
Directing
Bharathiraja
Born — Died
1941-07-17 — 2026-06-10
Place of birth
Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
Known for
Directing
Credits
81 titles
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
7.7A barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "Lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object, jeer at his request until they learn what they're really looking for.
Maharaja
2024
7.4A taxi driver finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after his car is confiscated by a corrupt police officer.
Thudarum
2025
7.4A guy-next-door tries to find romance in his life while also dealing with his personal problems. How long will it be before he realises what he is looking for is right next to him?
Thiruchitrambalam
2022
6.8An assistant maths teacher takes up a tedious task of transforming underprivileged students despite the politics around education in the 90s.
Vaathi
2023
A woman vows to seek revenge against those who murdered her husband. Later, she murders Veerababu, an evil landlord, and seeks refuge in a woman's house with her son.
Neethana Antha Kuyil
1986
6.9A gangster who is released from prison goes in search of his sister only to find his violent past tagging along and threatening to derail his attempt to lead a normal life.
Rocky
2021
Film credits
2020s · 17 titles
7.7A barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "Lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object, jeer at his request until they learn what they're really looking for.
Maharaja
2024
7.4A taxi driver finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after his car is confiscated by a corrupt police officer.
Thudarum
2025
7.4A guy-next-door tries to find romance in his life while also dealing with his personal problems. How long will it be before he realises what he is looking for is right next to him?
Thiruchitrambalam
2022
6.8An assistant maths teacher takes up a tedious task of transforming underprivileged students despite the politics around education in the 90s.
Vaathi
2023
6.9A gangster who is released from prison goes in search of his sister only to find his violent past tagging along and threatening to derail his attempt to lead a normal life.
Rocky
2021
No synopsis available yet.
Pulavar
2026
NRDuring a train journey, A ticket examiner narrates four tales of extreme parental sacrifice, exploring familial bonds through illness, estrangement, unexpected connections, and emotional turmoil, to a young woman
Niram Marum Ulagil
2025
6.3Kokila, a village girl and grieving mother, commits suicide and the investigation for this crime falls on two police officers, Nattraayan and Retired DSP Muthukaruppan.
Kuttram Kuttrame
2022
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Desiya Thalaivar
2025
6.0In his pursuit of employment, a reformed thief encounters a setback and seeks an elderly man who then becomes the linchpin in his journey toward a fresh start.
Kalvan
2024
6.3In today's digital world, Manickam, a man determined to live an honest life, is tested and troubled by his family, relatives and many others. What did Manickam do to find himself in such a situation? How does he overcome the trials that question his integrity? This story unfolds in a simple yet engaging and thrilling way, keeping you hooked till the very end
Thiru.Manickam
2024
4.8An unforeseen accident at a construction site puts the lives of a speech and hearing impaired youngster and his father in trouble. Can he get out of this conflict, despite his disabilities?
Thiruvin Kural
2023
NRA girl who decides to commit suicide owing to personal issues befriends a septuagenarian who has been abandoned by his son. A 10-day trip to an exotic place changes their respective lives.
Meendum Oru Mariyathai
2020
4.1A close-knit family begins to come apart at the seams due to an astrologer's predictions of an imminent tragedy.
Eeswaran
2021
NRTwo fathers, from different age groups, are on a quest to mend things with their children, while a son goes after his father to redeem himself.
Karumegangal Kalaiginrana
2023
NRA young school girl with a doting grandpa falls in love with her classmate, to much apprehension from her grandfather. Intra-caste complexities soon begin to haunt the family.
Margazhi Thingal
2023
NRHow love and relationships evolve over the years.
Kadhale Kadhale
2024
2010s · 8 titles
7.3An honest driver tries to find the owner of a bag, supposedly containing money to fund the marriage of the man’s daughter, not realising that it was used by his own father to move a stolen idol.
Kurangu Bommai
2017
5.0A kabaddi team faces several struggles while competing in a national-level championship.
Kennedy Club
2019
5.3Arumpon wants his sister to get married into a good family, but is forced to accept her marriage to a local goon, with whom he is at loggerheads. Will the brother-sister relationship survive?
Namma Veettu Pillai
2019
6.2Sivakumar is a timid young man, with a loving family in Madurai. His brother, a government official, earns the wrath of Simmakkal Ravi, the all-powerful gangster in the city. When he is murdered, Sivakumar and his father Kalayanasundaram plan to take revenge, in their own separate ways.
Pandiya Naadu
2013
3.2Rettaichuzhi is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by newcomer Thamira. It stars ace filmmakers K. Balachander and Bharathiraja in lead roles along with Anjali, debutant Aari, Manobala, Ilavarasu, Karunas and Jayachitra in supporting roles. The film unfolds in a village in Thirunelveli. Ramasamy (K Balachander) is an influential man in the village and he is a devoted to the principles of Congress since his childhood. He is against Singaravelan (Bharathiraja), a Communist. Their feud runs for over four decades. Even their grand children are against each other and they form gangs to express their enmity. However a romance in the family changes the warm atmosphere. Susheela (Anjali), brought up in Singaravelan's house is a school teacher who is in love with one Murthy (Aari). Understanding their true love, the children forget their enmity and try to bring both families together and get them wedlocked. Did they succeed in their attempts forms the climax.
Rettaisuzhi
2010
7.3A veteran theatre artist who lives for his art 'enters' the world of films. Can the film industry hold on to his inimitable artistry?
Seethakathi
2018
NRA care-free youngster sets out to become a cop and comes back to his village to control a riot. He realises that he has to take on people, who are close to him, to manage the situation.
Padai Veeran
2018
A director changes the perception of love for a group of youngsters by narrating how he reclaimed his life because of his now-married lover and her understanding husband.
Ninaithathu Yaaro
2014
2000s · 2 titles
7.0A goon, who dreams of making it big in life, a student leader, who strives to keep politicians away from college election and a third guy who wants to settle abroad. Their lives change after an incident on a bridge.
Aayitha Ezhuthu
2004
NRDeepak, a budding film-maker meets and falls in love with Geetha. Misunderstandings cause them to separate and she marries a struggling actor, who is looking for a role in Deepak's next film.
Kadhal Virus
2002
1990s · 4 titles
8.3When a medical student from a middle-class family falls in love with an affluent English-speaking pretty girl, he is unable to express his love to her due to his inferiority complex.
Idhayam
1991
6.2A father blames his miseries on the birth of his third daughter, but soon understands her true value after he becomes paralyzed.
Karuththamma
1994
NRThanthu Vitten Ennai is a 1991 film starring Vikram and Rohini in the lead roles. This was the last film directed by C. V. Sridhar.
Thanthu Vitten Ennai
1991
8.0Sittu is a young village girl who is betrayed by a con man who cheats her and runs away with all her jewellery. The girl is unable to find the way forward as she is stranded in a new place. How can she go back to her village? She is spotted by Dharman, a political worker, who gives her shelter in his home. A bond develops between the two. The girl’s lover has now become a politician and Dharman starts owing allegiance to him. Blinded by his affection towards the politician, Dharman refuses to see reason despite Sittu’s pleas.
En Uyir Thozhan
1990
1980s · 6 titles
4.5A mafia leader tries to kill policeman Sivagiri, who took down his illegal businesses, with the help of a lookalike. Later, Sivagiri discovers that the leader is responsible for his father's death.
Kodi Parakuthu
1989
7.5Vaidehi belongs to an orthodox Brahmin family and falls in love with Sankarapandi who is from a different caste. Their love is disapproved by her father but is accepted by Sankarapandi's family.
Vedham Pudhithu
1987
7.5Love, village feud and circumstances lead a young man to abandon his village and lover and head to the armed forces. Upon his return, his lover realizes that things are never going to be the same again.
Mann Vasanai
1983
7.0A man and a woman fall in love with each other; his mother does not approve of her as she is from a different religion and her brother is a gangster. But they decide to withstand religious differences to be with each other.
Alaigal Oyivadhilai
1981
7.0Subramaniam is an unemployed youth who has five sisters. He is unable to get his sisters married due to his poverty. He goes to town to find a job and an unexpected incident changes his entire life.
Dhavani Kanavugal
1984
A film crew comes to shoot in a village. Two girls fall in love with the director and hero of the film. However, a series of events follow that changes their lives forever.
Kallukul Eeram
1980
1970s · 2 titles
A young and aspiring writer who is always reprimanded by villagers meets a girl who understands his predicament. However, the orthodox villagers pose a threat to their relationship.
Kizhakke Pogum Rail
1978
Radhika, a rich woman, falls in love with Sudhakar, a poor young man, and gets married to him. However, her life is shattered when Sudhakar elopes with five lakh rupees soon after their marriage.
Niram Maaratha Pookkal
1979
Behind the camera
A woman vows to seek revenge against those who murdered her husband. Later, she murders Veerababu, an evil landlord, and seeks refuge in a woman's house with her son.
Neethana Antha Kuyil
1986
7.7Puliraju is a small time rowdy. When Jennifer arrives in his town as a school teacher, he becomes her student and she transforms his into a different person. Soon, they fall in love. But will they be able to unite?
Aradhana
1987
7.7Puliraju is a small time rowdy. When Jennifer arrives in his town as a school teacher, he becomes her student and she transforms his into a different person. Soon, they fall in love. But will they be able to unite?
Aradhana
1987
7.7Though David is loyal to Suryaprakash, a politician, he rapes and kills David's wife and sends him to jail. David comes back from jail, after serving life imprisonment, to exact his revenge
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary
1985
7.7Though David is loyal to Suryaprakash, a politician, he rapes and kills David's wife and sends him to jail. David comes back from jail, after serving life imprisonment, to exact his revenge
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary
1985
Karuthaiya and Peter are inseparable friends. They marry each other's sisters and decide to take revenge against a man who abandons Peter's sister after impregnating her.
Kadal Pookkal
2001
Karuthaiya and Peter are inseparable friends. They marry each other's sisters and decide to take revenge against a man who abandons Peter's sister after impregnating her.
Kadal Pookkal
2001
4.5A mafia leader tries to kill policeman Sivagiri, who took down his illegal businesses, with the help of a lookalike. Later, Sivagiri discovers that the leader is responsible for his father's death.
Kodi Parakuthu
1989
4.5A mafia leader tries to kill policeman Sivagiri, who took down his illegal businesses, with the help of a lookalike. Later, Sivagiri discovers that the leader is responsible for his father's death.
Kodi Parakuthu
1989
4.5A mafia leader tries to kill policeman Sivagiri, who took down his illegal businesses, with the help of a lookalike. Later, Sivagiri discovers that the leader is responsible for his father's death.
Kodi Parakuthu
1989
7.2John Vaseegaran is a young man who ranks fifth richest millionaire in India and 30th on the international level. The plot opens in a graveyard where Vaseegran's parents' funeral takes place. He is not disturbed by the demise of his parents as he had not been showered with any affection by them instead concentrated only on making money. A lady of his community expresses her condolence to him and leaves. While getting into her car she finds her diamond ring is missing and screams; the lost ring is in Vaseegaran's pocket. Vasee inherits the huge property of his parents and becomes the chairman of 32 companies in his twenties. Though rich he seeks true motherhood affection. He imagines his dream girl and names her Cinderella. He is a Kleptomaniac. He consults his family doctor for a solution. The doctor instructs him to get into love.
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei
2004
7.2John Vaseegaran is a young man who ranks fifth richest millionaire in India and 30th on the international level. The plot opens in a graveyard where Vaseegran's parents' funeral takes place. He is not disturbed by the demise of his parents as he had not been showered with any affection by them instead concentrated only on making money. A lady of his community expresses her condolence to him and leaves. While getting into her car she finds her diamond ring is missing and screams; the lost ring is in Vaseegaran's pocket. Vasee inherits the huge property of his parents and becomes the chairman of 32 companies in his twenties. Though rich he seeks true motherhood affection. He imagines his dream girl and names her Cinderella. He is a Kleptomaniac. He consults his family doctor for a solution. The doctor instructs him to get into love.
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei
2004
7.3Even though Maayan and Machakanni are deeply in love with each other, her brother decides to get her married to someone else. So, Maayan's friends resolve to unite the couple.
Taj Mahal
1999
7.3Even though Maayan and Machakanni are deeply in love with each other, her brother decides to get her married to someone else. So, Maayan's friends resolve to unite the couple.
Taj Mahal
1999
No synopsis available yet.
Valibamey Vaa Vaa
1982
No synopsis available yet.
Valibamey Vaa Vaa
1982
7.5Vaidehi belongs to an orthodox Brahmin family and falls in love with Sankarapandi who is from a different caste. Their love is disapproved by her father but is accepted by Sankarapandi's family.
Vedham Pudhithu
1987
7.5Vaidehi belongs to an orthodox Brahmin family and falls in love with Sankarapandi who is from a different caste. Their love is disapproved by her father but is accepted by Sankarapandi's family.
Vedham Pudhithu
1987
5.5Kizhakku Cheemayile is a 1993 Tamil film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Vijayakumar, Radhika, Napoleon and Vignesh in lead roles.
Kizhakku Cheemayile
1993
5.5Kizhakku Cheemayile is a 1993 Tamil film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Vijayakumar, Radhika, Napoleon and Vignesh in lead roles.
Kizhakku Cheemayile
1993
7.5Sixteen-year-old Mayil is secretly loved by her handicapped cousin, Chappani, and the village rowdy, Parattai. But, she falls for a city doctor who takes advantage of her and deserts her. Gradually she realises how much Chappani loves her meanwhile, Parattai also eyeing for Mayil.
16 Vayathinile
1977
7.5Sixteen-year-old Mayil is secretly loved by her handicapped cousin, Chappani, and the village rowdy, Parattai. But, she falls for a city doctor who takes advantage of her and deserts her. Gradually she realises how much Chappani loves her meanwhile, Parattai also eyeing for Mayil.
16 Vayathinile
1977
5.5Anand lives a wealthy lifestyle in Bombay in a palatial house, and runs a business 'Export India'. While shopping at Roopsagar Clothing Store, he meets one of the Sales Clerks', Sharda, and falls in love with her. Shortly thereafter he proposes to her, she accepts, and both marry at the Registrar of Marriages. Sharda is shown around Anand's house, and the guest-house which houses his ex-convict father. Sharda soon settles in, establishes a Devi Maa Durga Mandir, but will find her life turning upside down when she discovers a deadly secret from Anand's past.
Red Rose
1980
5.5Anand lives a wealthy lifestyle in Bombay in a palatial house, and runs a business 'Export India'. While shopping at Roopsagar Clothing Store, he meets one of the Sales Clerks', Sharda, and falls in love with her. Shortly thereafter he proposes to her, she accepts, and both marry at the Registrar of Marriages. Sharda is shown around Anand's house, and the guest-house which houses his ex-convict father. Sharda soon settles in, establishes a Devi Maa Durga Mandir, but will find her life turning upside down when she discovers a deadly secret from Anand's past.
Red Rose
1980
7.0Ravidas lives in a village in rural India. He is the son of Chediram who is of highly respected in the village. Ravidas falls in love with Jyoti. Their love becomes known in the village. Because of differences of caste, the villagers are opposed to Ravidas marrying Jyoti. Chediram commits suicide due to the shame his son has brought upon him. Ravidas is a gifted poet, but he cannot fulfill his dream of being recognized as a great poet, his poems being published and shown to the world, because he lives in a village.
Saveray Wali Gaadi
1986
7.0Ravidas lives in a village in rural India. He is the son of Chediram who is of highly respected in the village. Ravidas falls in love with Jyoti. Their love becomes known in the village. Because of differences of caste, the villagers are opposed to Ravidas marrying Jyoti. Chediram commits suicide due to the shame his son has brought upon him. Ravidas is a gifted poet, but he cannot fulfill his dream of being recognized as a great poet, his poems being published and shown to the world, because he lives in a village.
Saveray Wali Gaadi
1986
Thangapandi stays with his grandfather after the birth of his stepbrother Sellasamy. He is jealous of him and leaves his mother after an unexpected incident leaves him feeling unwanted.
Pasumpon
1995
Thangapandi stays with his grandfather after the birth of his stepbrother Sellasamy. He is jealous of him and leaves his mother after an unexpected incident leaves him feeling unwanted.
Pasumpon
1995
7.5Love, village feud and circumstances lead a young man to abandon his village and lover and head to the armed forces. Upon his return, his lover realizes that things are never going to be the same again.
Mann Vasanai
1983
7.5Love, village feud and circumstances lead a young man to abandon his village and lover and head to the armed forces. Upon his return, his lover realizes that things are never going to be the same again.
Mann Vasanai
1983
An honest collector fights against the corrupt politicians while also keeping care of his family.
Tamizh Selvan
1996
An honest collector fights against the corrupt politicians while also keeping care of his family.
Tamizh Selvan
1996
6.4Dileep is an industrialist who runs a company named Minerva Exports & Imports. Despite his humble exterior, he has a dark side.
Sigappu Rojakkal
1978
6.4Dileep is an industrialist who runs a company named Minerva Exports & Imports. Despite his humble exterior, he has a dark side.
Sigappu Rojakkal
1978
7.5A schoolteacher falls in love with an uneducated rowdy villager in order to prove that love can change the heart of even the most despicable person alive.
Kadalora Kavithaigal
1986
7.5A schoolteacher falls in love with an uneducated rowdy villager in order to prove that love can change the heart of even the most despicable person alive.
Kadalora Kavithaigal
1986
NRDoraisamy lives with his mother and his two sisters-in-law, tending their land while his brothers are off fighting with the military in Kashmir. A local girl is smitten with Doraisamy, and he takes a liking to her as well. Everything is wonderful at home when Doraisamy's brothers come back on leave, but all that is temporary, as his brothers are quickly called back to battle in Kashmir. What transpire later forms the crux of the story
Eera Nilam
2003
NRDoraisamy lives with his mother and his two sisters-in-law, tending their land while his brothers are off fighting with the military in Kashmir. A local girl is smitten with Doraisamy, and he takes a liking to her as well. Everything is wonderful at home when Doraisamy's brothers come back on leave, but all that is temporary, as his brothers are quickly called back to battle in Kashmir. What transpire later forms the crux of the story
Eera Nilam
2003
NRDoraisamy lives with his mother and his two sisters-in-law, tending their land while his brothers are off fighting with the military in Kashmir. A local girl is smitten with Doraisamy, and he takes a liking to her as well. Everything is wonderful at home when Doraisamy's brothers come back on leave, but all that is temporary, as his brothers are quickly called back to battle in Kashmir. What transpire later forms the crux of the story
Eera Nilam
2003
7.0A man and a woman fall in love with each other; his mother does not approve of her as she is from a different religion and her brother is a gangster. But they decide to withstand religious differences to be with each other.
Alaigal Oyivadhilai
1981


