Bharathiraja passes away LIVE | Actor’s funeral held with State honours

Watch live: Veteran Filmmaker Bharathiraja passes away; tributes pour in

• June 11, 2026 18:06

  Bharathiraja’s funeral held with State honours

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-11 at 17.46.50.jpeg

• June 11, 2026 13:33

  Theni District Collector pays tribute to Bharathiraja

  Theni District Collector R. Vaithinathan, I.A.S., on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu, laid a wreath and paid tribute to Director Bharathiraja who passed away due to ill health, at his farmhouse in Ganguvarpatti, Theni district, Tamil Nadu on June 11, 2026.

  vbk-theni bharathiraja-sa.jpg

• June 11, 2026 12:51

  People pay homage to Bharathiraja

  As Bharathiraja’s funeral is held at his farm house at Ghat Road in Theni district, former Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam, Naam Tamilar Party leader Seeman, actor Vadivelu, poet Vairamuthu paid homage to the late filmmaker. 

  Actor Vadivelu paying homage to veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja at his farm house at Ghat Road in Theni district, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

• June 11, 2026 12:01

  Bharathiraja’s mortal remains reach Theni

  The mortal remains of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja reached his hometown of Theni on Thursday, June 11, 2026 for the final rites.

  The Tamil Nadu government has officially announced that the veteran director’s body will be laid to rest with full state honours at his farmhouse, located between Devadhanapatti and Vatlagundu in the district.

  Following the government’s directive, Theni District Collector R. Vaidyanathan ordered immediate preparatory work for the state funeral. Acting on these instructions, Periyakulam Tahsildar Marudhapandi inspected the burial site today to oversee the arrangements.

  Public paying homage to veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja at his farm house at Ghat Road in Theni district, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

  District authorities are coordinating extensive security, crowd control, and logistical measures, as a large number of film personalities, political leaders, and public followers are expected to arrive to pay their last respects to the iconic filmmaker who redefined rural themes in Tamil cinema. – PTI

• June 11, 2026 10:42

  Revanth Reddy commends Bharathiraja for his distinguished service

  Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy condoled the demise of veteran director Bharathiraja. Mr. Reddy said Bharathiraja left an indelible mark on the film industry with his contributions spanning four decades. He commended the film director for his distinguished service to Indian cinema by helming numerous diverse and message-oriented films across various languages. – PTI

• June 11, 2026 10:28

  Bharathiraja was a towering figure of the cinema world: PM Modi

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 11 expressed grief over the passing away of the veteran director, producer and screen writer.

  “The passing of Thiru Bharathiraja Ji is very saddening. He was a towering figure of the cinema world whose works transformed Tamil cinema. Particularly noteworthy was his portrayal of rural life. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” Mr. Modi said in a post on X. – PTI

• June 11, 2026 09:36

  Replug: ‘Guess the climax if you can’: The day Bharathiraja challenged film critics

  With a spring in his step, Bharathiraja strode confidently onto the dais of Nungambakkam’s Four Frames preview theatre. It was the intermission of his 2008 film, Bommalattam, and the veteran filmmaker had something to ask the film critics and journalists who had assembled to watch the movie. 

  In fact, it was a challenge.

  “You have all watched Bommalattam till this l point. Can any of you guess what will happen in the end? If you can, please meet me outside.”

  ‘Guess the climax if you can’: The day Bharathiraja challenged film critics

  At a 2008 press screening of ‘Bommalattam’, Bharathiraja dared film critics to guess the movie’s ending. A look back at this unusual moment that showcased the director’s flair for suspense.

• June 11, 2026 09:34

  Replug: Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraaja: a relationship that ebbed and flowed

  It was a friendship that weathered hardship, poverty and adversity before each one of the buddies scaled great heights in the film world. The friendship between Bharathiraja, maestro Ilaiyaraaja, his brothers Gangai Amaran and the late Bhaskar spans more than half a century, though it had its share of ups and downs. Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraaja parted ways after working together for years, but eventually rekindled their friendship.

  Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraaja: a relationship that ebbed and flowed

  Explore the inspiring journey of Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraaja as they overcame struggles to achieve success in the film industry.

• June 11, 2026 09:33

  Replug: Bharathiraja’s masterpiece movie ‘Mudhal Mariyathai’: a Russian connection and initial misgivings

  One of director Bharathiraja’s masterpieces, Mudhal Mariyathai, which portrayed the love between an ageing hero and a young woman, had its genesis in the love story of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anna Snitkina, who was 25 years younger than him. Thespian Sivaji Ganesan and Radha played the lead roles in the film adaptation of the story. The song Vettiveru Vaasam Vedalapullai Nesam, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, encapsulated the story in a nutshell.

  Bharathiraja’s masterpiece movie ‘Mudhal Mariyathai’: a Russian connection and initial misgivings

  Explore Bharathiraja’s ‘Mudhal Mariyathai,’ its Russian inspiration, initial doubts, and eventual triumph in Tamil cinema.

• June 11, 2026 09:11

  Final rites of Bharathiraja to take place with full state honours in Theni: Vairamuthu

  The final rites of legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday (June 10, 2026), will be performed with full state honours at his farmhouse in Theni district on June 11 afternoon, noted lyricist Vairamuthu announced.

  The remains will reach his farmhouse at Kaatrodu near Vathalagundu on Thursday morning. Following public homage, the burial will take place at 3 p.m. — PTI

• June 10, 2026 21:44

  Bharathiraja’s body being transported to Theni

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 20.52.18.jpeg

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 20.52.17.jpeg

• June 10, 2026 19:32

  TVK Ministers pay homage

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 18.03.22.jpeg

• June 10, 2026 19:28

  DMK MP Kanimozhi visits Bharathiraja’s residence

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 19.06.46.jpeg

• June 10, 2026 17:40

  Actor Radha visits to pay her tributes

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 16.35.59.jpeg

• June 10, 2026 17:21

  Members of the FEFSI union pay homage

  WhatsApp Image 2026-06-10 at 16.36.00.jpeg

• June 10, 2026 16:07

  Members of the film fraternity gather at the residence of veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja to pay their last respects

• June 10, 2026 15:30

  Bharathiraja was a true pioneer: S.S. Rajamouli

  “Bharathiraja was a true pioneer who revolutionized cinema with his raw and uncompromising storytelling. He brought to screen unforgettable rural narratives, fearless vision and the authenticity and it will live on forever,” S.S. Rajamouli said.

  He said it was an honour to witness and celebrate his extraordinary body of work and legacy.

• June 10, 2026 15:27

  Ram Gopal Varma on Bharathiraja

  Ram Gopal Varma in a post on X said, “Apart from giving India, it’s biggest female Super Star Sridevi, Bharathiraja blended Satyajit Ray‘s realism, Mukherjee’s characters and Chaterjee’s sense of situational comedies in a tremendously rooted cinema of all genres to connect all classes of audiences irrespective of their languages. A true Auteur.”

• June 10, 2026 15:09

  Bharathiraja was a guiding light: Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu

  Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu, in his tributes, said Bharathiraja was a guiding light for the younger generation. He was a great artiste who made Tamil cinema function as a powerful medium reflecting Tamil Nadu’s identity and the rights of the Tamil people.

• June 10, 2026 14:59

  Bharathiraja changed the direction of Tamil cinema: Pa Ranjith

  Director Pa Ranjith said Bharathiraja was a creator who changed the direction and language of Tamil cinema. For countless people like him, Bharathiraja was a great source of inspiration. He elevated the lives and emotions of ordinary people using the art form.

• June 10, 2026 14:51

  Television shoots suspended on June 11 for 12 hrs

  The Tamil Nadu Television Digital and OTT Producers Association has announced the suspension of all television shoots for 12 hours, from 6 a.m. on June 11, as a mark of respect to filmmaker Bharathiraja.

• June 10, 2026 14:44

  Bharathiraja was a visionary: Boney Kapoor

  Film producer Boney Kapoor said he was saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, a visionary who transformed Indian cinema with his authentic portrayal of rural life, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable characters. “Beginning with 16 Vayathinile, his groundbreaking films not only redefined Tamil cinema but also inspired generations of filmmakers and artists, leaving behind an extraordinary cinematic legacy.

  His contribution to cinema will remain timeless, and his stories will continue to live in the hearts of audiences across the world.” 

• June 10, 2026 14:12

  Bharathiraja has gifted memorable films: N. Chandrababu Naidu

  N. Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh CM said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja. He has gifted memorable films to both the Telugu and Tamil film industries. His demise is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema. I pray for the peace of his soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and loved ones.”

• June 10, 2026 13:56

  In pictures: Director Bharathiraja, a transformative force of Tamil cinema

  Here are a set of images from the veteran director’s inspiring journey.

  In pictures: Director Bharathiraja, a transformative force of Tamil cinema

• June 10, 2026 13:42

  Bharathiraja and Ilayaraja: a friendship that weathered hardship, poverty and adversity

  Recalling the difficult days in a conversation with The Hindu in 2018, Ilaiyaraaja had said that in 1968, he, his brothers and a few friends boarded a bus to Chennai in search of a career in the film industry. The journey was anything but easy, writes B. Kolappan. 

  Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraaja: a relationship that ebbed and flowed

  Explore the inspiring journey of Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraaja as they overcame struggles to achieve success in the film industry.

• June 10, 2026 13:32

  Bharathiraja’s most instrumental Tamil films

  In a career spanning over five decades, the auteur cemented an unshakable legacy as one of the most important Tamil filmmakers of all time — his was a filmmaking voice that not only shook Tamil cinema from the confines of studios, but also made scathing remarks about casteism, gender inequality, female foeticide, urban unemployment, and social norms surrounding gender and age, writes Bhuvanesh Chandar.

  Bharathiraja, the master filmmaker: How the ‘Iyakkunar Imayam’ captured the soul of Tamil Nadu for posterity

  Remembering Bharathiraja: A tribute to the legendary filmmaker who captured Tamil Nadu’s essence through timeless cinema.

• June 10, 2026 13:30

  Santhosh Narayanan remembers his conversations with Bharathiraja

  Music director Santhosh Narayanan said: The absolute legend Bharathiraja leaves us with an everlasting body of work in cinema that will impact art form forever. 

  He said he fondly remembers Bharathiraja’s conversations with him, appreciating and dissecting the work of many debutant directors back in the day, many of whom are turning out to be legends themselves today.

• June 10, 2026 13:10

  Rajnikanth pays respects to Bharathiraja

  Actor Rajnikath visited Bharathiraja’s house to pay his respects. 

  “He has been my friend for the last 50 years. Everyone knows about his accomplishments and talent. He has introduced several actors, technicians and artists and made immense contributions. Be it actors, directors or producers, whenever someone faced a problem, he was the first to voice his support for them and stood by them. People will never forget his work. His work will live in the hearts of people forever. He was always outspoken. May his soul rest in peace.”

  Actor Siddharth and director and actor Sasikumar too paid their respects. – Sunita Shekar

• June 10, 2026 12:45

  ‘Can you guess the climax?’ When Bharathiraja challenged film critics

  Bommalattam starring Nana Patekar, Arjun Sarja and Rukmini Vijayakumar may not be one of the finest movies of Bharathiraja. But the press show of the 2008 film stays etched on the memories of film journalists. Srinivasan Ramanujam explains why.

  ‘Guess the climax if you can’: The day Bharathiraja challenged film critics

  At a 2008 press screening of ‘Bommalattam’, Bharathiraja dared film critics to guess the movie’s ending. A look back at this unusual moment that showcased the director’s flair for suspense.

• June 10, 2026 12:39

  Fyodor Dostoevsky’s connection to ‘Mudhal Mariyathai’

  One of diretor Bharathiraja’s masterpieces, Mudhal Mariyathai, which portrayed the love between an ageing hero and a young woman, had its genesis in the love story of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anna Snitkina, who was 25 years younger than him. Thespian Sivaji Ganesan and Radha played the lead roles in the film adaptation of the story, writes B. Kolappan

  Bharathiraja’s masterpiece movie ‘Mudhal Mariyathai’: a Russian connection and initial misgivings

  Explore Bharathiraja’s ‘Mudhal Mariyathai,’ its Russian inspiration, initial doubts, and eventual triumph in Tamil cinema.

• June 10, 2026 12:27

  Allu Arjun on Bharathiraja

  In his tribute, Telugu actor Allu Arjun said: “A true legend whose vision, storytelling, and contribution to Indian cinema will remain timeless.”

• June 10, 2026 12:18

  Ilayaraja pays respects to Bharathiraja

  Veteran music director Ilayaraja paid his respects to mortal remains of director Bharathiraja.

  ”There’s nothing more to say. I pray for his soul to rest in peace,” he said. 

  The Bharathiraja-Ilayaraja combination that introduced the Tamil audience to an authentic rural setting in the late 1970s. 

  The duo first came together for the film Pathinaru Vayathinile which bagged the national award for playback singer S. Janaki. It also won four State awards including the best director award for Bharathiraja.

• June 10, 2026 12:12

  Will miss you my darling: Prakash Raj

• June 10, 2026 12:11

  Blessed to have worked with him: Imman

  Bharathiraja’s extraordinary contribution to Tamil cinema will continue to inspire generations to come, said music composer D. Imman.

  His passion for storytelling, simplicity, and deep connection to the soil of Tamil Nadu were truly remarkable, Mr. Imman said.

  He said he was blessed to collaborate with him on films. Bharathiraja acted in movies such as Pandiya Naadu, Kennedy Club, and Namma Veettu Pillai and Imman was the composer for these movies. – Sunitha Sekhar

• June 10, 2026 12:06

  Mohanlal remembers his ‘Thudarum’ co-star

  Malayalam actor Mohanlal on Bharathiraja: 

  “He was a director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame. Sharing screen space with him in Thudarum was an honour I will cherish forever.

  He said Bharathiraja’s legacy will continue to inspire generations, and his presence will be deeply missed. – Sunitha Sekhar

• June 10, 2026 11:45

  ‘You have hit the bull’s eye’: When Bharathiraja earned praise from KB for his debut movie

  Bharathiraja and K. Balachander are two iconic fillmmakers of Tamil cinema. They have always been vocal about their mutual admiration for each other. The duo even acted in a movie together. 

  In this interview to The Hindu, the filmmakers recall their older days, what they feel about the current generation. 

• June 10, 2026 11:27

  Vaiko pays his last respects

  MDMK general secretary Vaiko paid tributes to mortal remains of director Bharathiraja at his residence. 

  He called Bharathiraja as unparalleled luminary in Tamil cinema. Though he died his creations will continue to shine brightly beyond time, Mr. Vaiko added. – N. Sai Charan

• June 10, 2026 11:27

  Anbumani’s tribute

  Bharathiraja was a filmmaker who brought about major changes both in the film industry and in the minds of the people, said Pattali Makkal Katchi leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

  The innovations and achievements he created were so immense that the history of Tamil cinema cannot be written without mentioning Bharathiraja, Dr. Anbumani said in his tributes. – N. Sai Charan

• June 10, 2026 11:26

  K.C. Venugopal mourns Bharathiraja’s death

  All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal, in a post on X, said the tragic demise of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja is a great loss for Tamil and Indian cinema. He entertained millions through his craft, and leaves a void that will be impossible to fill.

• June 10, 2026 11:20

  He left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema: TN Governor Arlekar

  Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar condoled the death of Director Bharathiraja.

  In a post on X, Lok Bhavan quoting the Governor said Bharathiraja through his works, which portrayed rural life and human emotions with authenticity and realism, have left an indelible mark on Tamil cinema.

• June 10, 2026 11:19

  Bharathiraaja is a true legend: Actor Gautami

  Actor Gautami on X said, “I am deeply saddened at the passing of our Iyakkunar Imayam Barathiraaja sir. He is a true legend in the spectrum of Indian film and has defined an era of Tamil cinema with his timeless classics. His loss is irreplaceable and will be keenly felt for ages to come. Many generations of filmmakers and audiences will continue to be inspired by his legacy.”

• June 10, 2026 11:18

  Bharathiraja took Tamil cinema beyond the confines of studios: Premallatha Vijayakant

  DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant, in a post on X, said the credit for taking Tamil cinema beyond the confines of studios into the scenic beauty of villages and open landscapes goes to Director Bharathiraja. 

  “He introduced many artistes to Tamil cinema and served as a guiding force for several generations of filmmakers and artistes, she said recollecting his close association with DMDK founder Vijayakant.”

• June 10, 2026 11:06

  Watch: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay pays tributes

• June 10, 2026 11:04

  He changed the course of Tamil cinema, says M.K. Stalin

  DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said Bharathiraja changed the course of Tamil cinema and created a new path for the industry.

  In his condolence message, he described Bharathiraja as an epoch-making filmmaker who spoke a new language of cinema.

  DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin pays tributes to Bharathiraja.

• June 10, 2026 11:01

  Tributes pour in

  Actor Chiranjeevi said: “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 prestigious Padma Shri and several National Film Awards, Bharathiraja’s contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable.” 

  He said he was fortunate to work under his direction as ’Puliraju’ in Aradhana. “Bharathiraja’s passion for cinema, simplicity and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on him. Bharathiraja’s legacy will live on forever through his remarkable films,” he added.

  Music director G.V. Prakash Kumar said that he was really saddened to hear the news of the passing of Bharathiraja. “He was a stalwart who changed cinema and inspired so many film makers.”

  Actor Sukanya said: “This is a big loss to the film industry. He has made phenomenal accomplishments. One of the key reasons why I came into the film industry was Bharathiraja. He was very passionate about direction. It is a rarity to see a hardworking person like him.”

  Film Producer G. Dhananjheyan said in X: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Legendary Director #Bharathirajaa sir, with whom I travelled for many years. Our strong Association through @tfapatn for more than 5 years remains memorable. Thank you sir for being my guide, support and mentor for many years. Will always cherish our Association. Rest in peace sir.”

  Actor Vishal said: “It was shocking and sad to hear the news about the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja’s passing away.” 

  He said that he was a visionary who changed the landscape of Tamil cinema forever, and brought the soul of our villages, people and emotions to the big screen like no one else could. “The iconic characterization had an everlasting impact in the minds of audiences even for decades to come.” 

  Mr. Vishal said Bharathiraja’s films inspired generations of filmmakers, actors and cinema lovers, and his legacy will continue to live on through every frame he created. “His work will stand as a testimony for any aspiring filmmaker and a bible for filmmaking for one and all who would want to make a mark as a creator. The era of unbelievable cinematic experience ends with his demise. Tamil cinema has lost one of its greatest storytellers,” he said.

• June 10, 2026 10:40

  Condolences posted on X

  S. Venkatesan, MP from Madurai Constituency posted a heartfelt tribute on X saying Bharathiraja translated human emotions into visual language. “He portrayed humans who were never portrayed. He raised questions that an artist must raise. That was the great artist known as Imayam Bharathiraja.”

  The general secretary of the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam V.K. Sasikala condoled the death of the veteran director.

• June 10, 2026 10:27

  Passing of Bharathiraja, an irrepairable loss: Edappadi K. Palaniswami

  Describing the passing of Bharathiraja “an irrepairable loss,” the AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami commended the seasoned director, who hailed from a village in southern part of the State, for having turned the focus of Tamil cinema towards villages; filled the industry with “fragrance” of the Tamil soil and made the rest of the world to view the Tamil cinema with values unique to the State.

  “En iniya Tamil makkaley (My dear Tamil people),” his voice will endure as long as cinema exists.

• June 10, 2026 10:23

  TN CM says State govt to accord state honours

  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said the State government would accord State honours for director Bharathiraja’s funeral.

  Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) had urged the State government to accord state honours as a tribute to director and the association founder Bharathirajaa during his last rites. 

  TFAPA said, “Shri Bharathiraja was one of the most influential and transformative figures in Indian cinema. A recipient of six National Film Awards, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and numerous other accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri conferred by the Government of India in 2004, Shri Bharathiraja’s contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled. As a filmmaker, he created several timeless classics. As an actor, he earned widespread appreciation through memorable performances.” 

  “In 2020, Shri Bharathirajaa, along with several of us, founded the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA). Under his visionary leadership and guidance, the Association grew steadily and today proudly represents more than 400 active producers. He remained deeply committed to the welfare of producers, directors, actors and the overall growth of Tamil cinema, constantly encouraging and supporting the Association’s initiatives,” they said in a press release.

• June 10, 2026 10:06

  TN Chief Minister, actors pay their respects

  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, actors Sivakumar, Suriya, Radhika, lyricist Vairamuthu and Naam Tamilar Katchi chief co-ordinator Seeman paid their respects to the mortal remains of Bharathiraja at his residence in Chennai.

  Veteran music director Ilayaraja paid his respects to mortal remains of Director Bharathiraja. ”There’s nothing more to say. I pray for his soul to rest in peace,” he said.

  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay pays respects to the mortal remains of Bharathiraja.

• June 10, 2026 09:56

  Bharathiraja breathed life into Tamil cinema itself: T.T.V. Dhinakaran

  T.T.V. Dhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK), posted on X, “The news of the passing of Padma Shri Thiru. Bharathiraja brings immense sorrow and grief. He brought the lives of Tamils to the silver screen and created a monumental turning point in the film world.

  Mr. Dhinakaran praised him for being a “pioneer” and having dominated Tamil cinema for about half a century with stories rooted in rural background and the unique design of characters in his films.

• June 10, 2026 09:40

  Irreparable loss to Indian film industry: Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan

  The actor/Deputy CM posted on X: “The passing of legendary filmmaker and Padma Shri awardee Bharathiraja is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry.

  With his extraordinary films, he won the hearts of audiences not only in the Tamil film industry but also among Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada viewers. Having received six National Awards, he left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

  The film Aaradhana, which he directed with my elder brother, Megastar Chiranjeevi, as well as the National Award-winning ‘Seethakoka Chiluka’ will remain etched in the memories of audiences forever. Bharathiraja will always be remembered as a filmmaker who brilliantly portrayed rural life and human relationships on screen.”

• June 10, 2026 09:28

  Bharathiraja brought the fragrance of Tamil soil on screen: Thangam Thennarasu

  Former Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, in his tributes, said Bharathiraja brought the fragrance of Tamil soil and the way of life of Tamil people on screen. “His contribution to Tamil cinema is immeasurable. Through his works, he made the emotions of villages and the depth of human relationships resonate across generations,” he posted on X.

• June 10, 2026 09:22

  Bharathiraja’s extraordinary contribution to cinema will never be forgotten: Actor Sarathkumar

  Actor Sarathkumar in his X handle:

  “It is with deep grief and sadness that I came to know the passing away of the most respected, most efficient, most admired Thiru. Bharathiraja Avl., in the early hour of this morning. 

  His visionary storytelling, artistic excellence, and immense contribution to cinema have left an indelible mark on the film industry and in the hearts of millions around the world.

  Through his remarkable work, he inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike, creating timeless masterpieces that will continue to be celebrated for years to come. His legacy will live on through the stories he told and the lives he touched.

  On behalf of myself, my family and all his admirers I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and countless admirers. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in peace.

  He may be gone, but his extraordinary contribution to cinema will never be forgotten.”

• June 10, 2026 09:18

  His absence is immeasurable: Actor Simran

  Actor Simran said, “Bharathiraja was a filmmaker who changed the language of storytelling forever.” She said he gave Tamil cinema some of its most heartfelt and rooted classics. “His absence is immeasurable,” the actor posted on X.

• June 10, 2026 09:13

  Iniya Thamizh makkale, the master director is no more

  Bharathiraja inspired his assistant directors to carve their own path, and K. Bhagyaraj, R. Parthiban and Pandiarajan all evolved from the Bharathiraja school of thought

  K.C. Vijaya Kumar writes in a tribute to the ace filmmaker:

  Bharathiraja’s En iniya Thamizh makkale: unforgettable celluloid legacy of a son of the soil

  Tamil cinema mourns the loss of legendary director Bharathiraja, a master storyteller who shaped the industry’s cinematic landscape.

• June 10, 2026 09:12

  Bharathiraja’s demise is a gloomy cloud in Tamil cinema: Khushbu Sundar

  Expressing grief over the passing of Bharathiraja, Actor Khushbu Sundar said she felt devastated. She said his films have been benchmark and shall continue to be the actual school of film making. He leaves behind a huge legacy for every cinema lover.

• June 10, 2026 09:10

  Replug | The multiple shades of ‘actor’ Bharathiraja

  “En iniya Tamizh makkale” is a phrase that’s synonymous with the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, just like his iconic films that emanate the smell of manvasanai and the fresh talent — both behind and in front of the camera — that he has introduced to the industry over the last four decades.

  In this 2023 interview, veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja breaks down his limited yet iconic acting roles

  The multiple shades of ‘actor’ Bharathiraja: ‘Mani Ratnam asked me if I was interested in politics’

  Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja breaks down his limited yet iconic acting roles, and discusses why his character in the upcoming film ‘Karumegangal Kalaigindrana’ will be an important one 

• June 10, 2026 09:02

  Bharathiraja, ace film director, passes away

  Renowned Tamil film director Bharathiraja passed away in Chennai on Wednesday (June 10, 2026). The ace director who had been ailing for a while, was 84.

  Celebrated for shifting Tamil cinema from studio-bound film-making to authentic rural landscapes, and for his iconic opening line, “ Yen Iniya Tamil Makkale,” delivered in his distinctive voice, he was a transformative force in not just Tamil but Indian cinema.

  Click below to read more:

  Bharathiraja, ace film director, passes away

  Renowned Tamil film director Bharathiraja, a transformative figure in Indian cinema, sadly passed away in Chennai at 84.