Home Entertainment Movies A towering personality in the film industry, Bharathiraja was fondly known as Iyakkunar Imayam (Pinnacle among Directors) Updated - June 10, 2026 09:28 am IST File image of director Bharathiraja.
| Photo Credit:
L. Srinivasan
Renowned Tamil film director Bharathiraja passed away in Chennai on Wednesday (June 10, 2026). Tributes poured in for the ace director who died at 84. He had been ailing for some time. Celebrated for shifting Tamil cinema from studio-bound film-making to authentic rural landscapes, and for his iconic opening line, “
Yen Iniya Tamil Makkale,” delivered in his distinctive voice, he was a transformative force in not just Tamil but Indian cinema.Also Read : The multiple shades of ‘actor’ Bharathiraja: ‘Mani Ratnam asked me if I was interested in politics’A towering personality in the film industry, fondly known as
Iyakkunar Imayam (Pinnacle among Directors), Mr. Bharathiraja won six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards (South), six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Nandi Award. More significantly, he was instrumental in introducing several new actors in Tamil cinema. In a characteristic move, he rechristened many actors with names beginning with the letter “R”, gifting the industry with talented artistes including Radikaa, Revathi, Radha, Ranjitha and Rekha. The actors who went on to become prominent figures in the Tamil industry include Karthik, Pandian, Chandrasekar, Napoleon and Janakaraj.Read updates here:June 10, 2026 09:28 Bharathiraja brought the fragrance of Tamil soil on screen: Thangam ThennarasuFormer Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, in his tributes, said Bharathiraja brought the fragrance of Tamil soil and the way of life of Tamil people on screen. “His contribution to Tamil cinema is immeasurable. Through his works, he made the emotions of villages and the depth of human relationships resonate across generations,” he posted on X.June 10, 2026 09:22 Bharathiraja's extraordinary contribution to cinema will never be forgotten: Actor SarathkumarActor Sarathkumar in his X handle:“It is with deep grief and sadness that I came to know the passing away of the most respected, most efficient, most admired Thiru. Bharathiraja Avl., in the early hour of this morning. His visionary storytelling, artistic excellence, and immense contribution to cinema have left an indelible mark on the film industry and in the hearts of millions around the world.Through his remarkable work, he inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike, creating timeless masterpieces that will continue to be celebrated for years to come. His legacy will live on through the stories he told and the lives he touched.On behalf of myself, my family and all his admirers I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and countless admirers. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in peace.He may be gone, but his extraordinary contribution to cinema will never be forgotten.”June 10, 2026 09:18 His absence is immeasurable: Actor SimranActor Simran said, “Bharathiraja was a filmmaker who changed the language of storytelling forever.” She said he gave Tamil cinema some of its most heartfelt and rooted classics. “His absence is immeasurable,” the actor posted on X.June 10, 2026 09:13 Iniya Thamizh makkale, the master director is no moreBharathiraja inspired his assistant directors to carve their own path, and K. Bhagyaraj, R. Parthiban and Pandiarajan all evolved from the Bharathiraja school of thoughtK.C. Vijaya Kumar writes in a tribute to the ace filmmaker:Iniya Thamizh makkale, the master director is no moreTamil cinema mourns the loss of legendary director Bharathiraja, a master storyteller who shaped the industry's cinematic landscape.June 10, 2026 09:12 Bharathiraja's demise is a gloomy cloud in Tamil cinema: Khushbu SundarExpressing grief over the passing of Bharathiraja, Actor Khushbu Sundar said she felt devasta
Discussion (0)