A day after the demise of veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a note of condolence on his official X handle on Thursday. The 16 Vayathinile filmmaker breathed his last at the age of 85 on Wednesday after suffering from age-related ailments.
The Prime Minister wrote, "The passing of Thiru Bharathiraja Ji is very saddening. He was a towering figure of the cinema world whose works transformed Tamil cinema. Particularly noteworthy was his portrayal of rural life. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
Bharathiraja's health had been deteriorating ever since his son Manoj passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the mere age of 48, back in March 2025. He was hospitalised and was critical more than twice in the last year.
He made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977. In his five-decade-long career, the veteran was known for bringing Tamil cinema rooted, rustic and realistic stories, which were mostly set in villages.
Popularly known as 'Iyakkunar Immayam', Bharathiraja's popular directorials include Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai, among others. His most recent work as a director was a segment from Modern Love Chennai (2023), titled Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal.
After homage from the public and many members of the film fraternity, Bharathiraja's mortal remains arrived in Theni on Thursday morning. It will be kept for residents in and around the area to pay their last respects. His last rites are scheduled to take place in his hometown at around 3 pm.