Legendary filmmaker dies one year after son as | UK News

Iconic director Bharathiraja, who was celebrated for redefining rural storytelling in Tamil cinema, has died aged 84. He handed away on Wednesday (June 10) from age-related sickness. His death comes just over a year after his son, actor and director Manoj Bharathiraja, handed away in March 2025 from a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 48.

Bharathiraja was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Tamil cinema, credited with reworking the industry through his focus on rural storytelling and practical portrayals of village life. Born Chinnasamy Periyamaya Theva in 1941 in Allinagaram – what is now Tamil Nadu’s Theni district – Bharathiraja constructed a profession in India’s Tamil-language movie industry as a director, producer, screenwriter and actor.

Over a profession spanning practically 5 a long time, Bharathiraja directed more than 40 movies.

He made his function debut in 1977 with 16 Vayathinile, a vital and industrial hit that helped spark a wider shift in Tamil cinema in the direction of tales rooted in village life.

Bharathiraja’s profession excelled throughout the late Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties, with movies including Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), Nizhalgal (1980), Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), Mann Vasanai (1983) and Muthal Mariyathai (1985).

Bharathiraja received a number of major accolades throughout his profession, including six Indian National Film Awards. His honours included Best Feature Film in Telugu for Seethakoka Chilaka (1982), Best Feature Film in Tamil for Muthal Mariyathai (1986) and Anthimanthaarai (1996), Best Film on Other Social Issues for Vedham Pudhithu (1988), Best Film on Family Welfare for Karuththamma (1995), and Best Screenplay for Kadal Pookkal (2001).

He also acquired 4 Filmfare Awards South, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Nandi Award, cementing his standing as one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, the federal government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2004.

Tributes have flooded in for Bharathiraja online, with Indian actor Chiranjeevi writing: “Indian cinema has lost one of its greatest storytellers, Bharathiraja garu. He transformed the fragrance of village soil, the beauty of human relationships, the innocence of love, and the emotions of ordinary people into timeless cinematic poetry. His films touched millions of hearts and inspired generations of filmmakers.

“A recipient of the celebrated Padma Shri and a number of National Film Awards, Bharathiraja garu’s contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable. I used to be lucky to work under his direction. His ardour for cinema, simplicity and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on me.”

He added: “Though he’s no longer with us, his legacy will live on endlessly through his exceptional movies. Rest in peace, ‘Iyakkunar Imayam’ Bharathiraja garu. My heartfelt condolences to his household, associates and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin shared: “The passing of ‘Director Imayam’ Thiru. Bharathiraja, who reshaped the trail of Tamil cinema and created a new direction, brings immense sorrow. I specific my deepest condolences on the demise of that great artist, which has develop into a profound loss to Tamil cinema.”

He said that the filmmaker spoke a “distinctive language” in cinema and created an entire era of his own, adding that Indian film history would “endlessly” remember him.

Bharathiraja is survived by his spouse, Chandraleela, and daughter Janani.