Bharathiraja
Born: 1941-07-17 in Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
Died: 2026-06-10
Known For: Directing
Biography
Periyamayathevar Bharathiraja 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. Bharathiraja had won six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards South, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Nandi Award. He also directed films in Telugu and 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.
Filmography
2025
- Thudarum as Stunt Master Palani Swamy
- Niram Marum Ulagil as Rayappan
2024
- Maharaja as Gopal Thatha
- Thiru.Manickam as Shanmugam
- Kalvan as Azhagar
- Kadhale Kadhale
2023
- Modern Love Chennai ... (Director)
- Vaathi as Villager
- Thiruvin Kural as Marimuthu
- Karumegangal Kalaiginrana as Justice Ramanathan
- Margazhi Thingal as Ramaiya
2022
- Kuttram Kuttrame as Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan
- Thiruchitrambalam as Thiruchitrambalam Sr.
2020
- Meendum Oru Mariyathai as Om
2019
- Kennedy Club as Savarimuthu
- Namma Veettu Pillai as Arunmozhivarman
2018
- Padai Veeran as Krishnan
- Seethakathi as Self
2017
- Kurangu Bommai as Sundaram
2014
- Ninaithathu Yaaro as Self
2013
- Pandiya Naadu as Kalyanasundaram
- Annakodi ... (Writer)
2010
- Rettaisuzhi as Singaravelan
2008
- Bommalattam ... (Producer)
2004
- Kangalal Kaidhu Sei ... (Director)
- Aayitha Ezhuthu as Selva Nayagam
2003
- Eera Nilam ... (Director)
2002
- Kadhal Virus as Self
2001
- Kadal Pookkal ... (Director)
1999
- Taj Mahal ... (Director)
1996
- Anthimanthaarai ... (Director)
- Tamizh Selvan ... (Director)
1995
- Pasumpon ... (Director)
1994
- Karuththamma as Self
1993
- Captain Magal ... (Director)
- Kizhakku Cheemayile ... (Screenplay)
1992
- Nadodi Thendral ... (Director)
1991
- Idhayam as Self
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu ... (Screenplay)
- Thanthu Vitten Ennai as Self
1990
- En Uyir Thozhan as Ramesh (voice)
1989
- Kodi Parakuthu as GD (voice)
1988
- Jamadagni ... (Director)
1987
- Vedham Pudhithu as Widowed Forest Ranger (voice)
- Aradhana ... (Director)
1986
- Kadalora Kavithaigal ... (Director)
- Saveray Wali Gaadi ... (Screenplay)
1985
- Oru Kaidhiyin Diary ... (Director)
- Mudhal Mariyathai ... (Producer)
1984
- Dhavani Kanavugal as Self
- Pudhumai Penn ... (Director)
- Mangamma Gari Manavadu ... (Original Story)
- Karishmaa ... (Story)
1983
- Mann Vasanai as Mookkaiyan (voice)
- Lovers ... (Director)
1982
- Valibamey Vaa Vaa ... (Director)
- Kadhal Oviyam ... (Screenplay)
1981
- Tik Tik Tik ... (Writer)
- Alaigal Oyivadhilai as David (voice)
- Kotha Jeevithalu ... (Screenplay)
- Seethakoka Chilaka ... (Screenplay)
1980
- Nizhalgal ... (Director)
- Kallukul Eeram as Self
- Red Rose ... (Story)
1979
- Niram Maaratha Pookkal as Vijayan (voice)
- Puthiya Vaarpugal ... (Director)
- Solva Sawan ... (Director)
1978
- Kizhakke Pogum Rail as Station Master (uncredited)
- Padaharella Vayasu ... (Original Story)
- Sigappu Rojakkal ... (Director)
1977
- 16 Vayathinile ... (Director)