Who Is Bharathiraja? Tamil Filmmaker Hospitalised, Mental State Fragile After Son, Manoj's Demise

Ace Tamil filmmaker, Bharathiraja faced a medical emergency on December 27, 2025. He was rushed to a hospital in Chennai after he complained of breathlessness. The veteran filmmaker, aged 84, is a famous film director, producer, screenwriter, and has also acted in Tamil movies. In 1977, Bharathiraja made his debut with 16 Vayathinile and then went on to create movies such as Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai.

Bharathiraja received many awards for his work in movies, including six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards South, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. According to a report by Cinema Express, Bharathiraja has been admitted to MGM Hospital. The hospital released a statement saying the renowned movie director was admitted to Aminjikkarai after complaints of breathlessness. He has piqued the interest of social media users, and here are more details about Bharathiraja.

Bharathiraja did odd jobs before he became an assistant director

Bharathiraja was born as Chinnasaamy Periyamayathevar back on July 17, 1941, in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. He reportedly had a fond interest in theatre, literature, and storytelling. Before Bharathiraja entered cinema, he honed his craft through radio dramas and plays. When he moved to Chennai, Bharathiraja did varied odd jobs and then found his grip as an assistant director. Bharathiraja created a cinematic voice for himself through his visual imagination work.

Bharathiraja's latest health update

The statement from MGM Healthcare hospital in Aminjikkarai, where Bharathiraja is admitted, mentioned that the Tamil filmmaker is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. His clinical condition is stable, and he continues to be under close monitoring by the team of medical experts. A part of the statement by the hospital read:

 "With appropriate supports, his vital parameters remain within normal limits. He is responding satisfactorily to the ongoing treatment. Further updates will be communicated as and when deemed necessary."

Bharathiraja's directorial debut, 16 Vayathinile, changed the Tamil movie industry

Earlier reports stated that Bharathiraja was admitted to a private hospital after experiencing wheezing and other respiratory issues. Bharathiraja's directorial debut, 16 Vayathinile, had changed the Tamil cinematic landscape. The movie was shot in real locations rather than in a studio. Bharathiraja, in 16 Vayathinile, had showcased village life in the most authentic manner. Audiences resonated with the movie, with Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, and Rajinikanth cementing their base with the movie.

Bharathiraja's work front

At one end, Bharathiraja's directorial debut, 16 Vayathinile, showcased the real rural India. In 2004, he was awarded the Padma Shri award for his immense contribution to the cinema industry. On the work front, Bharathiraja was last seen in Mohanlal starrer, Thudarum. As a filmmaker, Bharathiraja last created Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal, which is a part of Modern Love Chennai.

Bharathiraja was broken when his son, Manoj Bharathiraja, passed away at 48

It was in 2025 when Bharathiraja suffered a terrible blow when his 48-year-old son, Manoj Bharathiraja, passed away because of a cardiac arrest. For the unversed, Bharathiraja's son, Manoj, was an actor and also a director, just like his dad. In the 1999 movie, Taj Mahal, he made his film debut and went on to appear in films such as Samudhiram, Kadal Pookkal, Eera Nilam, and Viruman. Manoj had also worked with his father, Bharathiraja, as an assistant director for the unreleased movie, Final Cut of Director. Bharathiraja's son, Manoj, had also worked with Mani Ratnam in Bombay and had assisted Shankar on the hit movie, Enthiran.

Bharathiraja had spent months in Malaysia with his daughter, where he underwent treatment

According to a report by India Today, Bharathiraja had returned to Chennai after he spent months in Malaysia. In the country, he was with his daughter, as reportedly, he was undergoing treatment. Since 2025, Bharathiraja's health has been a matter of concern after the demise of his son.

Bharathiraja's mental state has been fragile after the demise of his son

In an interview with Cinema Express, Bharathiraja's brother, Jayaraj Periyamayathevar, revealed that Bharathiraja's mental and physical state is fragile. He shared that the veteran filmmaker breaks down when he sees the photo of Manoj and is unable to cope with it. He had also travelled abroad for a change of environment. Bharathiraja's son, Manoj, passed away in March 202,5 and Jayaraj speaking on Bharathiraja's health said:

"Anna has been unwell for a few months now. He has not been able to cope with the loss of his son, Manoj Bharathiraja. He often looks at Manoj’s photos and breaks down. We even took him to Malaysia, hoping a change of place would console and heal him, but even there, his thoughts kept returning to his late son. Despite all the fame and money, he is unable to come to terms with this loss. He is slowly drifting away from his old memories."

What are your views on Tamil filmmaker, Bharathiraja's health condition?

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