Condolences poured in from leaders and politicians cutting across party lines following the passing of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who breathed his last at his residence in Neelankarai here on Wednesday. The Tamil Nadu government announced that State honours would be accorded to the departed director.
In his condolence message, Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Bharathiraja. “A visionary storyteller, he revolutionised Tamil cinema by bringing the soul of rural India and the depth of human emotions to the silver screen with remarkable authenticity. Through his distinctive cinematic language, unforgettable characters, and timeless films, he left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers and artistes.”
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said Bharathiraja was a true pioneer who transformed Tamil cinema with his unique storytelling and profound portrayal of rural life.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Bharathiraja’s residence and paid tributes to his mortal remains. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Bharathiraja carved a unique place for himself in Tamil cinema by directing several successful films rooted in rural life. As a mark of respect and tribute to the departed director, the Tamil Nadu government would accord State honours at his funeral, he added.
Former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin paid respects to Bharathiraja’s mortal remains at his residence. In his condolence message posted on X, Mr. Stalin described Bharathiraja as an epoch-making filmmaker, who spoke a new language of cinema. Cameras that were once confined to studios entered villages because of him. Mr. Udhayanidhi said the passing of Bharathiraja, who reflected the lives and emotions of ordinary people and ushered in a new wave in Tamil cinema, was an irreparable loss.
Former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami commended the seasoned director for turning the focus of Tamil cinema towards villages, filling the industry with the fragrance of Tamil soil, and making the rest of the world view Tamil cinema through values unique to the State.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Bharathiraja had gifted memorable films to both the Telugu and Tamil film industries and that his demise was an irreparable loss to Indian cinema. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said Bharathiraja, through his extraordinary films, won the hearts not only of Tamil cinema audiences but also of viewers of Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada cinema.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said Bharathiraja had left a unique mark on the film industry and brought to life numerous message-oriented films in various languages, rendering distinguished service to Indian cinema. Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Bharathiraja as one of India’s most influential filmmakers. He also said Bharathiraja’s close association with Kerala and Malayalam cinema would always be remembered.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said Bharathiraja was a visionary filmmaker whose work reshaped Indian cinema and captured the spirit of rural India with remarkable sensitivity.
AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran praised him as a pioneer who dominated Tamil cinema for nearly half a century with stories rooted in rural backgrounds.
Bharathiraja was a filmmaker who brought about major changes both in the film industry and in the minds of the people, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said. MDMK general secretary Vaiko paid tributes to the mortal remains of Bharathiraja at his residence and described the late director as an unparalleled luminary of Tamil cinema.
DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant said the veteran director introduced many artistes to Tamil cinema and served as a guiding force for several generations of filmmakers and artistes. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said Bharathiraja rescued cinema from excessive artificiality and established the natural lives of ordinary people as a new cinematic tradition.
BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman and All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader V.K. Sasikala also paid tributes to the mortal remains of Bharathiraja.
Published – June 10, 2026 06:55 pm IST
