MK Stalin, All Parties Pay Emotional Tribute to Bharathiraja — "He Elevated Tamil Cinema to World Stage"

The passing of legendary Tamil director Bharathiraja on June 10 prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, actors, and filmmakers across Tamil Nadu.

DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin paid an emotional tribute, calling Bharathiraja "a filmmaker who brought the authentic stories of Tamil villages and rural life to the world stage" and describing him as irreplaceable in the history of Tamil cinema.

BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran also visited the Neelangarai residence to pay homage, as did social justice minister Vanni Arasu and several DMK legislators.

From Tamil cinema, actor Vijay Sethupathi, director Ramesh Khanna, and actor Vedan were among the prominent names who arrived at Bharathiraja's home to offer condolences.

Social media saw a tide of tributes from actors, directors, and fans, with 16 Vayathinile, Ninaithale Inikkum, Muthal Mariyathai, and Thalapathi cited as defining works that shaped generations of Tamil filmmakers.

A state funeral with full honours was confirmed by the Tamil Nadu government following CM Vijay's directive earlier in the day.