Theni (Tamil Nadu) | Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja was laid to rest with full state honours at his farmhouse located between Devadanapatti and Batlagundu on Thursday afternoon.

The 84-year-old veteran director, fondly known as Iyakkunar Imayam (Pinnacle of Directors), passed away in Chennai on Wednesday following age-related health complications.

As announced by the Tamil Nadu government, full state honours were accorded to the iconic filmmaker.

In a deeply emotional send-off, a 72-round salute was rendered by 24 police personnel as a mark of respect for his monumental contribution to Indian cinema.

Earlier, the district administration and senior officials laid wreaths on behalf of the state government.

Thousands of fans, well-wishers, and film personalities gathered at his native village to bid a final farewell.

Prominent among them were lyricist Vairamuthu, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman, and actor Radikaa Sarathkumar.

Before being brought to Theni, his mortal remains were kept at his Chennai residence, where top political leaders and film personalities, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, paid their last respects.

Bharathiraja, a recipient of the Padma Shri and six National Film Awards, is credited with revolutionising Tamil cinema by shifting its focus from studio sets to realistic, rural storytelling.