Bharathiraja
- Known for
- Directing
- Born
- July 17, 1941
- Died
- June 10, 2026
- Birthplace
- Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
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.
Filmography
Naa Naa TBA
Actor
Valli Mayil TBA
Actor
Pulavar 2026
as Pulavar
Desiya Thalaivar 2025
Actor
Thudarum 2025
as Stunt Master Palani Swamy
Niram Marum Ulagil 2025
as Rayappan
Thiru.Manickam 2024
as Shanmugam
Maharaja 2024
as Gopal Thatha
Kalvan 2024
as Azhagar
Kadhale Kadhale 2024
Actor
Margazhi Thingal 2023
as Ramaiya
Karumegangal Kalaiginrana 2023
as Justice Ramanathan
Thiruvin Kural 2023
as Marimuthu
Vaathi 2023
as Villager
Thiruchitrambalam 2022
as Thiruchitrambalam Sr.
Kuttram Kuttrame 2022
as Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan
Rocky 2021
as Manimaran
Eeswaran 2021
as Periyasamy
Meendum Oru Mariyathai 2020
as Om, Director, Story, Screenplay
Namma Veettu Pillai 2019
as Arunmozhivarman
Kennedy Club 2019
as Savarimuthu
Seethakathi 2018
as Self
Padai Veeran 2018
as Krishnan
Kurangu Bommai 2017
as Sundaram
- Ninaithathu Yaaro
Ninaithathu Yaaro 2014
as Self
Pandiya Naadu 2013
as Kalyanasundaram
Annakodi 2013
Writer, Director, Producer
Rettaisuzhi 2010
as Singaravelan
Bommalattam 2008
Producer, Director, Dialogue, Story, Screenplay
Aayitha Ezhuthu 2004
as Selva Nayagam
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei 2004
Director, Screenplay
Eera Nilam 2003
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Kadhal Virus 2002
as Self
- Kadal Pookkal
Kadal Pookkal 2001
Director, Screenplay
Taj Mahal 1999
Director, Screenplay
Tamizh Selvan 1996
Director, Screenplay
Anthimanthaarai 1996
Director, Screenplay, Playback Singer
- Pasumpon
Pasumpon 1995
Director, Screenplay
Karuththamma 1994
as Self, Director, Playback Singer, Screenplay
Kizhakku Cheemayile 1993
Screenplay, Director
- Captain Magal
Captain Magal 1993
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Nadodi Thendral 1992
Director, Producer, Screenplay
Idhayam 1991
as Self
Thanthu Vitten Ennai 1991
as Self
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu 1991
Screenplay, Director
En Uyir Thozhan 1990
as Ramesh (voice), Director, Screenplay
Kodi Parakuthu 1989
as GD (voice), Director, Screenplay, Producer
- Jamadagni
Jamadagni 1988
Director, Screenplay
Vedham Pudhithu 1987
as Widowed Forest Ranger (voice), Director, Screenplay
Aradhana 1987
Director, Story, Screenplay
Kadalora Kavithaigal 1986
Director, Screenplay
- Neethana Antha Kuyil
Neethana Antha Kuyil 1986
Screenplay
Saveray Wali Gaadi 1986
Screenplay, Story, Director
Mudhal Mariyathai 1985
Producer, Director, Screenplay
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary 1985
Director, Screenplay
Karishmaa 1984
Story
Dhavani Kanavugal 1984
as Self
Mangamma Gari Manavadu 1984
Original Story
Pudhumai Penn 1984
Director, Screenplay
Mann Vasanai 1983
as Mookkaiyan (voice), Director, Screenplay
Lovers 1983
Director, Screenplay
- Valibamey Vaa Vaa
Valibamey Vaa Vaa 1982
Director, Screenplay
Kadhal Oviyam 1982
Screenplay, Director
Tik Tik Tik 1981
Writer, Director
Seethakoka Chilaka 1981
Screenplay, Director
Alaigal Oyivadhilai 1981
as David (voice), Director, Screenplay
Kotha Jeevithalu 1981
Screenplay, Director
- Nizhalgal
Nizhalgal 1980
Director, Screenplay
Red Rose 1980
Story, Director, Screenplay
- Kallukul Eeram
Kallukul Eeram 1980
as Self, Screenplay
Niram Maaratha Pookkal 1979
as Vijayan (voice), Director, Screenplay
Puthiya Vaarpugal 1979
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Solva Sawan 1979
Director, Screenplay, Story
Sigappu Rojakkal 1978
Director, Story, Screenplay
Padaharella Vayasu 1978
Original Story
- Kizhakke Pogum Rail
Kizhakke Pogum Rail 1978
as Station Master (uncredited), Director, Screenplay
16 Vayathinile 1977
Director, Screenplay, Story
- Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu
Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu 1976
Assistant Director
Credits from TMDB.