Velu Prabhakaran, noted Tamil filmmaker and actor, passed away on July 18 in Chennai after a prolonged illness. He was 68. Public homage will be held in Valasaravakkam on July 19–20, followed by cremation at Porur.

Known for bold and socially charged films like Kadavul and Puratchikkaaran, he began his career as a cinematographer and later directed sci-fi and controversial dramas. Velu Prabhakaran’s final directorial work came in 2017 with Oru Iyakkunarin Kadhal Diary. In his later years, he also took on acting roles in films such as Anti Indian and Gajaana.

He was earlier married to Jayadevi, but their relationship ended. In 2017, he entered a new chapter of his life by marrying actress Shirley Das.