What is the story about?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the passing of veteran director, producer, and screenwriter Bharathiraja, describing him
as a towering figure in the film world whose work transformed Tamil cinema. Bharathiraja passed away on Wednesday in Chennai due to age-related complications, leaving behind a rich legacy of filmmaking that marked a shift from studio-based storytelling to realistic rural stories in Tamil cinema. He is credited with redefining the grammar of Tamil cinema through films rooted in emotion and real-life. Bharathiraja's works earned him several awards and accolades and continue to be celebrated by fans and film enthusiasts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mourns The Loss Of Bharathiraja
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to mourn the loss of Bharathiraja, calling him as a towering figure of the cinema world whose works transformed Tamil cinema, particularly for his portrayal of rural life. "The passing of Thiru Bharathiraja Ji is very saddening. He was a towering figure of the cinema world whose works transformed Tamil cinema" read his post.
PM Modi extended his thoughts to the filmmaker’s family and admirers in this hour of grief, concluding with Om Shanti.
Bharathiraja's Last Rites
As per arrangements made by the family, Bharathiraja’s cremation is scheduled to take place today at around 3 PM at his farmhouse near Vathalakundu in Theni district. Family members, close friends, colleagues from the film industry, and thousands of admirers are expected to attend the ceremony to pay their final respects. The Tamil film industry has suspended all shooting activities today as a mark of tribute to the late filmmaker. The Tamil Film Producers Council announced that all film and television serial shoots across the state would remain halted from 6 AM to 6 PM on June 11.
The decision was taken to honour Bharathiraja’s contribution to cinema and to enable members of the film fraternity to attend his final farewell. Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay's official handle shared pictures of him paying respect to the legend. Images on social media showed the TVK chief visiting Bharathiraja's residence where he can be seen getting emotional.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Bharathiraja transformed Tamil cinema with landmark films such as 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Alaigal Oivathillai, Pasumpon, and Mudhal Mariyadhai. Bharathiraja won six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards South, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri for his work in Indian cinema.
