Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja passed away in Chennai on Wednesday morning due to ill health and other age-related ailments. He was 85 years old. The exact cause of his death is not yet known. More information regarding his funeral is awaited.

Members of the Tamil Film Producers Council confirmed the news and expressed regret. His message in Tamil translated as, “We are sad to inform you that the renowned director Mr. Bharathiraja, former president and one of the senior members of our association, passed away this morning.”

Actor, producer and politician Khushboo Sundar was heartbroken after hearing the news of Bharathiraja’s death. In an ex-post, he called his death a “sad cloud” over Tamil cinema.

His health had been deteriorating since his son, actor Manoj Bharathiraja, died of cardiac arrest at the age of 48 in March 2024. Manoj’s death and funeral scenes showed a heartbroken Bharathiraja struggling to come to terms with the loss.

In December last year, Bharathiraja was admitted to a hospital in Chennai’s T Nagar after respiratory problems, including wheezing.

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Bharathiraja made his directorial debut 16 Vayathinile In 1977, a year after the birth of their son. He directed more than 40 films and was known as ‘Iyakkunnar Immayam’ for more than four decades. His most famous films as a director are Kizhake Pogam Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kadhal Ovium And Mudhal Mariathai.

His most recent directorial work was Paravai kutila vazhum mangalA segment from Prime Video’s compilation, Modern Love Chennai.

He also worked in many films. His most recent screen appearance was in Mohanlal’s Thudaram. his unreleased film pullover This would be his last film as an actor. His other acting credits include ayutha ezhuthu, pandiyanadu, Ishwaran, tiruchithambalam And King.