Security measures for Bharathiraja's final rites in Theni

Theni district authorities have deployed approximately 1,000 police personnel to manage security during the final rites of veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja, a senior police official announced on Thursday. The arrangements aim to organise the large number of visitors expected to attend. Deputy Inspector General V. Sasi Mohan told ANI that elaborate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of those paying their respects. “We have made all necessary arrangements regarding the safety and security of the people who want to visit the place for paying final rites,” he stated. Access control protocols have been implemented to enable smooth visitor movement, with separate entry points for family members and the general public. Dedicated enclosures have also been set up to facilitate orderly tribute-paying. In addition, the police have prepared distinct arrangements for dignitaries and other important visitors expected at the event, which will adhere to government guidelines and established protocols. “Tentatively, it may start around 3. We have all the arrangements made, and it’s ready,” the DIG added. Two Superintendent of Police rank officers have been assigned to oversee the security operations at the venue. The deployed personnel represent various ranks tasked with maintaining law and order throughout the proceedings. Bharathiraja, a renowned Tamil director, passed away in Chennai at the age of 85 due to age-related ailments. His death was met with mourning across the film industry, with numerous actors and filmmakers paying tribute. Actor, producer and politician Khushbu Sundar expressed her grief on X, writing, “Devastated to know that our most beloved, loved and respected Director, the legendary #BharathiRaaja, is no longer with us. His demise is a gloomy cloud in Tamil cinema.” She recalled him as one of the industry’s most respected filmmakers and said his absence would be deeply felt by cinema enthusiasts across generations. Bharathiraja began his directorial career with the acclaimed 1977 film 16 Vayathinile and went on to direct over 40 films, earning the title ‘Iyakkunar Immayam’ for his significant contributions. His celebrated works include ‘Kizhake Pogum Rail,’ ‘Sigappu Rojakkal,’ ‘Alaigal Oivathillai,’ ‘Kaadhal Oviyam’ and ‘Mudhal Mariyathai,’ many regarded as classics. His final directorial effort was ‘Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal,’ a segment of Prime Video’s anthology series Modern Love Chennai. Alongside directing, Bharathiraja had a successful acting career; his latest screen appearance was in Mohanlal’s ‘Thudarum,’ with the unreleased ‘Pulavar’ set to be his final acting role. He also acted in films such as ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu,’ ‘Pandianadu,’ ‘Eeswaran,’ ‘Thiruchitrambalam’ and ‘Maharaja.’