Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja will be cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Theni district on Thursday, June 11, following his death on Wednesday. The director’s final rites will take place in his native region, fulfilling his family’s wish to return him to the land where his life began.

noted lyricist Vairamuthu said Bharathiraja’s mortal remains would be kept at his home in Neelankarai, Chennai, until 9 pm on Wednesday, allowing members of the public and the film fraternity to pay their last respects.

“The family has decided to lay him to rest in the land where he drew his first breath,” Vairamuthu said. The mortal remains will reach Bharathiraja’s farmhouse at Kaatrodu near Vathalagundu in Theni district on Thursday morning. Members of the public will be able to pay homage before the burial, which is scheduled to take place at 3 pm.

Vairamuthu also expressed gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for announcing a state guard of honour for the filmmaker in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

Bharathiraja had reportedly been battling multiple health issues related to respiratory complications and age-related ailments. Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, he spent over five decades telling stories rooted in rural life and human relationships.

Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Bharathiraja directed more than 40 films and left behind a body of work that reshaped Tamil cinema. His notable films include 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Seethakoka Chiluka, Mann Vasanai, Mudhal Mariyathai, Vedham Pudhithu, Kizhakku Cheemayile and Karuthamma.