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"Yen Iniya Tamil Makkale..." — the iconic phrase that became synonymous with his movies, filmmaker Bharathiraja has passed away at the age of 84. In heartbreaking
news for Tamil cinema fans, the veteran director breathed his last on Monday. Bharathiraja's health had reportedly deteriorated a lot following the death of his son, actorManoj Bharathiraja, who suffered a cardiac arrest in March 2024 at the age of 48. That year, visuals from Manoj's funeral and final rites showed a devastated Bharathiraja struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Bharathiraja dies at 84: Cause of death
In December last year, Bharathiraja was hospitalised at a private hospital in Chennai's T Nagar after experiencing respiratory complications, including wheezing. While he later recovered and was discharged, it remains unclear whether those health issues were linked to his demise. More recently, the filmmaker's brother, Jayaraj Periyamayathevar, revealed that Bharathiraja continued to struggle with the emotional pain of losing his son, Manoj Bharathiraja, and had found it difficult to cope with the tragedy.
About Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977, a film that went on to redefine rural storytelling in Tamil cinema. It starred Kamal Haasan, Sridevi and Rajinikanth. Over the following decades, he directed several acclaimed films, including Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai. With a career spanning nearly 40 directorial films, he earned the honorary title Iyakkunar Imayam for his contribution to Indian cinema. Apart from directing, Bharathiraja also built a successful acting career while gradually reducing film direction.
Bharathiraja dies at 84: His Last films
On the directorial front, Bharathiraja's most recent work was Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal, a segment from the anthology series Modern Love Chennai. As an actor, Pulavar, which is yet to be released, will be his final screen appearance. Over the years, he delivered memorable performances in films such as Aayutha Ezhuthu, Pandianadu, Eeswaran and Maharaja. He also made a brief appearance through images in the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam film Thudarum. Among his acting roles, his portrayal of Dhanush's grandfather in Thiruchitrambalam remains one of his most beloved performances.
Bharathiraja dies at 84: Final Public Appearance
The late filmmaker Bharathiraja's last public appearance was during the funeral of his son, Manoj. Before his passing, he had watched Thaai Kizhavi while recovering from a prolonged illness after actress Radikaa Sarathkumar personally visited him. Impressed by her performance, Bharathiraja praised Radikaa and said her portrayal deserved a National Award. The moment marked a reunion between mentor and protégé, as Radikaa had begun her acting career under Bharathiraja's 1987 film Kizhakke Pogum Rail.
Bharathiraja dies at 84: Awards and Honours
Over a career spanning several decades, Bharathiraja established himself as one of Indian cinema's most influential filmmakers. He was the recipient of six National Film Awards, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. In addition to his extensive work in Tamil cinema, he also directed films in Telugu and Hindi. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2004.
