State honours for Bharathiraja’s funeral; tributes pour in from political leaders

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective. First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming. Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day. Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features. Condolences poured in from leaders and politicians cutting across party lines following the passing of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who breathed his last at his residence in Neelankarai here on Wednesday. The Tamil Nadu government announced that State honours would be accorded to the departed director. In his condolence message, Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Bharathiraja. “A visionary storyteller, he revolutionised Tamil cinema by bringing the soul of rural India and the depth of human emotions to the silver screen with remarkable authenticity. Through his distinctive cinematic language, unforgettable characters, and timeless films, he left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers and artistes.” Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said Bharathiraja was a true pioneer who transformed Tamil cinema with his unique storytelling and profound portrayal of rural life. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Bharathiraja’s residence and paid tributes to his mortal remains. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Bharathiraja carved a unique place for himself in Tamil cinema by directing several successful films rooted in rural life. As a mark of respect and tribute to the departed director, the Tamil Nadu government would accord State honours at his funeral, he added. Former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin paid respects to Bharathiraja’s mortal remains at his residence. In his condolence message posted on X, Mr. Stalin described Bharathiraja as an epoch-making filmmaker, who spoke a new language of cinema. Cameras that were once confined to studios entered villages because of him. Mr. Udhayanidhi said the passing of Bharathiraja, who reflected the lives and emotions of ordinary people and ushered in a new wave in Tamil cinema, was an irreparable loss. Former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edap