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.

Bharathiraja

Directing Born July 17, 1941 – Died June 10, 2026 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.

Known For

Maharaja

Gopal Thatha

Thudarum

Stunt Master Palani Swamy

Thiruchitrambalam

Thiruchitrambalam Sr.

Vaathi

Villager

Rocky

Manimaran

Desiya Thalaivar

Vedham Pudhithu

Widowed Forest Ranger (voice)

Namma Veettu Pillai

Arunmozhivarman

Pandiya Naadu

Kalyanasundaram

Ninaithathu Yaaro

Self

Aayitha Ezhuthu

Selva Nayagam

Kennedy Club

Savarimuthu