Bharathiraja
- Known for
- Directing
- Born
- July 17, 1941, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
- Died
- June 10, 2026
- Movies
- 82
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.
Upcoming Bharathiraja Movies
Valli Mayil
Release date TBA
Naa Naa
Release date TBA
Best-Known Movies
Filmography
| 2026 | Pulavar | Pulavar |
| 2025 | Desiya Thalaivar | |
| 2025 | Thudarum | Stunt Master Palani Swamy |
| 2025 | Niram Marum Ulagil | Rayappan |
| 2024 | Thiru.Manickam | Shanmugam |
| 2024 | Maharaja | Gopal Thatha |
| 2024 | Kalvan | Azhagar |
| 2024 | Kadhale Kadhale | |
| 2023 | Margazhi Thingal | Ramaiya |
| 2023 | Karumegangal Kalaiginrana | Justice Ramanathan |
| 2023 | Thiruvin Kural | Marimuthu |
| 2023 | Vaathi | Villager |
| 2022 | Thiruchitrambalam | Thiruchitrambalam Sr. |
| 2022 | Kuttram Kuttrame | Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan |
| 2021 | Rocky | Manimaran |
| 2021 | Eeswaran | Periyasamy |
| 2020 | Meendum Oru Mariyathai | Om |
| 2019 | Namma Veettu Pillai | Arunmozhivarman |
| 2019 | Kennedy Club | Savarimuthu |
| 2018 | Seethakathi | Self |
| 2018 | Padai Veeran | Krishnan |
| 2017 | Kurangu Bommai | Sundaram |
| 2014 | Ninaithathu Yaaro | Self |
| 2013 | Pandiya Naadu | Kalyanasundaram |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi | Singaravelan |
| 2004 | Aayitha Ezhuthu | Selva Nayagam |
| 2002 | Kadhal Virus | Self |
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Self |
| 1991 | Idhayam | Self |
| 1991 | Thanthu Vitten Ennai | Self |
| 1990 | En Uyir Thozhan | Ramesh (voice) |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu | GD (voice) |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu | Widowed Forest Ranger (voice) |
| 1984 | Dhavani Kanavugal | Self |
| 1983 | Mann Vasanai | Mookkaiyan (voice) |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oyivadhilai | David (voice) |
| 1980 | Kallukul Eeram | Self |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal | Vijayan (voice) |
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail | Station Master (uncredited) |
Directing, Writing & Producing
| 2020 | Meendum Oru Mariyathai | Director, Screenplay |
| 2013 | Annakodi | Director, Writer, Producer |
| 2008 | Bommalattam | Producer, Director, Screenplay |
| 2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei | Director, Screenplay |
| 2003 | Eera Nilam | Director, Screenplay, Producer |
| 2001 | Kadal Pookkal | Director, Screenplay |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal | Director, Screenplay |
| 1996 | Tamizh Selvan | Director, Screenplay |
| 1996 | Anthimanthaarai | Director, Screenplay |
| 1995 | Pasumpon | Director, Screenplay |
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Director, Screenplay |
| 1993 | Kizhakku Cheemayile | Director, Screenplay |
| 1993 | Captain Magal | Director, Screenplay, Producer |
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral | Director, Screenplay, Producer |
| 1991 | Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu | Director, Screenplay |
| 1990 | En Uyir Thozhan | Director, Screenplay |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu | Director, Screenplay, Producer |
| 1988 | Jamadagni | Director, Screenplay |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu | Director, Screenplay |
| 1987 | Aradhana | Director, Screenplay |
| 1986 | Kadalora Kavithaigal | Director, Screenplay |
| 1986 | Neethana Antha Kuyil | Screenplay |
| 1986 | Saveray Wali Gaadi | Director, Screenplay |
| 1985 | Mudhal Mariyathai | Director, Producer, Screenplay |
| 1985 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary | Director, Screenplay |
| 1984 | Pudhumai Penn | Director, Screenplay |
| 1983 | Mann Vasanai | Director, Screenplay |
| 1983 | Lovers | Director, Screenplay |
| 1982 | Valibamey Vaa Vaa | Director, Screenplay |
| 1982 | Kadhal Oviyam | Director, Screenplay |
| 1981 | Tik Tik Tik | Director, Writer |
| 1981 | Seethakoka Chilaka | Director, Screenplay |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oyivadhilai | Director, Screenplay |
| 1981 | Kotha Jeevithalu | Director, Screenplay |
| 1980 | Nizhalgal | Director, Screenplay |
| 1980 | Red Rose | Director, Screenplay |
| 1980 | Kallukul Eeram | Screenplay |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal | Director, Screenplay |
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal | Director, Producer, Screenplay |
| 1979 | Solva Sawan | Director, Screenplay |
| 1978 | Sigappu Rojakkal | Director, Screenplay |
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail | Director, Screenplay |
| 1977 | 16 Vayathinile | Director, Screenplay |
Data from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.