The who's who of South Indian cinema expressed their deep sense of sadness about the passing of veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja. Actor Ravi Mohan shared, "Tamil cinema has lost one of its greatest visionaries. Bharathiraja sir's films celebrated people, emotions, and the beauty of life in its purest form. His contribution to cinema will remain timeless and his influence immeasurable. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, sir."
Ravi Mohan has not starred in any Bharathiraja directorial. Notably, his 2018 sci-fi film has the same title as the filmmaker's 1981 film, Tik Tik Tik.
Producer Archana Kalpathi shared, "We lost one of our greatest storytellers today . A visionary and a true legend. You will be missed Sir."
Meanwhile, Ashok Selvan mentioned the filmmaker's signature line, "My beloved Tamil people," which appears in the introductory cards of his directorial ventures. Reflecting on its significance, Ashok shared, "This single line alone is enough, sir!" Ashok added, alluding to Bharathiraja's contributes as a director and actor, "Whether as a filmmaker behind the camera or as a presence on screen, your place can never be replaced."
Ashok Selvan starred in the anthology Modern Love Chennai, although in a segment other than the one directed by the legendary filmmaker.
Meanwhile, Bhagavanth Kesari director Anil Ravipudi said that Bharathiraja's films influenced him. "I grew up watching and admiring his films. The simplicity, emotions, and honesty he brought to cinema made him one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Thank you for the memories and inspiration, Sir," Anil shared.
On the other hand, Raghava Lawrence expressed, "His legacy will live on in every storyteller who believes that simple lives can create extraordinary cinema. His contributions to Tamil cinema will continue to inspire generations."
Meanwhile, singer Srinivas reflected on Bharathiraja's impact on him while growing up and what it was like for him to sing for the filmmaker's 1999 film, Taj Mahal. "As a teenager, films like 16 Vayathinile, Nizhalgal shaped everything I understood about emotion and storytelling. Getting to sing for his film Taj Mahal years later was one of those moments I still can’t believe was real.Go well sir. Your frames will live forever," Srinivas wrote.
Lyricist Vairamuthu shared a poem in tribute of the late filmmaker. In one line, Vairamuthu mentioned how the filmmaker brought the outdoor shoot culture and brought Tamil cinema out of the studio milieu, and another line that highlighted his impact on shaping careers. "When cinema's color was thought to be fair-skinned, you transformed it into black—the color of the soil and its people," Vairamuthu shared. Quoting Sivaji Ganesan, he added, "Will the breeze return? Will it cherish my song? Will there be a mother's lap to praise me, cradle me, and sing me to sleep?"
Vairamuthu ended his post by quoting Bharathiraja's iconic 1985 film, Muthal Mariyathai. "Oh one who bestowed the First Respect (Muthal Mariyathai)... Here is my final respect to you," he signed off.
At the same time, Simran shared, "A filmmaker who changed the language of storytelling forever. Bharathiraja sir gave Tamil cinema some of its most heartfelt and rooted classics. His absence is immeasurable May the legend rest in peace."
