact, he got famous for making high-octane action films off low budgets and introduced innovative stunt sequences that were way ahead of their time. Directorial Milestones: He turned over 25 films into classic cinema--Cult classics, such as Ondu Cinema Kathe, Sahasa Simha and Theerpu.
Vishnuvardhan is a fond memory for many fans. Actor who was at once adaptable and good at directing: Joe Simon was not only a director but a recognizable face when onscreen. With participation in 150-plus films for example, he played all kinds of memorable characters, eccentric villains or even some of his loyal associates.
The Thriller Specialist
When the screen was overrun by family dramas, Simon created an industry between suspense thrillers and investigative dramas, ultimately leading him to become a "technical master." Tributes Pour In from Sandalwood. When news of his death started to circulate, many people from the Kannada film fraternity mourned him. "Joe Simon sir was a technician that recognised the pulse of the audience," said Senior Actor Shivarajkumar. His work in the action genre in the Kannada cinema is irreplaceable.”
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced its message to recognize his years of contribution to the industry and the absence of him is leaving a creative gap. Through social media friends have been uploading clips of his iconic movie scenes, reminiscing about him as a director who “introduced ‘Hollywood style’ grit to local cinema.
Legacy and Final Farewell
Joe Simon went from a little guy in the hinterland to a leading director in Bengaluru, a story that speaks volumes to many young directors. His wife and children survive him. He has had the body preserved for public viewing - at his home his kin, friends and business staff gather to pay respects during his death.
