Ananya Lohia , Chennai - Veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, one of the most influential directors in Indian cinema, passed away at his Chennai residence following a prolonged illness. He was 84. Known for revolutionising Tamil cinema with realistic storytelling and powerful depictions of rural life, Bharathiraja had been battling respiratory complications and age-related ailments in recent months. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity, political leaders and fans across the country.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited the late filmmaker's residence in Chennai to pay his final respects. Several actors and public figures also mourned the loss of the legendary director. Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar described his death as a major loss to Tamil cinema, calling his films benchmarks in filmmaking. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan termed Bharathiraja's passing an "irreplaceable loss" to Indian cinema and praised his contribution across multiple languages.

Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977 and went on to create several iconic films, including Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam and Mudhal Mariyathai. His unique storytelling style and authentic portrayal of village life redefined Tamil cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2004 and won multiple National Film Awards during his illustrious career. His final directorial work was Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal, a segment in the anthology series Modern Love Chennai. The filmmaker had been hospitalised in December last year due to a lung infection and he had also endured personal tragedy in 2025 when his son, actor Manoj Bharathiraja passed away with a cardiac arrest at the age of 48.

With a career spanning nearly five decades, Bharathiraja leaves behind an unmatched cinematic legacy that transformed the landscape of Tamil cinema. His films continue to be celebrated for their realism, emotional depth and artistic excellence. As the industry bids farewell to one of its greatest storytellers, Bharathiraja's contribution to Indian cinema will remain immortal in the hearts of audiences and filmmakers alike.