Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter K Bhagyaraj was cremated with full state honours at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium in Chennai on Sunday, a day after he passed away following a cardiac arrest. He was 73.On Sunday, Bhagyaraj’s mortal remains were taken in a funeral procession through the streets of Chennai to the crematorium. Actors R Parthiban and R Sarathkumar joined members of his family in carrying the casket during the procession. A floral tribute inscribed with the words, “With Love, Yours, Bhagyaraj,” accompanied the cortege, along with a photograph of Bhagyaraj and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran.Before the cremation, Bhagyaraj was accorded full state honours in recognition of his immense contribution to Tamil cinema. His last rites were performed in the presence of family members, colleagues and close friends from the industry.Bhagyaraj’s final journey witnessed an outpouring of grief from family members, colleagues, political leaders and thousands of admirers, who gathered to bid farewell to one of Tamil cinema’s most influential storytellers. His mortal remains were kept at his residence in Nungambakkam on Saturday, where actors, filmmakers, politicians and fans paid their last respects throughout the day.Among those who visited his residence were Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan, Karthi, R Sarathkumar, Khushbu Sundar, Sundar C, and several other prominent members of the Tamil film industry. One of the most emotional moments came when Dhanush was seen breaking down while paying his respects, with visuals of the actor struggling to hold back tears widely shared on social media.Soon after news of his demise emerged on Saturday, tributes poured in from across the film fraternity and political circles. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Khushbu Sundar, Radhika Sarathkumar, Sivakarthikeyan, Venkat Prabhu, and several others remembered Bhagyaraj as a visionary filmmaker, gifted writer and mentor whose films left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. Political leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, also expressed their condolences, acknowledging his lasting contribution to the state’s cultural landscape.Born in Vellankoil in Erode district, Bhagyaraj built an extraordinary career spanning decades. He excelled as a director, actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer and music composer, earning a reputation for his distinctive storytelling, relatable characters and sharp humour. His legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.