Bharathiraja's Mortal Remains Brought To Theni, To Be Cremated With State Honours Today

Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja's mortal remains were taken from his residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, to his farmhouse near Devadanapatti in Theni district on Thursday. His final rites, to be performed with full state honours, are scheduled for 3:00 PM at the farmhouse, in accordance with his family's wish to lay him to rest in his native soil.

Lyricist Vairamuthu, speaking on behalf of the family, told the reporters that Bharathiraja's body had been kept at his Neelankarai home until Wednesday night, giving the public and members of the film fraternity an opportunity to pay their respects. Overnight, the body was transported to his hometown region in Tamil Nadu. "The family has decided to lay him to rest in the land where he drew his first breath," Vairamuthu said.

The Tamil film industry is grieving the loss of a pioneer who reshaped its storytelling traditions. Bharathiraja, aged 84, had been battling health complications for several months, including lung infections and respiratory difficulties. He was admitted to hospital in late 2025 and remained under medical supervision, but his condition stayed fragile despite treatment.

His passing comes after a personal tragedy last year, when his son Manoj Bharathiraja, also a filmmaker and actor, died of cardiac arrest at the age of 48. The loss weighed heavily on Bharathiraja's emotional and physical health.

#WATCH | Theni, Tamil Nadu: Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja’s mortal remains reach his hometown Theni.

Bharathiraja, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in Tamil cinema, passed away in Chennai on Wednesday due to age-related ailments. He was 85 years old. pic.twitter.com/j0kYMP5vMt

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Across a career spanning more than five decades, Bharathiraja directed over 40 films that left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. His groundbreaking works include 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Seethakoka Chiluka, Mann Vasanai, Mudhal Mariyathai, Vedham Pudhithu, Kizhakku Cheemayile, and Karuthamma.

His legacy is one of innovation, courage, and a deep connection to the land and people whose stories he brought to life on screen.

From Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Joseph to Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, politicians across the party lines and film actors including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have expressed condolence over the demise of the legendary filmmaker.