
Director
Bharathiraja
- Born: 13 July 1941, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Estimated net worth: 5 million USD
Bharathiraja is a prominent Indian film director and actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. He gained fame for films like 'Mudhal Mariyathai' and 'Kadhal Kondein.' His unique storytelling style and emphasis on rural themes have earned him a respected place…
Bharathiraja: best films and shows
About Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja is a prominent Indian film director and actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. He gained fame for films like 'Mudhal Mariyathai' and 'Kadhal Kondein.' His unique storytelling style and emphasis on rural themes have earned him a respected place in the industry. Bharathiraja's deep voice and ability to portray intense emotions make him a distinctive presence in Indian cinema.
- Born
- 13 July 1941, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Died
- 10 June 2026
- Known for
- Directing
- Height
- 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Spouses
- Vasuki (1980-1999)
- Children
- 3 children, including actor Manoj Bharathiraja
- Parents
- Bharathi and Rajalakshmi
- Estimated net worth
- 5 million USD
Fun facts about Bharathiraja
- Bharathiraja is known for introducing several new faces to the Tamil film industry, significantly impacting its talent pool.
- He has received multiple National Film Awards, showcasing his contributions to Indian cinema.
Famous Bharathiraja quotes
“Life is a journey, and every journey has its own story.”
“Love knows no boundaries.”
“Art is the reflection of society.”
Bharathiraja filmography
Cast (41)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Pulavar Movie | Pulavar | |
| 2025 | Desiya Thalaivar Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2025 | Thudarum Movie | Stunt Master Palani Swamy | 7.4 |
| 2025 | Niram Marum Ulagil Movie | Rayappan | |
| 2024 | Thiru.Manickam Movie | Shanmugam | 6.3 |
| 2024 | Maharaja Movie | Gopal Thatha | 7.7 |
| 2024 | Kalvan Movie | Azhagar | 6.0 |
| 2024 | Kadhale Kadhale Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2023 | Margazhi Thingal Movie | Ramaiya | |
| 2023 | Karumegangal Kalaiginrana Movie | Justice Ramanathan |
Show 31 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Thiruvin Kural Movie | Marimuthu | 4.8 |
| 2023 | Vaathi Movie | Villager | 6.8 |
| 2022 | Thiruchitrambalam Movie | Thiruchitrambalam Sr. | 7.4 |
| 2022 | Kuttram Kuttrame Movie | Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan | 6.3 |
| 2021 | Rocky Movie | Manimaran | 6.9 |
| 2021 | Eeswaran Movie | Periyasamy | 4.1 |
| 2020 | Meendum Oru Mariyathai Movie | Om | |
| 2019 | Namma Veettu Pillai Movie | Arunmozhivarman | 5.3 |
| 2019 | Kennedy Club Movie | Savarimuthu | 5.0 |
| 2018 | Seethakathi Movie | Self | 7.3 |
| 2018 | Padai Veeran Movie | Krishnan | |
| 2017 | Kurangu Bommai Movie | Sundaram | 7.3 |
| 2014 | Ninaithathu Yaaro Movie | Self | 3.0 |
| 2013 | Pandiya Naadu Movie | Kalyanasundaram | 6.2 |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi Movie | Singaravelan | 3.2 |
| 2004 | Aayitha Ezhuthu Movie | Selva Nayagam | 7.0 |
| 2002 | Kadhal Virus Movie | Self | |
| 1994 | Karuththamma Movie | Self | 6.2 |
| 1991 | Idhayam Movie | Self | 8.3 |
| 1991 | Thanthu Vitten Ennai Movie | Self | |
| 1990 | En Uyir Thozhan Movie | Ramesh (voice) | 8.0 |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu Movie | GD (voice) | 4.5 |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu Movie | Widowed Forest Ranger (voice) | 7.5 |
| 1984 | Dhavani Kanavugal Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 1983 | Mann Vasanai Movie | Mookkaiyan (voice) | 7.5 |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oyivadhilai Movie | David (voice) | 7.0 |
| 1980 | Kallukul Eeram Movie | Self | 9.0 |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal Movie | Vijayan (voice) | 8.0 |
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail Movie | Station Master (uncredited) | 7.8 |
| TBA | Naa Naa Movie | Unknown character | |
| TBA | Valli Mayil Movie | Unknown character |
Crew (109)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Modern Love Chennai TV | Director · Directing | 6.1 |
| 2020 | Meendum Oru Mariyathai Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 2020 | Meendum Oru Mariyathai Movie | Story · Writing | |
| 2020 | Meendum Oru Mariyathai Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 2013 | Annakodi Movie | Director · Directing | 4.0 |
Show 104 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Annakodi Movie | Writer · Writing | 4.0 |
| 2013 | Annakodi Movie | Producer · Production | 4.0 |
| 2008 | Bommalattam Movie | Story · Writing | 4.7 |
| 2008 | Bommalattam Movie | Director · Directing | 4.7 |
| 2008 | Bommalattam Movie | Dialogue · Writing | 4.7 |
| 2008 | Bommalattam Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 4.7 |
| 2008 | Bommalattam Movie | Producer · Production | 4.7 |
| 2008 | Thekkathi Ponnu TV | Director · Directing | |
| 2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.2 |
| 2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei Movie | Director · Directing | 7.2 |
| 2003 | Eera Nilam Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 2003 | Eera Nilam Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 2003 | Eera Nilam Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 2001 | Kadal Pookkal Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 2001 | Kadal Pookkal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal Movie | Director · Directing | 7.3 |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.3 |
| 1996 | Tamizh Selvan Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 1996 | Tamizh Selvan Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 1996 | Anthimanthaarai Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 9.0 |
| 1996 | Anthimanthaarai Movie | Playback Singer · Sound | 9.0 |
| 1996 | Anthimanthaarai Movie | Director · Directing | 9.0 |
| 1995 | Pasumpon Movie | Director · Directing | 6.3 |
| 1995 | Pasumpon Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.3 |
| 1994 | Karuththamma Movie | Playback Singer · Sound | 6.2 |
| 1994 | Karuththamma Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.2 |
| 1994 | Karuththamma Movie | Director · Directing | 6.2 |
| 1993 | Kizhakku Cheemayile Movie | Director · Directing | 5.5 |
| 1993 | Kizhakku Cheemayile Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1993 | Captain Magal Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 1993 | Captain Magal Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 1993 | Captain Magal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral Movie | Director · Directing | 9.0 |
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 9.0 |
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral Movie | Producer · Production | 9.0 |
| 1991 | Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1991 | Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1990 | En Uyir Thozhan Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1990 | En Uyir Thozhan Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu Movie | Director · Directing | 4.5 |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu Movie | Producer · Production | 4.5 |
| 1989 | Kodi Parakuthu Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 4.5 |
| 1988 | Jamadagni Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 1988 | Jamadagni Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu Movie | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.5 |
| 1987 | Aradhana Movie | Director · Directing | 7.7 |
| 1987 | Aradhana Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.7 |
| 1987 | Aradhana Movie | Story · Writing | 7.7 |
| 1986 | Kadalora Kavithaigal Movie | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1986 | Kadalora Kavithaigal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.5 |
| 1986 | Neethana Antha Kuyil Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 1986 | Saveray Wali Gaadi Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1986 | Saveray Wali Gaadi Movie | Story · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1986 | Saveray Wali Gaadi Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1985 | Mudhal Mariyathai Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.7 |
| 1985 | Mudhal Mariyathai Movie | Producer · Production | 7.7 |
| 1985 | Mudhal Mariyathai Movie | Director · Directing | 7.7 |
| 1985 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.7 |
| 1985 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Movie | Director · Directing | 7.7 |
| 1984 | Karishmaa Movie | Story · Writing | 5.0 |
| 1984 | Mangamma Gari Manavadu Movie | Original Story · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1984 | Pudhumai Penn Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1984 | Pudhumai Penn Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1983 | Mann Vasanai Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.5 |
| 1983 | Mann Vasanai Movie | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1983 | Lovers Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1983 | Lovers Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1982 | Valibamey Vaa Vaa Movie | Director · Directing | 10.0 |
| 1982 | Valibamey Vaa Vaa Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 10.0 |
| 1982 | Kadhal Oviyam Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 1982 | Kadhal Oviyam Movie | Screenplay · Writing | |
| 1981 | Tik Tik Tik Movie | Director · Directing | 8.2 |
| 1981 | Tik Tik Tik Movie | Writer · Writing | 8.2 |
| 1981 | Seethakoka Chilaka Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Seethakoka Chilaka Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oyivadhilai Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oyivadhilai Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Kotha Jeevithalu Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 10.0 |
| 1981 | Kotha Jeevithalu Movie | Director · Directing | 10.0 |
| 1980 | Nizhalgal Movie | Director · Directing | 7.8 |
| 1980 | Nizhalgal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.8 |
| 1980 | Red Rose Movie | Story · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1980 | Red Rose Movie | Director · Directing | 5.5 |
| 1980 | Red Rose Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1980 | Kallukul Eeram Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 9.0 |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal Movie | Producer · Production | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Solva Sawan Movie | Story · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Solva Sawan Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1979 | Solva Sawan Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1978 | Sigappu Rojakkal Movie | Director · Directing | 6.4 |
| 1978 | Sigappu Rojakkal Movie | Story · Writing | 6.4 |
| 1978 | Sigappu Rojakkal Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.4 |
| 1978 | Padaharella Vayasu Movie | Original Story · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail Movie | Director · Directing | 7.8 |
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.8 |
| 1977 | 16 Vayathinile Movie | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1977 | 16 Vayathinile Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.5 |
| 1977 | 16 Vayathinile Movie | Story · Writing | 7.5 |
| 1976 | Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu Movie | Assistant Director · Directing |
Latest releases
- Desiya Thalaivar2025
- Thudarum2025 / TMDB 7.4
- Niram Marum Ulagil2025
- Thiru.Manickam2024 / TMDB 6.3
- Maharaja2024 / TMDB 7.7
Questions about Bharathiraja
What are some career highlights of Bharathiraja?
Bharathiraja is celebrated for his films that focus on rural life and social issues. His notable works include 'Mudhal Mariyathai,' 'Puthu Puthu Arthangal,' and 'Kadhal Kondein,' which have won numerous awards.
Has Bharathiraja won any awards?
Yes, Bharathiraja has received several National Film Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for his contributions to cinema, highlighting his impact on the industry.
What was Bharathiraja's first film?
Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with '16 Vayathinile' in 1977, which received critical acclaim and established him as a prominent filmmaker in Tamil cinema.
Which films are considered Bharathiraja's most successful?
Some of Bharathiraja's most successful films include 'Mudhal Mariyathai,' 'Kizhakkum Merkkum,' and 'Kadhal Kondein,' known for their engaging narratives and strong performances.
What is known about Bharathiraja's personal life?
Bharathiraja was born in Thiruvananthapuram and has three children, one of whom is actor Manoj Bharathiraja. He was previously married to Vasuki.
What is Bharathiraja's estimated net worth?
Bharathiraja's estimated net worth is around 5 million USD, reflecting his success and longevity in the film industry.
What are some milestones in Bharathiraja's filmography?
Bharathiraja's filmography milestones include pioneering rural cinema in Tamil Nadu, introducing new talent, and winning several prestigious awards, solidifying his legacy in Indian cinema.
How has Bharathiraja influenced Tamil cinema?
Bharathiraja has influenced Tamil cinema by focusing on authentic storytelling and rural themes, inspiring many filmmakers to explore similar narratives and characters.

