Pioneering Filmmaker Bharathiraja Passes Away at 84, Leaving a Lasting Impact on Tamil Cinema

Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who passed away at 84, was a transformative figure in Tamil cinema. Known for his iconic film '16 Vayathinile,' he shifted storytelling from studios to rural settings. Despite his success with stars like Kamal Haasan, he never collaborated again with Rajinikanth, who humorously reflected on their relationship. Bharathiraja's passing comes after a battle with health issues and emotional struggles following the loss of his son. His legacy continues to influence the industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 10:06 IST

A Tribute to Bharathiraja

Renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja, who revolutionized Tamil cinema, passed away on June 10 at the age of 84. He was instrumental in shifting the narrative style of Tamil films from studio settings to authentic rural landscapes, marking a significant evolution in Indian cinema. His memorable opening phrase, “Yen Iniya Tamil Makkale,” delivered in his unique voice, has become a part of his enduring legacy. Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with the film 16 Vayathinile, featuring stars like Sridevi, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth, which has since achieved cult status and remains a topic of discussion today. This article explores his relationship with Rajinikanth, who starred in the film.

Bharathiraja's Unique Perspective on Rajinikanth

Bharathiraja NEVER Considered Rajinikanth A Good Actor - Here's Why

His career took off with the 1977 film 16 Vayathinile, a pivotal work in Tamil cinema that heralded a new era of storytelling. This film featured two of the biggest names in Indian cinema—Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Despite the film's success, Bharathiraja never collaborated with Rajinikanth again, while he continued to work with Kamal Haasan on multiple projects. Rajinikanth later addressed this absence during a public event, shedding light on their dynamic.

In 2017, both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were present at the launch of Bharathiraja’s acting institute, BRIIC (Bharathiraja International Institute of Cinema) in Chennai. At this event, Rajinikanth humorously reflected on his rapport with the esteemed director, stating that while he felt a personal connection, Bharathiraja never fully recognized him as a capable actor. “I like him very much. He appreciates me as a good person but not as an actor,” Rajinikanth remarked, adding that Bharathiraja often referred to him as a good human rather than a good performer, hinting at the director's skepticism regarding his acting skills.

On the other hand, Kamal Haasan has had the opportunity to work with Bharathiraja on five occasions, including in films such as 16 Vayathinile, Sigappu Rojakkal, Oru Kaidhiyin Diary, Puthiya Vaarpugal, and Tik Tik Tik.

Circumstances Surrounding Bharathiraja's Passing

About Bharathiraja's Death

In December of the previous year, Bharathiraja was hospitalized in Chennai’s T Nagar due to respiratory complications, including wheezing. After treatment, he recovered and was released from the hospital. It remains unclear if these health issues were related to his eventual passing. Recently, his brother, Jayaraj Periyamayathevar, disclosed that Bharathiraja was still grappling with the emotional toll of losing his son, Manoj Bharathiraja, which had a profound impact on him.