Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan Pay Final Respects To Bharathiraja; The Director Behind Chappani, Parattaiyan In 16 Vayadhinile

Veteran

filmmaker Bharathiraja passed away on Wednesday morning in Chennai following age-related health complications. He was 84. He made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977, a landmark film in his career. Starring Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Sridevi, the film went on to become a major blockbuster and remains one of Tamil cinema’s most influential films. The film’s lead actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have since paid their respects to the late filmmaker. They visited his residence separately to bid farewell to the director, Bharathiraja, who gave them the memorable roles of Chappani and Parattaiyan.

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan Pay Final Farewell To Bharathiraja, The Creator of Iconic Characters Chappani and Parattaiyan

Rajinikanth, who shared a close bond with filmmaker Bharathiraja, expressed grief over the director’s passing and spoke about his role in shaping the film industry. Speaking to the media after visiting Bharathiraja’s family to offer condolences, he said, "He made the industry flourish and gave it new life. Whenever directors, actors, or anyone from the film fraternity faced problems, he would stand up for them, fight for their rights, and help give a solution to their problems,". Talking about that Bharathiraja’s legacy would endure, Rajinikanth added, "His achievements and service to the industry will never fade. His name forever remain etched in the hearts of the Tamil people. May his soul rest in peace."

Kamal Haasan, was seen at Bharathiraja's residence, looking heartbroken over the loss of the icon. He brought a huge garland, and paid his last respects. Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth appeared together in Bharathiraja's 16 Vayathinile, playing the roles Chappani and Parattaiyan respectively. Kamal Haasan played Chappani, an innocent, physically challenged, and ridiculed man. While Rajinikanth played Parattaiyan a ruthless, village goon.

Made on a modest budget of Rs 5 lakh, the film faced several financial problems during production. Despite these limitations, the film’s fortunes changed after its release. 16 Vayathinile went on to become a commercial success, earning around Rs 10 lakh at the box office and running in theatres for over 175 days. It emerged as a silver jubilee hit.

TN CM Vijay and other personalities pay tribute

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited the filmmaker’s residence shortly after receiving news of his passing. He expressed grief and announced that the final rites would be conducted with full state honours as a mark of respect. Members of the film fraternity, including Kamal Haasan, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Seeman, Suriya, Sivakumar, composer Ilaiyaraaja, Sukanya, and others, also arrived to pay their final respects.