Directing
Bharathiraja
Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu cinema · 78 credits
Born
17 July 1941
Died
10 June 2026 (aged 84)
Birthplace
Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
Also known as Bharathiraja · Bharathi Raja · Chinnasaamy Periyamayathevar · பாரதிராஜா · Bharathirajaa · P.Bharathirajaa
Periyamayathevar Bharathiraja was an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor who worked mainly in the Tamil film industry. Making his debut in 1977 with 16 Vayathinile, he was known for realistic and sensitive portrayals of rural life in his films and popularly referred to as Iyakkunar Imayam. Bharathiraja had won six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards South, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Nandi Award. He also directed films in Telugu and Hindi. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2004 for his contribution to the film industry.
Known for
Filmography
Pulavar
as Pulavar
Niram Marum Ulagil
as Rayappan
Thudarum
as Stunt Master Palani Swamy
Kalvan
as Azhagar
Maharaja
as Gopal Thatha
Thiru.Manickam
as Shanmugam
Vaathi
as Villager
Thiruvin Kural
as Marimuthu
Karumegangal Kalaiginrana
as Justice Ramanathan
Margazhi Thingal
as Ramaiya
Kuttram Kuttrame
as Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan
Thiruchitrambalam
as Thiruchitrambalam Sr.
Rocky
as Manimaran
Eeswaran
as Periyasamy
Meendum Oru Mariyathai
as Om, Director, Story, Screenplay
Kennedy Club
as Savarimuthu
Namma Veettu Pillai
as Arunmozhivarman
Padai Veeran
as Krishnan
Seethakathi
as Self
Kurangu Bommai
as Sundaram
Pandiya Naadu
as Kalyanasundaram
Annakodi
Writer, Director, Producer
Rettaisuzhi
as Singaravelan
Bommalattam
Producer, Director, Dialogue, Story, Screenplay
Aayitha Ezhuthu
as Selva Nayagam
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei
Director, Screenplay
Eera Nilam
Director, Screenplay, Producer
கடல் பூக்கள்
2001
Kadal Pookkal
Director, Screenplay
Taj Mahal
Director, Screenplay
Anthimanthaarai
Director, Screenplay, Playback Singer
Tamizh Selvan
Director, Screenplay
பசும்பொன்
1995
Pasumpon
Director, Screenplay
Karuththamma
as Self, Director, Playback Singer, Screenplay
Kizhakku Cheemayile
Screenplay, Director
கேப்டன் மகள்
1993
Captain Magal
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Nadodi Thendral
Director, Producer, Screenplay
Idhayam
as Self
Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
1991
Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
Screenplay, Director
En Uyir Thozhan
as Ramesh (voice), Director, Screenplay
Kodi Parakuthu
as GD (voice), Director, Screenplay, Producer
జమదగ్ని
1988
Jamadagni
Director, Screenplay
Vedham Pudhithu
as Widowed Forest Ranger (voice), Director, Screenplay
Aradhana
Director, Story, Screenplay
Saveray Wali Gaadi
Screenplay, Story, Director
Kadalora Kavithaigal
Director, Screenplay
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary
Director, Screenplay
Mudhal Mariyathai
Producer, Director, Screenplay
Pudhumai Penn
Director, Screenplay
Mangamma Gari Manavadu
Original Story
Mann Vasanai
as Mookkaiyan (voice), Director, Screenplay
Lovers
Director, Screenplay
வாலிபமே வா வா
1982
Valibamey Vaa Vaa
Director, Screenplay
Kadhal Oviyam
Screenplay, Director
Alaigal Oyivadhilai
as David (voice), Director, Screenplay
Kotha Jeevithalu
Screenplay, Director
Tik Tik Tik
Writer, Director
Seethakoka Chilaka
Screenplay, Director
கல்லுக்குள் ஈரம்
1980
Kallukul Eeram
as Self, Screenplay
Red Rose
Story, Director, Screenplay
நிழல்கள்
1980
Nizhalgal
Director, Screenplay
Niram Maaratha Pookkal
as Vijayan (voice), Director, Screenplay
Puthiya Vaarpugal
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Solva Sawan
Director, Screenplay, Story
கிழக்கே போகும் ரயில்
1978
Kizhakke Pogum Rail
as Station Master (uncredited), Director, Screenplay
Sigappu Rojakkal
Director, Story, Screenplay
Padaharella Vayasu
Original Story
16 Vayathinile
Director, Screenplay, Story
அதிர்ஷ்டம் அழைக்கிறது
1976
Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu
Assistant Director