Bharathiraja's mortal remains reach Theni; Public pays final respects to veteran filmmaker - WATCH

The mortal remains of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja were brought to his hometown of Theni on Thursday morning. Family members, friends, industry colleagues and admirers gathered to pay their final respects to the iconic director. Arrangements have been made for residents from Theni and surrounding regions to offer their condolences before the final rites. The funeral is scheduled to take place in his hometown at around 3 pm with full state honours, as reported by Cinema Express.Talking to ANI, DIG V. Sasi Mohan said, "We have made all necessary arrangements regarding the safety and security of the people who want to visit the place for paying final rites. We have made proper access control for all the people who want to pay a visit and pay their final respects. Separately, we have made arrangements for other people also separate entry for family and others. There are separate enclosures kept specifically for public presentation. Also, the important people who want to visit the final rites will be held as per the government instructions and as per the norms. Tentatively, it may start around 3. We have all the arrangements made, and it's ready, so we have two SP-level officers who have been deputed among them, around a thousand personnel have been deployed, including various other ranks."The veteran filmmaker passed away in Chennai after battling health-related issues. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay visited the late filmmaker's residence soon after the news of his demise emerged. The Chief Minister paid his respects by offering a floral tribute before Bharathiraja's mortal remains.Among the many celebrities who remembered Bharathiraja was Mohanlal, who recently worked with the veteran filmmaker in the Malayalam blockbuster Thudarum.The actor shared an emotional message, "A director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame. Sharing screen space with Bharathiraja Sir in Thudarum was an honour I will cherish forever. Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations, and your presence will be deeply missed.."Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed deep sorrow over the filmmaker's demise. "The passing of the renowned legendary film director and Padma Shri awardee Shri Bharathiraja garu is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. With his extraordinary films he not only won the hearts of Tamil cinema audiences but also those of Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada language viewers. Having received 6 National Awards, he left his unique imprint on the Indian film scene. The devotional film Aaraadhana that he brought to life with Annayya Megastar @KChiruTweets garu, as well as films like Seethakoka Chiluka that won a National Award, have remained eternally etched in the hearts of audiences. As a director who marvelously portrayed rural life and human relationships on screen, Shri Bharathiraja garu will be remembered forever."He added, "Losing such a great creative director is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. Expressing profound grief over Shri Bharathiraja garu's passing, I convey my deepest condolences to his family members and fans. Om Shanti. #Bharathiraja."Actor-director Raghava Lawrence also paid tribute to Bharathiraja and revealed that he had postponed an important announcement as a mark of respect."The industry is currently mourning the passing of Bharathiraja sir. This loss feels deeply personal, like losing a member of the family. Out of respect for Bharathiraja sir and his immense contribution to cinema, I have decided to postpone my announcement."Lawrence later informed his followers about the revised schedule."Hi everyone, I had earlier informed you that I would be making an important life decision announcement on Thursday, the 11th, at 9:30 AM. I will now be making the announcement on Friday, the 12th, at 10:00 AM.."Fondly known as "Iyakkunar Imayam," Bharathiraja leaves behind an extraordinary cinematic legacy.