Tributes are pouring in for Bharathiraja from prominent personalities in South Indian cinema and his fans. Revathy is one of the first film personalities to share her thoughts about the legendary filmmaker's passing. Taking to her Instagram space, the actor wrote, "RIP Bharathiraja sir - the reason that I am here as an actor and did the film I did."
Revathy made her debut in 1983's Mann Vasanai. The filmmaker happened to see her photograph in a Tamil magazine's cover, which led to him casting her in the 1983 film. She went on to star in his other films Pudhumai Penn (1984) and Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1985).
On the other hand, Khushbu Sundar, who starred in the director's 1993 film Captain Magal, shared her thoughts about him. "Devastated to know that our most beloved, loved and respected Director, the legendary Bharathiraaja avl is no longer with us."
Khushbu added, "His demise is a gloomy cloud in Tamil cinema. His films have been bench marks and shall continue to be the actual school of film making. He leaves behind a huge legacy for every cinema lover. He always said let’s do a film with me in 2 pigtails. That shall remain an unfulfilled dream. Will miss you a lot Sir."
Meanwhile, Goundamani shared, "Beginning with 16 Vayathinile, I acted in many films directed by Bharathiraja. It was Bharathiraja who gave me my identity through 16 Vayathinile. He was a towering artist. My heartfelt condolences on his passing." The legendary comedy actor also starred in the director's films such as Puthiya Vaarpugal and Kadhal Oviyam.
On the other hand, Captain Miller filmmaker Arun Matheswaran shared, "We’ve lost more than a filmmaker. We’ve lost a man who lived and breathed cinema. He didn’t just make films, he redefined Tamil cinema, again and again. A true stalwart, fearless, endlessly curious, and one of the greatest to ever hold a camera."
Arun made his directorial debut with 2021's Rocky, starring Vasanth Ravi, Bharathiraja, and Raveena Ravi. "I’ll carry forever the privilege of directing him in my first film. Watching him work, you understood what it meant to love cinema more than anything else in the world. He inspired generations. His films will keep teaching, provoking, and moving us for decades to come. Rest in peace, sir. Thank you for everything Bharathiraja sir. I’ve lost a friend, a mentor and a father," the DC filmmaker shared.
Meanwhile, Sibi Sathyaraj shared, "Extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Bharathiraja sir. Sir, your films were a true textbook on the language of filmmaking. You brought the soul of rural Tamil Nadu to the screen and changed the course of Tamil cinema forever. A monumental loss to cinema. Rest in peace, dear sir."
Sibi's father Sathyaraj starred in multiple films directed by the legend, including 1987's Vedham Pudhithu, and acted with him in Kuttram Kuttrame and Valli Mayil.
At the same time, Sarathkumar shared, "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."