Bharathiraja, who reshaped the path of Tamil cinema and created a new direction, brings immense sorrow.
I express my deepest condolences on the demise of that great artist, which has become a profound loss to Tamil cinema.
By bringing rural people and their lives to the screen, he took Tamil cinema very close to reality.
His creations—including 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Tick Tick Tick, Muthal Mariyathai, Kadalora Kavithaigal, Vedham Pudhithu, Karuthamma—cannot be overlooked by anyone writing the history of Tamil cinema.
With his deep attachment to Tamil and the Tamil people, Bharathiraja played a significant role in involving the film industry in struggles for Tamil Nadu’s rights.
Bharathiraja Death: MK Stalin demands state honours for Bharathiraja
Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin took to X to share, "The passing of ‘Director Imayam’ Thiru. Bharathiraja, who reshaped the path of Tamil cinema and created a new direction, brings immense sorrow. I express my deepest condolences on the demise of that great artist, which has become a profound loss to Tamil cinema. Bharathiraja is one who spoke a unique language in cinema and created an entire era of his own. Cameras confined within studios entered villages through him. By bringing rural people and their lives to the screen, he took Tamil cinema very close to reality. His creations—including 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Tick Tick Tick, Muthal Mariyathai, Kadalora Kavithaigal, Vedham Pudhithu, Karuthamma—cannot be overlooked by anyone writing the history of Tamil cinema. Through his creative genius, he directed films in other languages as well, imprinting his mark there too; Indian film history will forever remember him at its pinnacle! He held immense affection for Leader Karunanidhi. With his deep attachment to Tamil and the Tamil people, Bharathiraja played a significant role in involving the film industry in struggles for Tamil Nadu’s rights. The songs born from the collaboration of ‘Director Imayam’ Bharathiraja, ‘Music Sage’ Ilaiyaraaja, and ‘Poetry Emperor’ Vairamuthu continue to resonate in some corner of Tamil Nadu every minute, delighting thousands of people. Recalling the moments when I met and spoke with Bharathiraja to inquire about his health and to personally console his son Manoj Bharathiraja upon his passing now weighs even heavier on my heart. I extend my condolences to his family grieving his departure, to the artists of the film world, to Bharathiraja’s students, and to the people of Tamil Nadu. ‘Director Imayam’ Bharathiraja, born in Alli Nagar and who gave us immortal creations, will live forever in the hearts of cinema lovers—in the hearts of Tamil people! When paying personal tribute to Thiru. Bharathiraja, those present with him requested that he be given a farewell with state honors. In tribute to the achievements of Director Imayam Bharathiraja and to fulfill the wishes of those close to him, I urge the Government of Tamil Nadu to take necessary action."
