Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja, celebrated as a towering figure in Tamil cinema, was laid to rest with full state honours at his farm in Kaatroad, Theni. His body was buried as rifle volleys were fired, in line with the Tamil Nadu government’s announcement.
Born in Theni district, Bharathiraja moved to Chennai driven by his passion for films and took up various jobs before getting his breakthrough. He made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile and is widely credited with taking Tamil cinema beyond studio-bound settings into the outdoors.
Known for portraying the realism of village life and the strength of human relationships rooted in the soil, he went on to create several acclaimed works. He directed more than 40 films across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, acted in many films and also produced a few.
After he died in Chennai due to ill health, political leaders and film personalities paid their respects there. His body was later brought to Theni, where residents, relatives and several leaders and artistes offered final tributes.
Ministers Nirmal Kumar and Vanniyarasu attended the funeral on behalf of the state government. Bharathiraja’s filmography includes enduring titles such as 16 Vayathinile, Mann Vaasana, Kaadhal Oviyam, Kadalora Kavithaigal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Mudhal Mariyadhai, Kizhakku Cheemayile and Karuththamma.
