Legendary Director Bharathiraja Hospitalised With Respiratory Issues, Doctors Say Condition Stable

Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja remains under medical care after being hospitalised late last month, with doctors confirming that his condition is stable and improving. The hospital treating the

veteran director has issued an official statement to address concerns and dismiss false reports surrounding his health.

Bharathiraja was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Aminjikkarai, Chennai, on December 27 after experiencing breathing difficulties. In the days that followed, rumours claiming that the filmmaker had passed away began circulating online, prompting the hospital to release a detailed medical update.

In its bulletin, the hospital stated, “Mr Bharathiraja, renowned movie director, is presently admitted at MGM Healthcare, Aminjikkarai, following complaints of breathlessness. He is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. His clinical condition is stable, and he continues to be under close monitoring by our team of medical experts. With appropriate support, his vital parameters remain within normal limits. He is responding satisfactorily to the ongoing treatment. Further updates will be communicated as and when deemed necessary.”

According to reports, the director had been dealing with respiratory issues prior to his admission. The Times of India reported that Bharathiraja had been staying in Malaysia for the past few months for treatment and was living with his daughter during that period. He had recently returned to Chennai before being hospitalised.

The health scare comes amid a deeply emotional period in Bharathiraja’s life. In March 2025, the filmmaker lost his son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, who passed away at the age of 48 following a cardiac arrest. The loss has reportedly taken a significant toll on the director’s emotional well-being.

Speaking about Bharathiraja’s state of mind, his brother Jayaraj Periyamayathevar shared details of the family’s concern in a recent interview. He said, “Anna (elder brother) has been unwell for a few months now. He has not been able to cope with the loss of his son. He often looks at Manoj’s photos and breaks down. We even took him to Malaysia, hoping a change of place would console and heal him. But even there, his thoughts kept returning to his late son. Despite all the fame and money, he is unable to come to terms with this loss. He is slowly drifting away from his old memories.”

Bharathiraja is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Tamil cinema. He played a pivotal role in shaping the industry during the 1970s and 1980s, introducing a new wave of realistic storytelling. His acclaimed filmography includes titles such as 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Nizhalgal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Mudhal Mariyathai and Kizhakku Cheemayile, among several others.

The filmmaker last directed a film in 2020 with Meendum Oru Mariyathai. In recent years, he has also appeared as an actor, with his latest on-screen role being in Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum (2025), starring Mohanlal and Shobana.

Doctors continue to monitor Bharathiraja closely, with further updates expected as his treatment progresses.