Veteran Tamil actor-filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran passes away
Velu Prabhakaran made his Tamil cinema debut as a cinematographer with the 1980 film Ivargal Vithyasamanavargal. In 1989, he transitioned to direction with his debut film Nalaya Manithan, starring Prabhu, Ajay Rathnam, Amala, and Jaishankar. That same year, he also stepped in front of the camera for the first time, acting in his own directorial venture Sariyana Jodi.
Some of Velu Prabhakaran's popular movies include Nalaya Manithan, Puratchikkaaran, Asuran and Rajali. He was last seen in the 2025 film Gajaana.
National Award-winning filmmaker Seenu Ramasamy wrote on X, 'I am saddened by the news of the passing of progressive thinker, cinematographer, and director Velu Prabhakaran. My deepest condolences to all those mourning his loss.' @Sylvianism posted on X, 'Say whatever, Velu Prabhakaran stayed true to his guts without compromise. Lesser known fact: He was the cinematographer for GM Kumar's Pickpocket and Uruvam. His Nalaya Manithan introduced a new genre, while Kadavul will remain memorable. And, Kadavul's music was Ilaiyaraaja.'
The last rites of Velu Prabhakaran will be held on the evening of July 20.
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