PM Modi expressed grief over Bharathiraja, called him a great personality of Tamil cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to iconic Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, a day after his death at the age of 84. His message highlighted the director’s lasting impact on Tamil cinema and his acclaimed portrayal of rural life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja on Thursday, a day after his death at the age of 84. The filmmaker, known for revolutionizing Tamil cinema with his original rural narratives, died on Wednesday due to age-related ailments.
Sharing his tribute on his official X handle, PM Modi expressed grief over the demise of the filmmaker and acknowledged his immense contribution to Indian cinema. The Prime Minister wrote in Tamil, “The demise of Thiru Bharathiraja ji is very sad. He was a great personality of cinema, whose work transformed Tamil cinema. His portrayal of rural life was particularly remarkable. My thoughts are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
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Bharathiraja’s health had reportedly been declining since the death of his son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, who died of heart failure at the age of 48 in March 2025. Over the past year, the veteran filmmaker was hospitalized several times and was said to be in critical condition more than once.
The director made his debut with a historical film 16 Vayathinile In 1977, a film widely credited with changing the landscape of Tamil cinema was released. It featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in lead roles. In a career spanning nearly five decades, Bharathiraja became synonymous with realistic storytelling and authentic depiction of rural life. Popularly known as ‘Iyakkunnar Immayam’ (Director’s Pinnacle), he directed several acclaimed films. Kizhake Pogam Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kadhal Ovium And Mudhal Mariathai.
His last directorial work was Paravai kutila vazhum mangala volume of an anthology series Modern Love ChennaiWhich premiered on Prime Video in 2023.
Meanwhile, after members of the film fraternity and the public paid tribute, Bharathiraja’s mortal remains were taken to his hometown Theni on Thursday morning. The body will be kept there so that residents and fans from nearby areas can have their last glimpse. His funeral is scheduled to take place in his hometown at around 3 pm.
Bharathiraja leaves behind a vast legacy that has reshaped Tamil cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers. His death marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, especially for audiences who cherished his deeply human stories rooted in the soil of rural Tamil Nadu.