By Shakir Husain
HYDERABAD, June 10 (Bernama) — Tributes poured in from film stars, politicians and fans across India after renowned film director Bharathiraja, whose realistic portrayal of Tamil rural life reshaped regional cinema, died in Chennai on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Bharathiraja, who had been suffering from age-related ailments, passed away in Chennai, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the film industry and political spectrum.
Many credited him with transforming Tamil cinema through his distinctive storytelling style and authentic portrayal of village life, which helped redefine regional filmmaking.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, himself a leading film star before entering politics, visited Bharathiraja’s residence to pay his respects.
His demise represents “an irreplaceable and monumental loss to the Tamil film industry”, Vijay said in a social media post.
Bharathiraja’s funeral will be given state honours in recognition of his work, the chief minister announced.
Born Chinnasamy in Allinagaram, Tamil Nadu, in 1941, Bharathiraja rose to prominence with his acclaimed 1977 debut film 16 Vayathinile, a blockbuster starring Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi that won praise for its realistic portrayal of village life. He later directed a string of successful romantic films, including Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Puthiya Vaarpugal, Alaigal Oivathillai and Mann Vasanai.
Bharathiraja directed dozens of films during a career spanning four decades and nurtured many artists, some of whom became top stars.
“He may be gone, but his extraordinary contribution to cinema will never be forgotten,” actor and politician R. Sarathkumar said.
Actress Simran called him “a filmmaker who changed the language of storytelling forever”.
People in the film industry called him “Iyakkunar Imayam” (the peak of directors).
His popularity went beyond Tamil cinema as his work received region-wide acclaim.
“His films touched millions of hearts and inspired generations of filmmakers,” Telugu actor Chiranjeevi said.
Telangana transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar said Bharathiraja was “one of the rare directors who naturally brought the beauty of rural life and the emotions of village folk to the silver screen in Indian cinema.”
— BERNAMA