While the film and political fraternities of Tamil Nadu are still grieving the death of actor and politician Vijayakanth, the Tamil Nadu Film Producers Association has announced that they have decided to cancel all kinds of shooting for Tamil films today as a mark of respect for the late actor. 

Actor Vijayakanth breathed his last today after being diagnosed with Covid-19 and pneumonia. He was 71. He is survived by his wife Premalatha and two sons. 

Earlier in the day, the Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association had taken a call to cancel all morning shows across theatres in Tamil Nadu, as a mark of respect to Vijayakanth. 

From PM Narendra Modi, and CM MK Stalin to actor-politicians Sarathkumar, Khushboo, director AR Murgadoss and several others poured their condolences on social media. The Tamil Nadu CM also visited Vijayakanth's residence in-person to pay his respects and announced that his last rites would happen with full state honours. Several celebrities and fans are making a beeline to his residence as well. 

A prolific actor, who was fondly called Captain, Vijayakanth was born on August 25, 1952, and predominantly worked in Tamil films. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016 and was the president of the political party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam.

He is known for films such as Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam, Satham Oru Iruttuarai, Amman Kovil Kizhakale, Oomai Vizhigal, Captain Prabhakaran, Chinna Gounder, Ramanaa and Engal Anna. The actor was last seen making a cameo appearance in the 2015 film Sagaptham.