Veteran Tamil filmmaker and actor Velu Prabhakaran dies

Veteran filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran who had directed, shot, and acted in films majorly in Tamil industry, took his last breath during the morning hours of Friday (July 18, 2025). Known as a maverick of Tamil cinema, Velu Prabhakaran was known for his fearless storytelling and socially provocative films that redefined boundaries in Indian filmmaking.

Velu Prabhakaran dies after prolonged illness

It has been a dark time for south Indian cinema. After veteran actors Saroja Devi and Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away, Tamil filmmaker and actor Velu Prabhakaran died on Friday morning after battling illness. Director Velu Prabhakaran had been in a critical condition since Thursday morning. He was under close medical supervision. His condition gradually worsened and was extremely serious. Kept at continuous monitoring, he subsequently passed away.

Known for his films like Nalaya Manithan, Kadavul, Puratchikkaaran, and Kadhal Kadhai, Velu Prabhakaran had explored the themes of atheism, caste, and sexuality in his films, thus courting both controversy and acclaim in his career.

Velu Prabhakaran began as a cinematographer and shot films like Ivargal Vithyasamanavargal and Matravai Neril. It was with the 1989 horror film Nalaya Manithan Velu Prabhakaran made his directorial debut. The film starred Prabhu, Ajay Rathnam, Amala and others. He subsequently made a sequel for it called Adhisaya Manithan in 1990. Subsequently, Velu Prabhakaran had worked as both cinematographer and director in Tamil industry. While his last directorial was the 2017 Tamil film Oru Iyakkunarin Kadhal Diary, Velu Prabhakaran continued to act in films. He had appeared in Tamil films like Cadaver, Pizza 3: The Mummy, Raid and Jango. He was recently seen in the 2024 superhuman film Weapon.

Velu Prabhakaran funeral details

Velu Prabhakaran’s mortal remains will be kept for public homage at his residence in Valasaravakkam, Chennai from Saturday evening (July 19) to Sunday afternoon (July 20), followed by the cremation. He is survived by his loved ones.