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Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Velu Prabhakaran, Kollywood's enfant terrible, dead at 68
Chennai: Cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran , who explored diverse themes such as atheism, caste, and sexuality, often courting controversy with the censor board, died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. Prabhakaran started his career in films as a cinematographer in 'Ivargal Vithyasamanavargal' in 1980 and made his directorial debut in 1989 with 'Nalaya Manithan', starring Prabu, Amala, and Jaishankar. The science-fiction inspired story, which revolves around a miracle drug that reanimates the dead and turns them immortal, received mixed reviews. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Before moving on to make a sequel, 'Adisaya Manidhan', with Ajay Ratnam and Goutami in 1990, he directed another movie and worked as a cinematographer for G M Kumar's movie 'Pick Pocket', starring Sathyaraj. Seven years later, his movie 'Kadavul' fetched him the state film award for best dialogue writer. His 2004 film titled 'Kadhal Arangam', debuting Preethi Rangayani and Shirley Das in leading roles, took on the caste system and explored sexuality. After a five-year battle with the censor board, in 2009, he re-edited the movie, muted some dialogues, and even changed its title to 'Kadhal Kathai' to get the certification. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Canadian Residents Are Now Eligible for a New Financial Program Canada Today Undo However, in the title credits, he added an extended scene narrating the difficulties in releasing the movie. The same year, the director announced his marriage to Shirley Das. He was earlier married to filmmaker and actor P Jayadevi. Prabhakaran directed his last film, 'Oru Iyakkunarin Kadhal Diary', in 2017. Between 2019 and 2025, Prabhakaran acted in nine films, including 'Pizza 3: The Mummy' and 'Gangs of Madras'.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Legendary Tamil Filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran Dies at 68
Veteran Tamil filmmaker, cinematographer, and actor Velu Prabhakaran passed away in Chennai today at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness . Known for bold and controversial stories, he made his mark with cult films like 'Nalaya Manithan', 'Kadhal Kadhai', 'Kadavul', 'Asuran', and 'Puratchikkaaran' . He began his career behind the camera as a cinematographer in the early 1980s before transitioning to direction. His last rites will be held in Chennai after a public homage in Valasaravakkam . Read More
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Veteran Tamil actor-filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran passes away
Veteran Tamil director, cinematographer and actor Velu Prabhakaran passed away in Chennai on Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 68. 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.
United News of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Veteran Tamil filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran passes away
Chennai, July 18 (UNI) Veteran Tamil filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran passed away at a private hospital here today after a prolonged illness. "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of renowned filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran, who left us after a prolonged illness 18th July 2025", a statement from his family said. A maverick of Tamil cinema, Velu Prabhakaran was known for his fearless storytelling and socially provocative films that redefined boundaries in Indian filmmaking. With iconic works such as 'Nalaya Manithan', 'Kadavul', 'Puratchikkaaran' and 'Kadhal Kadhai', he boldly explored themes such as atheism, caste, and sexuality--earning both acclaim and controversy throughout his career. He remained a creative force from the 1980s through to his final years, inspiring generations of filmmakers and cinephiles. His mortal remains were kepat at his Valasaravakkam residence in the to enable the public and the members of the film fraternity to pay their homage. The cremation will take place at Porur crematorium tomorrow evening, in the presence of close family and friends. Velu Prabhakaran will be remembered not only for his uncompromising artistry, but also for his unwavering spirit in challenging cinematic norms. The Tamil film industry mourned his death and recalled his contributions to the world of cinema. UNI GV 1715
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Tamil Cinema Loses Visionary: Velu Prabhakaran Dies At 68
Tamil cinema mourns the loss of filmmaker, cinematographer, and actor Velu Prabhakaran, who passed away at 68 in a Chennai private hospital on Friday following a long illness. On Thursday, his team announced on X that he was in critical condition, receiving intensive care and constant medical supervision. Known for his fearless approach, Velu Prabhakaran directed films that challenged societal norms, tackling themes like atheism, caste, and sexuality. His notable works include Nalaya Manithan (1989), its sequel Adhisaya Manithan (1990), and Kadhal Kadhai (2009), which faced scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification for its bold content. He began his career as a cinematographer with Ivargal Vithyasamanavargal (1980) and later explored action films in the late '90s and early 2000s. His final directorial venture was Oru Iyakkunarin Kadhal Diary (2017), and he last appeared as an actor in Gajaana (2025). Velu was previously married to actor-director P Jayadevi and later wed actor Shirley Das in 2017, who starred in Kadhal Kadhai. His last rites are scheduled for Sunday evening at Porur crematorium, with his body available for public homage at Valasaravakkam in Chennai from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon.
