Bharathiraja

2026-06-10T13:35:04Z

2001:67C:198C:906:26:310:0:64:

{{Short description|Indian film director and actor (1942–2026)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Bharathiraja
| nickname among family members = Palpandi
| image = Director Bharathiraja at Salim Movie Audio Launch.jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Chinnasaamy Periyamaya Thevar<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |title-link=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-14-342111-5 |pages=45|orig-date=2012}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1942|08|23}}
| birth_place = [[Allinagaram]], Madura District, Madras Province, British India<br/>(now in [[Theni District]],<br/>Tamil Nadu, India)
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2026|06|10|1942|08|23}}
| death_place = [[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu, India
| occupation = {{hlist|Film director|producer|screenwriter|actor}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Chandraleela|1974}}
| children = 2, including [[Manoj Bharathiraja]] (1976–2025)
| relatives = [[Manoj Kumar (Tamil director)|Manoj Kumar]] (brother-in-law)
<br />Jayaraj Periyamaya Thevar (brother)<br />[[Nandana (actress)|Nandana]] (daughter-in-law)
| awards = [[Padma Shri]] (2004)
| years_active = 1977–2026
}}

'''Bharathiraja''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɑːr|ə|θ|i|r|ɑː|dʒ|ɑː}}; 23 August 1942 – 10 June 2026) was an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and actor who worked mainly in the [[Tamil film industry]]. Making his debut in 1977 with ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'', he was known for realistic and sensitive portrayals of rural life in his films and popularly referred to as ''Iyakkunar Imayam'' ({{translation|The Pinnacle of Directors}}). Bharathiraja had won six [[National Film Awards]], four [[Filmfare Awards South]], six [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]] and a [[Nandi Awards|Nandi Award]]. He also directed films in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]]. The [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Shri]] award, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2004 for his contribution to the film industry. In 2005, he was conferred with the [[Doctor of Letters]] ([[honorary degree]]) from [[Sathyabama University]].<ref name='dr' />

== Background ==
Bharathiraja was born as Chinnasamy in [[Theni Allinagaram]], a town in the erstwhile [[Theni district]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], on 23 August 1942, to parents K. Periyamaya Thevar and Karuthammal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_j5Da03QpE |title=Life history of Bharathiraja |via=YouTube |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109034859/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_j5Da03QpE |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/happy-birthday-director-bharathiraja-tamil-films-329678-2016-07-17|title=Happy 75th Birthday Bharathiraja|date=17 Jul 2016 |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> He married Chandraleela in 1974 and had two children [[Manoj Bharathiraja]] (1976–2025) and Janani (born 1979).

Manoj was an actor who was introduced in ''Taj Mahal'' and he married actress [[Nandana (actress)|Nandana]].<ref name="indiaglitz.com">{{cite web |title=Bharathirajas daughter weds in Malaysia |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41186.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111101249/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41186.html |archive-date=11 November 2013 |access-date=30 August 2013 |work=indiaglitz.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Manoj Bharathy weds Nandhana |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/27027.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111101311/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/27027.html |archive-date=11 November 2013 |access-date=30 August 2013 |work=indiaglitz.com}}</ref> He died of heart attack on 25 March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-25 |title=Actor-Director Manoj Bharathiraja Dies Due To Cardiac Arrest At 48 |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/actor-director-manoj-bharathiraja-dies-due-to-cardiac-arrest-at-48-article-119486476 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> Janani is married to Malaysian Rajkumar Thambiraja.<ref name="indiaglitz.com" /> Bharathiraja's brother-in-law [[Manoj Kumar (Tamil director)|Manoj Kumar]] has directed films such as ''[[Mannukkul Vairam]]'', ''[[Vandicholai Chinraasu]]'', ''[[Vaanavil]]'' and ''[[Guru Paarvai]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News28/29-8-05/tamil-movies-news-bharathiraja.html|title=Behindwoods : BharathiRaja's relative ManojKumar has planned several projects on the anvil|work=behindwoods.com|access-date=24 August 2014|archive-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145629/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News28/29-8-05/tamil-movies-news-bharathiraja.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His brother Jayaraj made his acting debut with ''[[Kaththukkutti]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/etcetera/article6299055.ece|title=Etcetera: Bharathiraja's lookalike|author=Nikhil Raghavan|work=The Hindu|date=9 August 2014|access-date=24 August 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204183453/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/etcetera/article6299055.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> His relative Stalin is a television actor who acted in serials such as ''[[Saravanan Meenatchi]]'' and ''[[7C (TV series)|7C]]''.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

On 27 December 2025, Bharathiraja fell ill and he was subsequently admitted to a private hospital in Chennai within a week.<ref>https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Jan/05/bharathiraja-health-update-directors-condition-stable-leading-filmmakers-pay-visit</ref> Hospital authorities confirmed that his condition was stable and many people from the film fraternity paid him a visit.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Bharathiraja health update: Hospital management issues new clarification as stars continue to visit 84-year-old veteran filmmaker – Reports
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bharathiraja-health-update-hospital-management-issues-new-clarification-as-stars-continue-to-visit-84-year-old-veteran-filmmaker-reports/articleshow/126351651.cms
|website=The Times of India
|access-date=5 January 2026
}}</ref> He died of complications on 10 June 2026, at the age of 84.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-06-10 |title=Veteran actor-filmmaker Bharathiraja dies at 84 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/veteran-actor-filmmaker-bharathiraja-dies-10732286/ |access-date=2026-06-10 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ganeshan |first1=Balakrishna |title=‘Iyakkunar Imayam’ Bharathiraja passes away at 85 |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/iyakkunar-imayam-bharathiraja-passes-away-at-85 |website=The News Minute |access-date=10 June 2026 |language=en |date=10 June 2026}}</ref>

==Film career==
Bharathiraja started his film career as an assistant to Kannada filmmaker [[Puttanna Kanagal]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-11-01 |title=Director Bharathiraja was an assistant director of Kannada filmmaker Puttanna Kanagal |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/director-bharathiraja-was-an-assistant-director-of-kannada-filmmaker-puttanna-kanagal/articleshow/66429938.cms |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Later, he assisted [[P. Pullaiah]], [[M. Krishnan Nair (director)|M. Krishnan Nair]],<ref>{{YouTube|id=2RFfBx8UeZs#t=316|title=}}</ref> Avinasi Mani and [[A. Jagannathan]]. His first film ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'', for which he wrote the script, broke the then existing convention to create a new genre of village cinema. The film is now regarded as a milestone in the history of Tamil Cinema. About the film, Bharathiraja said: "This movie was meant to be a black & white art film produced with the help of National Film Development Corporation", but turned out to be a commercially successful colour film and a starting point for several important careers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/man-behind-the-1970s-wave/article5189324.ece|title=Man behind the 1970s wave|work=Frontline|access-date=15 February 2014|archive-date=23 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523102633/http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/man-behind-the-1970s-wave/article5189324.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> His next film ''[[Kizhake Pogum Rail]]'' produced similar results and eventually brought in criticisms that Bharathiraja was capable of catering only to village audiences. This led him to make ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'', about a psychopathic woman-hater that was totally westernized in terms of both conception and production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sylvianism.com/2011/06/24/50-tamil-movies-to-watch-before-you-die-18-sigappu-rojakkal-1978/|title=50 Tamil Movies to watch before you Die - 18 : Sigappu Rojakkal (1978) - Sylvianism|work=Sylvianism|access-date=15 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204155452/http://www.sylvianism.com/2011/06/24/50-tamil-movies-to-watch-before-you-die-18-sigappu-rojakkal-1978/|archive-date=4 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Bharathiraja confirmed his versatility and refusal to be tied down to one particular genre with an experimental film ''[[Nizhalgal]]'' (1980), and the action thriller ''[[Tik Tik Tik (1981 film)|Tik Tik Tik]]'' (1981). But undoubtedly, rural themes proved to be his strong suit as his biggest hits in the 1980s: ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]'' (1981), ''[[Mann Vasanai (film)|Mann Vasanai]]'' (1983) and ''[[Muthal Mariyathai]]'' (1985) were strong love stories in a village backdrop. ''Alaigal Oivathillai'' introduced actor [[Karthik (actor)|Karthik]], who'll be known in the industry as "Navarasa Nayagan". ''Muthal Mariyathai'' starred [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in the lead, playing a middle-aged village head. [[Radha (actress)|Radha]] is a poor young woman who moves into his village for a living. The love that bonds these two humans separated not just by age but also by caste and class, is told by Bharathiraja with poetic touches.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

''[[Vedham Pudhithu]]'' dealt with the caste issue in a stronger manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shankyyanky.blogspot.in/2010/01/brahmin-in-tamil-cinema.html|title=My rambling and ranting...|author=Shankar|work=shankyyanky.blogspot.in|access-date=15 February 2014|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222205317/http://shankyyanky.blogspot.in/2010/01/brahmin-in-tamil-cinema.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The film's narrative was seamless and starred [[Sathyaraj]] as Balu Thevar. It contains some of Bharathiraja's trademark touches as well as several ground-breaking scenes. ''Vedham Pudhithu'' made a revolutionary thoughts about caste discriminations in Brahmin and other upper castes in Tamil Nadu. Bharathiraja has successfully managed to modernise his film-making techniques for the 1990s. The commercial success of ''Kizhakku Cheemaiyile'' and the awards that ''Karuththamma'' garnered stand as testimony to his ability to thrill the younger generation as well. Bharathiraja was on the same stage in 1996 to receive another National Award for ''Anthimanthaarai''.

In late 1996, Bharathiraja was signed on to direct two films, with the [[Sarathkumar]]-starrer ''Vaakkapatta Bhoomi'' announced in October. The following month, he began work on a film titled ''Siragugal Murivadhillai'', starring [[Napolean (actor)|Napolean]], [[Heera Rajagopal]] and [[Prakash Raj]]. Both films were later shelved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Specials/97/Oct/a-z/atoz-5.htm |title=A-Z (V) |work=indolink.com |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003725/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Specials/97/Oct/a-z/atoz-5.htm |archive-date=24 April 2013 }}</ref> He planned to revive ''Vaakkapatta Bhoomi'' with [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]] during late 2004, but the collaboration did not materialise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://musicindiaonline.com/n/i/tamil/1057/ |title=Music India OnLine - Cheran in 'Vakkappatta Bhoomi' |website=musicindiaonline.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041111110515/http://musicindiaonline.com/n/i/tamil/1057/ |archive-date=11 November 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

His 2001 film ''[[Kadal Pookal]]'' won him that year's [[National Film Award for Best Screenplay]]. The well-known Tamil film director [[Bhagyaraj]] was one of his assistant directors. In 2008, Bharathiraja made his television debut with series ''Thekkathi Ponnu'' which aired on Kalaignar TV.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/apr-08-02/kalaignar-08-04-08.html |title=Bharathiraja strikes Kalaignar - Behindwoods.com Thekkathi Ponnu Napoleon Ranjitha Chandrashekar Swarnamalya Manoj Creations hot images tamil picture gallery images |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029073427/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/apr-08-02/kalaignar-08-04-08.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He went on to direct two other series ''Appanum Aathaalum'' and ''Muthal Mariyathai'' for the same channel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-tv-serials/5276/Chinna-thirai-Television-News/Bharathirajas-new-serial-program-titled-as-appanum-aathalum.htm |title=பாரதிராஜாவின் அப்பனும் ஆத்தாளும்: கலைஞர் டி.வி.யில் புதுத்தொடர்! | Bharathirajas new serial program titled as appanum aathalum |date=October 2011 |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029073431/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-tv-serials/5276/Chinna-thirai-Television-News/Bharathirajas-new-serial-program-titled-as-appanum-aathalum.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

During early 2016, Bharathiraja was embroiled in a legal tussle with director [[Bala (director)|Bala]] on making a film titled ''Kutra Parambarai'', though neither filmmaker eventually made their respective films.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/010416/bala-and-bharathiraja-face-off-over-rights-to-film.html |title=Bala and Bharathiraja face off over rights to film |date=April 2016 |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111060203/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/010416/bala-and-bharathiraja-face-off-over-rights-to-film.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/two-writers-fight-over-kuttra-parambarai-news-tamil-qd3p0tfgbegcj.html |title=Two writers fight over 'Kuttra Parambarai' |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111054226/http://www.sify.com/movies/two-writers-fight-over-kuttra-parambarai-news-tamil-qd3p0tfgbegcj.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> He later moved on to plan a film starring director [[Vasanth]]'s son, Ritwik Varun, and [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]]'s nephew, but the film was dropped after two schedules.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/director-bharathiraja-next-film-with-vasanth-son-not-alaigal-oivadhillai-part-2-tamil-news-163633 |title=Neither Kutraparambarai nor Alaigal Oivadhillai Part 2 - Tamil News |date=21 July 2016 |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111164930/https://www.indiaglitz.com/director-bharathiraja-next-film-with-vasanth-son-not-alaigal-oivadhillai-part-2-tamil-news-163633 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, Bharathiraja was working on a film titled ''November 8, Iravu 8 Mani'' starring [[Vidharth]], which narrates events following the decision to [[2016 Indian banknote demonetisation|demonetise certain banknotes in India]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Bharathirajaa-to-work-on-new-film-not-Kutra-Parambarai/articleshow/53301779.cms |title=Bharathirajaa to work on new film, not Kutra Parambarai |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-date=24 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524051442/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Bharathirajaa-to-work-on-new-film-not-Kutra-Parambarai/articleshow/53301779.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/110317/a-promising-line-up-of-films-for-vidharth.html |title=A promising line-up of films for Vidharth |date=11 March 2017 |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111054850/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/110317/a-promising-line-up-of-films-for-vidharth.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Style, critique and public perception ==
[[File:Renowned Tamil Film Director, Shri Bharathiraja lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 13th Mumbai International Film Festival, in Chennai. Actress, Smt. Devayani Rajakumaran, the Vice Consul of Consulate General of Russia.jpg|right|thumb|Bharathiraja (left) and [[Devayani (actress)|Devayani]] (right) lighting the lamp to inaugurate the [[Mumbai International Film Festival|13th Mumbai International Film Festival]], in Chennai.]]
When the old era was dominated by films shot inside studios, Bharathiraja directed village themed films that inspired Tamil cinema to capture live locations. Array of village films in Tamil cinema started after his trendsetting film ''[[16 Vayathinile]].''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/throwback-thursday-rajini-kamal-bharathiraja-bhagyaraj-ilayaraja-16-vayadhinile-special-article--telugu-news-206172|title=Throwback Thursday ! Amazing facts about the trendsetter '16 Vayadhinile' - Telugu News|date=2018-02-01|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111607/https://www.indiaglitz.com/throwback-thursday-rajini-kamal-bharathiraja-bhagyaraj-ilayaraja-16-vayadhinile-special-article--telugu-news-206172|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DelhiJuly 17">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/happy-birthday-director-bharathiraja-tamil-films-329678-2016-07-17|title=Happy 75th Birthday Bharathiraja: Remembering the iconoclast's best films|date=July 17, 2016|last=Srivatsan|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111607/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/happy-birthday-director-bharathiraja-tamil-films-329678-2016-07-17|url-status=live}}</ref> He changed the attire of male lead role as simple and without much cosmetics and female leads in his films as dusky looking which were before dominated by fair skinned ladies.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/220718/i-cant-wear-a-facade-and-playact-a-script-in-real-life.html|title=I can't wear a facade and playact a script in real life|last=Subramanian|first=Anupama|date=2018-07-22|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=21 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221103217/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/220718/i-cant-wear-a-facade-and-playact-a-script-in-real-life.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He started the style of directors speaking to the audience with his famous dialogue "En Iniya Thamizh Makkale (My sweet Tamil people)".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/219233/stepping-back-kollywood.html|title=Stepping back into Kollywood|date=2012-01-14|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111607/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/219233/stepping-back-kollywood.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Joshi|first1=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RggfDAAAQBAJ&q=bharathiraja&pg=PA84|title=The 1970s and its Legacies in India's Cinemas|last2=Dudrah|first2=Rajinder|date=2016-05-06|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-92759-3|pages=84|language=en|access-date=13 September 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011124343/https://books.google.com/books?id=RggfDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA84&dq=bharathiraja#v=onepage&q=bharathiraja&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Bharathiraja is revered as one of the best directors of Indian cinema. His ideas were original and his subjects were complex ideas expressed in a manner every common man could understand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/05sld1.htm|title=rediff.com: Bharatiraja going places|website=specials.rediff.com|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310020719/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/05sld1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Bharathiraja was also known for introducing a number of new faces to the film industry.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/211116/casting-a-wider-net.html|title=Casting a wider net in Kollywood|last=Subramanian|first=Anupama|date=2016-11-21|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111609/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/211116/casting-a-wider-net.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He has introduced many actors as new faces notable among them are [[Karthik (actor)|Karthik]], [[Radha (actress)|Radha]], [[Revathi]], [[Radhika Sarathkumar|Radhika]], and [[Vijayashanti]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jfwonline.com/article/5-bold-and-beautiful-heroines-of-bharathiraja/|title=5 Bold And Beautiful Heroines Of Bharathiraja|website=JFW Just for women|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407140820/https://jfwonline.com/article/5-bold-and-beautiful-heroines-of-bharathiraja/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/karthik-changes-path-tamil-news-44598|title=Karthik changes path - Tamil News|date=2009-01-28|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407140814/https://www.indiaglitz.com/karthik-changes-path-tamil-news-44598|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|first=Vijaya|last=Ramaswamy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ALUvDwAAQBAJ&q=bhagyaraj+introduced+by+bharathiraja&pg=PA81|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils|date=2017-08-25|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-5381-0686-0|pages=81|language=en|access-date=13 September 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011124344/https://books.google.com/books?id=ALUvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=bhagyaraj+introduced+by+bharathiraja#v=onepage&q=bhagyaraj%20introduced%20by%20bharathiraja&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Apart from lead actors, he has introduced a bunch of supporting actors. Notable among them include [[Janagaraj]], [[Vadivukkarasi]], [[Vagai Chandrasekhar|Chandrasekhar]], [[Pandiyan (actor)|Pandiyan]], and [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/saluting-the-gurus-of-tamil-cinema-a-teachers-day-special-tamil-news-85733.html|title=Saluting the gurus of Tamil cinema! A Teachers' Day special - Tamil News|date=2012-09-05|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407144833/https://www.indiaglitz.com/saluting-the-gurus-of-tamil-cinema-a-teachers-day-special-tamil-news-85733.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://silverscreen.in/movies/features/i-played-wife-mother-grandmother-in-my-20s-i-got-used-to-it-in-conversation-with-vadivukkarasi/|title='I Played Wife, Mother & Grandmother In My 20s. I Got Used To It': In Conversation With Vadivukkarasi|last1=V|date=2018-11-26|website=Silverscreen.in|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407144834/https://silverscreen.in/movies/features/i-played-wife-mother-grandmother-in-my-20s-i-got-used-to-it-in-conversation-with-vadivukkarasi/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/iyakkunar-imayam-bharathiraja-starting-film-school-briic-tamil-news-181698|title=Iyakkunar Imayam Bharathiraja to start a film school - Tamil News|date=2017-03-20|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407143518/https://www.indiaglitz.com/iyakkunar-imayam-bharathiraja-starting-film-school-briic-tamil-news-181698|url-status=live}}</ref> As an experimental initiative he used to give new actors a small role in his films later they becoming popular among people and turning to busy actors. Many present day directors who were unknown to people turned into actors after playing a debut petty role in his films: [[K. Bhagyaraj]], [[Manivannan]], [[Manobala]], [[Thiagarajan]], and [[Ponvannan]] are among them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/A-mastermind-at-work/article17288295.ece|title=A mastermind at work|date=2017-02-11|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011124346/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/A-mastermind-at-work/article17288295.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kannanbhimsingh.com/Nizhalgal.html|title=Nighalgal|website=kannanbhimsingh.com|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407164043/http://kannanbhimsingh.com/Nizhalgal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also instrumental in portraying [[Sathyaraj]] for the first time in lead role.

He inspired many young film makers and ran a school called Bharathi Raja International Institute of Cinema (BRIIC) on film making.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ace-filmmaker-bharathiraja-to-set-up-film-school/article6185350.ece|title=Ace filmmaker Bharathiraja to set up film school|date=2014-07-07|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111606/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ace-filmmaker-bharathiraja-to-set-up-film-school/article6185350.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2014/jul/07/bharathiraja-to-set-up-film-school-633027.html|title=Bharathiraja to Set Up Film School|website=The New Indian Express|date=7 July 2014 |access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111608/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2014/jul/07/Bharathiraja-to-Set-Up-Film-School-633027.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Bharathiraja directed socially themed films with special emphasis on women and their complicated interpersonal relationships. He addressed other social evils like caste discrimination in his films.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/balachander-and-bharathirajaa-two-filmmakers-who-took-tamil-cinema-new-heights-52500|title=Balachander and Bharathirajaa, two filmmakers who took Tamil cinema to new heights|website=www.thenewsminute.com|date=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407111607/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/balachander-and-bharathirajaa-two-filmmakers-who-took-tamil-cinema-new-heights-52500|archive-date=7 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref><ref name="DelhiJuly 17"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Khushbu Sundar, Arun Matheswaran, Revathy, and more honour Bharathiraja |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/tamil/news/2026/Jun/10/khushbu-sundar-arun-matheswaran-revathy-and-more-honour-bharathiraja |website=Cinema Express |access-date=10 June 2026 |language=en |date=8 June 2026}}</ref>

==Awards==

===Civilian honours===
* 2004 – [[Padma Shri]] from the [[Government of India]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Padma Awardees|url=http://india.gov.in/myindia/advsearch_awards.php|work=Government of India|publisher=National Informatics Centre|access-date=23 December 2011|archive-date=31 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131221505/http://india.gov.in/myindia/advsearch_awards.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

===National Film Awards===
* 1982 – [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu]] for ''[[Seethakoka Chilaka]]'' (Director)
* 1986 – [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]] for ''[[Mudhal Mariyathai]]'' (Producer & Director)
* 1988 – [[National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues]] ''[[Vedham Pudhithu]]'' (Director)
* 1995 – [[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare]] for ''[[Karuththamma]]'' (Director)
* 1996 – [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]] for ''[[Anthimanthaarai]]'' (Director)
* 2001 – [[National Film Award for Best Screenplay]] for ''[[Kadal Pookkal]]'' (Director & Writer)

===Filmfare Awards South===
* 1978 – [[Filmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)|Best Tamil Director]] for ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]''
* 1987 – [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Tamil|Best Tamil Film]] for ''[[Vedham Pudhithu]]''<ref name="Archived copy">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners |title=35th Annual Filmfare Award South Winners |work=Filmfare |date=5 February 2017 |access-date=2017-02-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170205141932/https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners |archive-date= 5 February 2017 }}</ref><ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/FilmfareAwardForBestTamilDirectorwinnerbharathirajaspecial |title=Filmfare Award For Best Tamil Director Winner Bharathiraja special |work=Filmfare |date=6 February 2017 |access-date=2017-02-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170206132513/https://archive.org/details/FilmfareAwardForBestTamilDirectorwinnerbharathirajaspecial |archive-date= 6 February 2017 }}</ref>
* 1987 – [[Filmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)|Best Tamil Director]] for ''[[Vedham Pudhithu]]''<ref name="Archived copy"/><ref name="archive.org"/>
* 1994 – [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Tamil|Best Tamil Film]] for ''[[Karuthamma]]''

===Tamil Nadu State Film Awards===
* 1977 – Best Director Award for ''[[16 Vayathinile]]''
* 1979 – [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film]] - Second Prize - ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]''
* 1981 – Best Director Award for ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]''
* 1994 – Best Film Portraying Woman in Good Light for ''[[Karuththamma]]''
* 2001 – [[Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award]]- Arignar Anna Award in 2001
* 2003 – Best Film in First place ''[[Eera Nilam]]''

===Nandi Awards===
* 1981 – [[Nandi Award for Best Director]] for ''[[Seethakoka Chiluka (1981 film)|Seethakoka Chiluka]]''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-03-13|title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008)|trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008)|url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf|access-date=3 January 2021|publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]|language=te}}</ref>

===[[Vijay Awards]]===
* 2012 – [[Vijay Award for Contribution to Tamil Cinema|Contribution to Tamil Cinema]]
* 2013 – [[Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] for ''[[Pandiya Naadu]]''

===Other awards===
* 1980 – South Indian Film Technicians : Best Technician Award for ''Kallukkul Eeram''
* 2005 – [[Honorary doctorate]] ([[Doctor of Letters|D.Litt]]) from [[Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology|Sathyabama University]]<ref name='dr'>{{Cite web |title=Honoris Causa 2005 - Satyabhama University |url=http://www.sathyabama.ac.in/sitepagetwo.php?mainref=0&firstref=100&secondref=25 |access-date=2020-09-16 |website=[[Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology]] |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916182344/http://www.sathyabama.ac.in/sitepagetwo.php?mainref=0&firstref=100&secondref=25 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*2015 – [[SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award]]

==Controversies==
* He attended the [[Maaveerar Naal|Maaveerar Naal (Heroes Day)]] Conference, which was a day to remember the deaths of militants who fought with the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE), which had been banned in India as a terrorist group since 1992 in [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]] and appreciated its bravery and valour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollywood.allindiansite.com/g/41ta.html|title=AllIndianSite.com - Cinema scidhigal - It's All About movie|work=allindiansite.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927025835/http://kollywood.allindiansite.com/g/41ta.html|archive-date=27 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* He organised a protest by [[Nadigar Sangam]] against the Indian state of [[Karnataka]] for not releasing [[Cauvery]] water at [[Neyveli]]. During an interview to [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]] channel, film co-stars such as [[Sarath Kumar]] and wife [[Radhika Sarathkumar|Radhika]] who attended the conference accused him of using that opportunity to [[eulogise]] current [[Tamil Nadu Chief Minister]] [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalitha]] and launching attacks on actor [[Rajinikanth]]'s home state's ethnicity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/14/stories/2002101403500500.htm|title=The Hindu : Bharatiraaja 'misdirected' Neyveli show|work=hinduonnet.com|access-date=15 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127163047/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/14/stories/2002101403500500.htm|archive-date=27 November 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/13/stories/2002101304130100.htm|title=The Hindu : Rally exposes politicised film industry|work=hinduonnet.com|access-date=15 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102121317/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/13/stories/2002101304130100.htm|archive-date=2 November 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

==Filmography==
===As director, producer and screenwriter===
====Films====
*''Note: he is credited in many films as Bharathirajaa.''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Title
! colspan="3" | Credited as
! rowspan="2" |Language
! rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
!Director
!Producer
!Sceenplay
|-
|1977
|''[[16 Vayathinile]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|1978
|''[[Kizhakke Pogum Rail]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director]]
|-
|rowspan="3"|1979
|''[[Solva Sawan]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[Hindi]]
|Remake of ''[[16 Vayathinile]]''
|-
|''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="2" |Tamil
|
|-
|''[[Niram Maaratha Pookkal]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Voice for [[Vijayan (actor)|Vijayan]]
|-
| rowspan="3"| 1980
|''[[Kotha Jeevithalu]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|Remake of ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]''
|-
|''[[Red Rose (1980 film)|Red Rose]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Hindi
|Remake of ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]''
|-
|''[[Nizhalgal]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="2" |Tamil
|
|-
|rowspan="3"|1981
|''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]
|-
|''[[Seethakoka Chiluka (1981 film)|Seethakoka Chiluka]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Telugu
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu]]
|-
|''[[Tik Tik Tik (1981 film)|Tik Tik Tik]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="4" |Tamil
|
|-
|rowspan="2"|1982
|''[[Kaadhal Oviyam]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|''[[Valibamey Vaa Vaa]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Dubbed in Telugu as ''Yavvanam Pilichindhi'' (1985)
|-
|rowspan="2"|1983
|''[[Mann Vasanai]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Dubbed in Telugu as ''Ee Tharam Illalu'' (1985)
|-
|''[[Lovers (1983 film)|Lovers]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Hindi
|Remake of ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]'' / ''[[Seethakoka Chilaka]]''
|-
| 1984
|''[[Pudhumai Penn (1984 film)|Pudhumai Penn]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="3" |Tamil
|
|-
|rowspan="2"|1985
|''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|''[[Mudhal Mariyathai]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|1986
|''[[Saveray Wali Gaadi]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Hindi
|
|-
|''[[Kadalora Kavithaigal]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="2" |Tamil
|25th Film; also screenplay writer
|-
|rowspan="2"|1987
|''[[Vedham Pudhithu]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues]]
|-
|''[[Aradhana (1987 film)|Aradhana]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="2" |Telugu
|
|-
|rowspan="2"|1988
|''[[Jamadagni (film)|Jamadagni]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Dubbed in Tamil as ''Naarkaali Kanavugal''
|-
|''[[Kodi Parakuthu]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| rowspan="16" |Tamil
|Voice for [[Manivannan]]
|-
|1990
|''[[En Uyir Thozhan]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|1991
|''[[Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|1992
|''[[Nadodi Thendral]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|rowspan="2"|1993
|''[[Captain Magal]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|''[[Kizhakku Cheemayile]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|1994
|''[[Karuthamma]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare]]
|-
|1995
|''[[Pasumpon]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|rowspan="2"|1996
|''[[Tamizh Selvan]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|''[[Anthimanthaarai]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]
|-
|1999
|''[[Taj Mahal (1999 film)|Taj Mahal]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|2001
|''[[Kadal Pookkal]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|[[National Film Award for Best Screenplay]]
|-
|2003
|''[[Eera Nilam]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|2004
|''[[Kangalal Kaidhu Sei]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|2008
|''[[Final Cut of Director|Bommalattam]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|2013
|''[[Annakodi]]''
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|
|-
|2016
|''[[Final Cut of Director]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{n}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Hindi
|Original version of ''Bommalattam'' (2008); previously titled ''Cinema''
|-
|2020
|''[[Meendum Oru Mariyathai]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}
|Tamil
|
|-
|}

====Television====
List of [[Television show|TV Serials]] directed by Bharathiraja and aired on [[Kalaignar TV]].<ref name="serial">{{cite news |title=One more serial from Bharathiraja |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/2011/sep/20/one-more-serial-from-bharathiraja-292569.html |publisher=newindianexpress.com |date=20 Sep 2011}}</ref>

* ''[[Thekkathi Ponnu]]''
* ''Appanum Aathalum''
* ''Muthal Mariyathai''<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 May 2013 |title=சீரியலிலும் புரட்சி செய்யப்போகிறார் பாரதிராஜா! |language=ta |trans-title=Bharathiraja is going to revolutionise the TV serial industry too! |work=[[Dinamalar]] |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-tv-serials/12593/Chinna-thirai-Television-News/Bharatiraja-toward-revolution-serial!.htm |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218054222/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-tv-serials/12593/Chinna-thirai-Television-News/Bharatiraja-toward-revolution-serial!.htm |archive-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>
* ''[[Modern Love Chennai]]'' - Web series Episode 5: ''Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hymavati |first1=Ravali |title=Modern Love Chennai: This Thiagarajan Kumararaja's Web Series Will Premier On Amazon Prime From This Date |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/modern-love-chennai-this-thiagarajan-kumararajas-web-series-will-premier-on-amazon-prime-from-this-date-796461 |website=www.thehansindia.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |language=en |date=8 May 2023}}</ref>

=== As actor ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1978 || ''[[Kizhakke Pogum Rail]]'' || Station master || Uncredited role
|-
| 1980 || ''[[Kallukkul Eeram]]'' || Himself || Also writer
|-
| 1984 || ''[[Dhavani Kanavugal]]'' || Himself || Guest appearance
|-
| rowspan="2"|1991 || ''[[Idhayam (film)|Idhayam]]'' || Himself || Guest appearance
|-
| ''[[Thanthu Vitten Ennai]]'' || Himself || Guest appearance
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Kadhal Virus]]'' || Himself || Guest appearance
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Aayutha Ezhuthu]]'' || Selvanayagam ||
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Rettaisuzhi]]'' || Singaravelan ||
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Pandianadu]]'' || Kalyanasundaram || [[Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor]]
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Ninaithathu Yaaro]]'' || Himself || Guest appearance
|-
| rowspan="2"|2017 || ''[[Kurangu Bommai]]'' || Sundaram ||
|-
| ''[[Padaiveeran]]'' || Krishnan ||
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Seethakaathi]]'' || Himself || Special appearance
|-
| rowspan="2"|2019 || ''[[Kennedy Club]]'' || Savarimuthu ||
|-
| ''[[Namma Veetu Pillai]]'' || Arunmozhivarman ||
|-
| 2020 || ''[[Meendum Oru Mariyathai]]'' || Om ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|2021 ||''[[Eeswaran]]'' || Periyasamy ||
|-
|''[[Rocky (2021 film)|Rocky]]'' || Manimaran ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|2022 ||''[[Kuttram Kuttrame]]'' || DSP Muthukaruppan ||
|-
|''[[Thiruchitrambalam]]'' || Thiruchitrambalam Sr. ||
|-
| rowspan="5"|2023 ||''[[Vaathi]]'' || Villager || Cameo appearance
|-
|''[[Vaathi|Sir]]'' || Villager || Telugu film; Cameo appearance
|-
|''[[Thiruvin Kural]]'' || Marimuthu ||
|-
|''[[Karumegangal Kalaigindrana]]'' || Ramanathan ||
|-
|''[[Margazhi Thingal]]''|| Ramaiyaa ||
|-
|rowspan="3" |2024 || ''[[Kalvan (film)|Kalvan]]'' || Azhagar ||
|-
|''[[Maharaja (2024 film)|Maharaja]]''||Gopal Thatha ||
|-
|''[[Thiru.Manickam]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="3"|2025 ||''[[Niram Marum Ulagil]]'' || Rayappan ||
|-
| ''[[Thudarum]]'' || Stunt Master Palani Swamy || Malayalam film
|-
| ''Desiya Thalaivar'' || ||
|}

===Dubbing artist===
*[[Vijayan (actor)|Vijayan]] (''[[Niram Maaratha Pookkal]], [[Mann Vasanai]])''
*[[Thiagarajan]] (''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]'')
*[[Nizhalgal Ravi]] (''[[Vedham Pudhithu]]'')
*[[Manivannan]] (''[[Kodi Parakuthu]]'')
*[[Thennavan (actor)|Thennavan]] (''[[En Uyir Thozhan]]'')

===Singer===
*"Kaadu Pottakaadu" (''[[Karuthamma]]'')

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|id=nm0707300}}

{{Bharathiraja}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Nandi Award for Best Director}}
{{NationalFilmAwardBestScreenplay}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilDirector}}
{{TamilNaduStateAwardForBestDirector}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:2026 deaths]]
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil-language film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil screenwriters]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Nandi Award winners]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian people]]
[[Category:People from Theni district]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Film directors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Best Original Screenplay National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Film on Family Welfare National Film Award]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Film on Other Social Issues National Film Award]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]
[[Category:Tamil television directors]]
[[Category:Tamil television writers]]

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Bharathiraja