Tamil cinema is mourning the loss of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who passed away at the age of 85 due to age-related ailments. Superstar Rajinikanth visited the director's Chennai residence to pay his final homage and remembered him as a visionary who transformed South Indian cinema.
Speaking to the media, Rajinikanth said Bharathiraja will live forever in the heart of Tamilan.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also paid tribute and announced that Bharathiraja would be accorded state honours during his final rites.
Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with the acclaimed film 16 Vayathinile in 1977 and went on to become one of Tamil cinema's most influential filmmakers. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he directed over 40 films and earned the title of 'Iyakkunar Immayam' for his remarkable contribution to cinema. Among his most well-known works are "Kizhake Pogum Rail," "Sigappu Rojakkal," "Alaigal Oivathillai," "Kaadhal Oviyam," and "Mudhal Mariyathai," many of which are still considered classics.