Bharathiraja
- Directing
- July 17, 1941 · Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
- June 10, 2026
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.
Known for
Filmography
- Pulavar · Pulavar
- Desiya Thalaivar
- Thudarum · Stunt Master Palani Swamy
- Niram Marum Ulagil · Rayappan
- Thiru.Manickam · Shanmugam
- Maharaja · Gopal Thatha
- Kalvan · Azhagar
- Kadhale Kadhale
- Margazhi Thingal · Ramaiya
- Karumegangal Kalaiginrana · Justice Ramanathan
- Modern Love Chennai · Director
- Thiruvin Kural · Marimuthu
- Vaathi · Villager
- Thiruchitrambalam · Thiruchitrambalam Sr.
- Kuttram Kuttrame · Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan
- Rocky · Manimaran
- Eeswaran · Periyasamy
- Meendum Oru Mariyathai · Om, Director
- Namma Veettu Pillai · Arunmozhivarman
- Kennedy Club · Savarimuthu
- Seethakathi · Self
- Padai Veeran · Krishnan
- Kurangu Bommai · Sundaram
- Ninaithathu Yaaro · Self
- Pandiya Naadu · Kalyanasundaram
- Annakodi · Director, Writer
- Rettaisuzhi · Singaravelan
- Bommalattam · Producer, Director
- Thekkathi Ponnu · Director
- Aayitha Ezhuthu · Selva Nayagam
- Kangalal Kaidhu Sei · Director, Screenplay
- Eera Nilam · Director, Screenplay
- Kadhal Virus · Self
- Kadal Pookkal · Director, Screenplay
- Taj Mahal · Director, Screenplay
- Tamizh Selvan · Director, Screenplay
- Anthimanthaarai · Director, Screenplay
- Pasumpon · Director, Screenplay
- Karuththamma · Self, Director
- Kizhakku Cheemayile · Director, Screenplay
- Captain Magal · Director, Screenplay
- Nadodi Thendral · Director, Screenplay
- Idhayam · Self
- Thanthu Vitten Ennai · Self
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu · Director, Screenplay
- En Uyir Thozhan · Ramesh (Voice), Director
- Kodi Parakuthu · GD (Voice), Director
- Jamadagni · Director, Screenplay
- Vedham Pudhithu · Widowed Forest Ranger (Voice), Director
- Aradhana · Director, Story
- Kadalora Kavithaigal · Director, Screenplay
- Neethana Antha Kuyil · Screenplay
- Saveray Wali Gaadi · Director, Story
- Mudhal Mariyathai · Director, Producer
- Oru Kaidhiyin Diary · Director, Screenplay
- Karishmaa · Story
- Dhavani Kanavugal · Self
- Mangamma Gari Manavadu · Story
- Pudhumai Penn · Director, Screenplay
- Mann Vasanai · Mookkaiyan (Voice), Director
- Lovers · Director, Screenplay
- Valibamey Vaa Vaa · Director, Screenplay
- Kadhal Oviyam · Director, Screenplay
- Tik Tik Tik · Director, Writer
- Seethakoka Chilaka · Director, Screenplay
- Alaigal Oyivadhilai · David (Voice), Director
- Kotha Jeevithalu · Director, Screenplay
- Nizhalgal · Director, Screenplay
- Red Rose · Story, Director
- Kallukul Eeram · Self, Screenplay
- Niram Maaratha Pookkal · Vijayan (Voice), Director
- Puthiya Vaarpugal · Director, Producer
- Solva Sawan · Director, Story
- Sigappu Rojakkal · Director, Story
- Padaharella Vayasu · Story
- Kizhakke Pogum Rail · Station Master (uncredited), Director
- 16 Vayathinile · Director, Screenplay
- Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu · Assistant Director
- Valli Mayil
- Naa Naa