Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, one of the most influential directors in Indian cinema, passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Chennai. The iconic director also shares a special connection with Telugu cinema, having directed classics such as Kotha Jeevithalu, Seethakoka Chiluka, Aaradhana, and Jamadagni.
Interestingly, Jamadagni was produced by Neelakanta, who later went on to become a successful director in Telugu cinema. “It is very sad that we have lost a legendary filmmaker like Bharathiraja garu. His films and realistic storytelling inspired me immensely and played a major role in shaping my journey as a director,” said Neelakanta.
Recalling his early days, Neelakanta said his admiration for Bharathiraja began when he watched Sigappu Rojakkal, which was released in Telugu as Erra Gulabeelu.
“When my father was working in Kalahasti, I saw a poster of Kamal Haasan's film written in Tamil. Out of curiosity, I went to watch it and later learned it was Sigappu Rojakkal. I was just 18 years old then. The film felt like a Hollywood movie to me, and I was completely fascinated by it,” he recalled.
After learning that Bharathiraja had directed the film, Neelakanta began exploring more of his work. “I had already liked Padaharella Vayasu, directed by K Raghavendra Rao garu. Later, I came to know it was a remake of Bharathiraja garu’s 16 Vayathinile. From then on, I started watching his films regularly and developed a strong desire to become a director,” he said.
Neelakanta later travelled to Madras (now Chennai) along with his friend Venu to meet Bharathiraja. “We were very young at the time. Bharathiraja garu was happy to see our passion for cinema and our eagerness to make a film with him,” he recalled.
His friend Venu was closely associated with Krishna garu’s family and had access to the superstar’s dates. “When we told Bharathiraja garu that we had Krishna garu’s dates, he was delighted and called it a rare combination. Krishna garu also felt the same way. That is how Jamadagni was made and eventually released in 1988,” said Neelakanta.
The director described the experience as one of the most valuable phases of his life. “It was a memorable experience because I had the opportunity to closely observe Bharathiraja garu at work. He had tremendous command over filmmaking, and I learned a great deal from him. In fact, my desire to become a director was largely influenced by watching 16 Vayathinile. I cannot express in words how much I learned while working with him on Jamadagni,” he said.
Neelakanta revealed that when Krishna initially agreed to the project, he did not know Bharathiraja would be directing it. “Later, when we informed him that Bharathiraja garu was directing the film, he was very happy. Bharathiraja garu had immense respect for Krishna garu, and Krishna garu also admired him. That mutual respect brought them together for Jamadagni,” he recalled.
Speaking about Bharathiraja’s filmmaking style, Neelakanta said the veteran director’s realistic approach always stood out. “Whether it was a crime thriller, a village-based drama, or any other genre, his films always had a realistic touch. He was one of the greatest filmmakers and a huge inspiration to me,” he said.
Neelakanta later made his directorial debut with Show, starring Manjula, daughter of Superstar Krishna. The film went on to become a critically acclaimed success. He followed it up with another successful film, Missamma, starring Bhumika Chawla, Laya and Sivaji.
“I went to Chennai and showed Missamma to Bharathiraja garu. He appreciated the film immensely and told me, ‘I knew you would become a good director.’ Those words meant a lot to me,” recalled Neelakanta.
He added that he met Bharathiraja several times over the years and the legendary director would often ask him about his upcoming projects.
“Even today, it feels like a dream that I got the opportunity to meet and work with a great filmmaker like Bharathiraja garu. His films inspired me to become a director. Many of his works were far ahead of their time. It is truly heartbreaking that we have lost one of Indian cinema’s greatest directors,” Neelakanta concluded.
