Bharathiraja
- Known for
- Directing
- Born
- 17 July 1941 · Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
- Died
- 10 June 2026
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
Acting 41
- 2026Naa Naa
- 2026Pulavar as Pulavar
- 2026Valli Mayil
- 2025Desiya Thalaivar
- 2025Thudarum as Stunt Master Palani Swamy
- 2025Niram Marum Ulagil as Rayappan
- 2024Thiru.Manickam as Shanmugam
- 2024Maharaja as Gopal Thatha
- 2024Kalvan as Azhagar
- 2024Kadhale Kadhale
- 2023Margazhi Thingal as Ramaiya
- 2023Karumegangal Kalaiginrana as Justice Ramanathan
- 2023Thiruvin Kural as Marimuthu
- 2023Vaathi as Villager
- 2022Thiruchitrambalam as Thiruchitrambalam Sr.
- 2022Kuttram Kuttrame as Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan
- 2021Rocky as Manimaran
- 2021Eeswaran as Periyasamy
- 2020Meendum Oru Mariyathai as Om
- 2019Namma Veettu Pillai as Arunmozhivarman
- 2019Kennedy Club as Savarimuthu
- 2018Seethakathi as Self
- 2018Padai Veeran as Krishnan
- 2017Kurangu Bommai as Sundaram
- 2014Ninaithathu Yaaro as Self
- 2013Pandiya Naadu as Kalyanasundaram
- 2010Rettaisuzhi as Singaravelan
- 2004Aayitha Ezhuthu as Selva Nayagam
- 2002Kadhal Virus as Self
- 1994Karuththamma as Self
- 1991Idhayam as Self
- 1991Thanthu Vitten Ennai as Self
- 1990En Uyir Thozhan as Ramesh (voice)
- 1989Kodi Parakuthu as GD (voice)
- 1987Vedham Pudhithu as Widowed Forest Ranger (voice)
- 1984Dhavani Kanavugal as Self
- 1983Mann Vasanai as Mookkaiyan (voice)
- 1981Alaigal Oyivadhilai as David (voice)
- 1980Kallukul Eeram as Self
- 1979Niram Maaratha Pookkal as Vijayan (voice)
- 1978Kizhakke Pogum Rail as Station Master (uncredited)
Writing 46
- 2020Meendum Oru Mariyathai · story
- 2013Annakodi · writer
- 2008Bommalattam · dialogue
- 2004Kangalal Kaidhu Sei · screenplay
- 2003Eera Nilam · screenplay
- 2001Kadal Pookkal · screenplay
- 1999Taj Mahal · screenplay
- 1996Tamizh Selvan · screenplay
- 1996Anthimanthaarai · screenplay
- 1995Pasumpon · screenplay
- 1994Karuththamma · screenplay
- 1993Kizhakku Cheemayile · screenplay
- 1993Captain Magal · screenplay
- 1992Nadodi Thendral · screenplay
- 1991Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu · screenplay
- 1990En Uyir Thozhan · screenplay
- 1989Kodi Parakuthu · screenplay
- 1988Jamadagni · screenplay
- 1987Vedham Pudhithu · screenplay
- 1987Aradhana · screenplay
- 1986Kadalora Kavithaigal · screenplay
- 1986Neethana Antha Kuyil · screenplay
- 1986Saveray Wali Gaadi · story
- 1985Mudhal Mariyathai · screenplay
- 1985Oru Kaidhiyin Diary · screenplay
- 1984Karishmaa · story
- 1984Mangamma Gari Manavadu · original story
- 1984Pudhumai Penn · screenplay
- 1983Mann Vasanai · screenplay
- 1983Lovers · screenplay
- 1982Valibamey Vaa Vaa · screenplay
- 1982Kadhal Oviyam · screenplay
- 1981Tik Tik Tik · writer
- 1981Seethakoka Chilaka · screenplay
- 1981Alaigal Oyivadhilai · screenplay
- 1981Kotha Jeevithalu · screenplay
- 1980Nizhalgal · screenplay
- 1980Red Rose · story
- 1980Kallukul Eeram · screenplay
- 1979Niram Maaratha Pookkal · screenplay
- 1979Puthiya Vaarpugal · screenplay
- 1979Solva Sawan · screenplay
- 1978Sigappu Rojakkal · screenplay
- 1978Padaharella Vayasu · original story
- 1978Kizhakke Pogum Rail · screenplay
- 197716 Vayathinile · screenplay
Directing 42
- 2020Meendum Oru Mariyathai · director
- 2013Annakodi · director
- 2008Bommalattam · director
- 2004Kangalal Kaidhu Sei · director
- 2003Eera Nilam · director
- 2001Kadal Pookkal · director
- 1999Taj Mahal · director
- 1996Tamizh Selvan · director
- 1996Anthimanthaarai · director
- 1995Pasumpon · director
- 1994Karuththamma · director
- 1993Kizhakku Cheemayile · director
- 1993Captain Magal · director
- 1992Nadodi Thendral · director
- 1991Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu · director
- 1990En Uyir Thozhan · director
- 1989Kodi Parakuthu · director
- 1988Jamadagni · director
- 1987Vedham Pudhithu · director
- 1987Aradhana · director
- 1986Kadalora Kavithaigal · director
- 1986Saveray Wali Gaadi · director
- 1985Mudhal Mariyathai · director
- 1985Oru Kaidhiyin Diary · director
- 1984Pudhumai Penn · director
- 1983Mann Vasanai · director
- 1983Lovers · director
- 1982Valibamey Vaa Vaa · director
- 1982Kadhal Oviyam · director
- 1981Tik Tik Tik · director
- 1981Seethakoka Chilaka · director
- 1981Alaigal Oyivadhilai · director
- 1981Kotha Jeevithalu · director
- 1980Nizhalgal · director
- 1980Red Rose · director
- 1979Niram Maaratha Pookkal · director
- 1979Puthiya Vaarpugal · director
- 1979Solva Sawan · director
- 1978Sigappu Rojakkal · director
- 1978Kizhakke Pogum Rail · director
- 197716 Vayathinile · director
- 1976Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu · assistant director
Production 8
- 2013Annakodi · producer
- 2008Bommalattam · producer
- 2003Eera Nilam · producer
- 1993Captain Magal · producer
- 1992Nadodi Thendral · producer
- 1989Kodi Parakuthu · producer
- 1985Mudhal Mariyathai · producer
- 1979Puthiya Vaarpugal · producer
Sound 2
- 1996Anthimanthaarai · playback singer
- 1994Karuththamma · playback singer