Vijayakanth Funeral: Thousands Gather To Bid Farewell To Beloved 'Captain', Last Rites At 4:45 PM Today

The final rites will be conducted at 4:45 pm to honor 'Captain' Vijayakanth, the revered actor and leader of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), who passed away on Thursday. This event will take place on the premises of the DMDK headquarters.

Earlier in the day, supporters gathered in large numbers at the DMDK headquarters to bid farewell to 'Captain' Vijayakanth, the actor and party leader who passed away on Thursday.

Following the transfer of Vijayakanth's body from the hospital to his residence, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his cabinet colleagues paid their respects, praising the departed leader as a cherished friend who excelled in cinema and made significant contributions in public life.

Later, as the funeral procession arrived at the DMDK headquarters in Koyambedu, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and senior party members offered floral tributes.

Upon hearing the news of Vijayakanth's demise, his supporters gathered at his residence and the Chennai hospital, some visibly emotional, with a few even shaving their heads as a mark of respect in Madurai.

The government announced full state honors for Vijayakanth's funeral. The DMDK confirmed that the last rites would take place at 4:45 pm on the party headquarters' premises, and party flags would fly at half-mast for 15 days.

Beyond politicians, a multitude of celebrities, ordinary citizens, party members, fans, and admirers formed long queues in and around Koyambedu to bid farewell to Vijayakanth. Police faced challenges managing the crowds, with thousands paying homage throughout the day, amid continuous chants of 'captain, captain.'

Vijayakanth succumbed on Thursday, having tested positive for Covid-19 days earlier. While the party had confirmed his Covid-positive status and ventilator support, the hospital reported his battle against pneumonia as the cause of his passing. MIOT International Hospital in Chennai stated, "Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support due to pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he passed away on the morning of 28th December 2023."