Director Bharathiraja: From Vijay to Rajinikanth, Indian Film Fraternity Condoles Death of An Icon

Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja passed away at 84 in Chennai on June 10 due to age-related illnesses. Tributes for the actor poured in on social media from across the Indian film industry.

Tamil film star and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, who paid his respects to the actor in person at the funeral, wrote that he was overcome with grief. "Mr Bharathiraja, the director, created several successful films infused with the vibrant essence of rural life, leaving an indelible mark unique to him in the world of Tamil cinema. He received numerous national and state awards, including the nation's highest honour, the Padma Shri, for his creations. His contributions in shaping generations of artists will forever stand etched in the history of Tamil cinema," he wrote, adding that the legendary filmmaker will be accorded state honours during his final journey.

Among those who paid their respects in person were Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who has collaborated with the director in films such as 16 Vayathinile (1977) and Kodi Parakkuthu (1988), former Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, actor Suriya, director Mari Selvaraj, composer Ilaiyaraaja, actress Radikaa Sarathkumar, and actor Bhagyaraj.

Director Shankar, who paid his respects to the filmmaker, said Bharathiraja held a special significance in Tamil cinema history, addressing the press. "A lot of films come and go, but his films are timeless. He is great and lives forever," he said.

"He has introduced so many talents to our industry. He is always the first person to voice out the distress of the cinema industry. His cinema will live on in the hearts of all Tamil people," said Superstar Rajinikanth, addressing the press.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal remembered his time working with the actor in his recent film Thudarum (2025). "A director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame. Sharing screen space with Bharathiraja Sir in Thudarum was an honour I will cherish forever. Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations, and your presence will be deeply missed," he wrote.

Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan remembered the filmmaker's indelible contributions to Telugu cinema. "The devotional film Aaraadhana that he brought to life with Annayya Megastar @KChiruTweets garu, as well as films like Seethakoka Chiluka that won a National Award, have remained eternally etched in the hearts of audiences. As a director who marvelously portrayed rural life and human relationships on screen, Shri Bharathiraja garu will be remembered forever," he wrote.

Allu Arjun took to X to condole the director's death. "Deeply saddened by the passing of #Bharathiraja garu. A true legend whose vision, storytelling, and contribution to Indian cinema will remain timeless. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and artists. Heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and admirers," he wrote.