Director Bharathiraja admitted to hospital after feeling short of breath, doctors say his condition is stable
MGM Healthcare has confirmed that renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja is under observation and is responding well to treatment after being admitted due to breathing problems.
The sudden hospitalization of veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja sparked concern among fans as rumors of his death started spreading online. The legendary director was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai on December 27 after complaining of breathing problems. The hospital has clarified that Bharathiraja is stable and responding well to treatment.
In an official medical bulletin, MGM Healthcare confirmed that the filmmaker is under close observation in the intensive care unit. Doctors said his vital parameters are within normal limits and he is responding satisfactorily to ongoing medical care. The hospital said that further updates will be shared as needed, which will put an end to false reports about his demise.
Bharathiraja recently returned to Chennai with his daughter after spending several months in Malaysia, where he was undergoing treatment. His health has been a matter of concern for the past year, especially after suffering a deep personal loss.
In March 2025, Bharathiraja’s son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, died of heart failure at the age of 48. The tragedy reportedly took a huge emotional toll on the filmmaker. In a recent interview, his brother Jayaraj Periyamaythevar spoke about Bharathiraja’s fragile mental and physical condition, revealing that he has struggled to recover from his son’s death despite attempts to console him, including trips abroad for a change of environment.
Bharathiraja is widely considered one of the most influential voices of Tamil cinema, known for redefining rural storytelling and introducing many new talents to the industry.
His famous filmography includes 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogam Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Nizhalgal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Mudhal Mariathai And Kizhakku Chimayilehe last directed Meendum Oru Mariathai In 2020 and was recently seen as an actor in Tharun Murthy Thudaram earlier this year.
