Bharathiraja
Encyclopedia
P. Bharathiraja is a critically acclaimed South Indian filmmaker
.
He displayed a story-teller's potential from an early age. Bharathiraja is known for his realistic and sensitive portrayal of village-life in his movies.
His mother Karuththamma received the National Award
from the President on his behalf for his film named after her. Among his other landmark films are 16 Vayathinile
, Sigappu Rojakkal
, Muthal Mariyathai
(with Sivaji Ganesan
in the lead), Karuththamma
, Alaigal Oivathillai
, Mann Vasanai
, Vedham Pudhithu
, Kizhakku Cheemayile
and Anthimanthaarai
.
family. He is very different in that he used his mother's name as his initial. K. Bharathiraja is credited with launching the careers of several influential people in Tamil cinema. He is married to Chandra Leelavathi and they have two children - son Manoj (the hero of 'Taj Mahal') and daughter Janani Iswariya.
Bharathiraja wrote, directed and acted in his first dramas "Oor Sirikkirathu" (The Town Laughs) and "Summa Oru Kadhai" (Just a Story) in Theni Pazhani Chettiyapatti village during festival
seasons. This kindled his creative spirit and gave him the confidence to seek an opening in the Tamil film industry.
As he moved to Madras to seek his creative future, Bharathiraja staged his "Summa Oru Kadhai" and "Adhigaaram" (Power) with the help of his friends. He also took part in radio
dramas and music
programs
& Kallar Sangam. But since these opportunities were too infrequent to be depended upon for a living, he took up a job in a petrol bunk keeping his cinema
ambitions intact and fell in the eyes of the South Indian singing Legend S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
who paved his way into film industry.
. Eventually working with Krishnan Nair, Avinasi Mani and A. Jaganathan, he learned the grammar of film-making and got his first directorial opportunity in 1977. His first film 16 Vayathinile
for which he wrote the script broke the then existing convention to create a new genre of village cinema. The movie is now regarded as a game-changer and a mile-stone in the modern history of Tamil Cinema. About the movie, said Bharathirajaa in his own words:" This movie was meant to be black and white art film produced with the help of National Film Development Corporation", but turned out to be a commercially successful color film and a starting point for several important careers – including that of Bharathirajaa.
Hitherto, most, if not all, Tamil films were studio produced. A village shown in Tamil cinemas, in general, was colorful and inhibited by ever smiling, healthy artistes. The farming tools used in black and white movies looked new and glittered in studio light. Even the poorest of the poor was shown as well-dressed in sparkling white dress with his hair well-oiled. The language the villagers spoke was either a city-dialect or superfluous grammatical Tamil of the educated-totally unrealistic and far removed from the dialects of the villagers.
Bharathirajaa’s 16 Vayathinile broke these rules. The camera moved out of the studio with a mission. A mission that would take the viewers on a ride to real Tamil Nadu villages. A mission that would start off a new genre – village cinema – that catered to the audience living in remote villages away from cities and cars and fashion. Coming out of the confines of a studio also lead to the breaking of several unwritten rules. The first of them was the portrayal of the protagonist. A good looking male hero clad in colourful costumes was a must for Tamil films till then. The lead role, Chappani, in 16 Vayathinile was what any other film maker would have relegated to an unimportant side role.Chappani was lame dirty ugly (in spite of Kamal Hassan-the actor donning the role-being a good looking young man ),stammered while he spoke and an IQ of an under 15. Bharathirajaa’s conviction and clarity in the conception of this character turned out to be revolutionary and enormously successful. This film also shown the world how Rajni Kanth can change the world of Villain, in fact, Rajni Kanth dominated the film more than Kamal Hassan. Goundamani was another character which gave power to the film as a side kick to Rajnikanth
.
Next, the language flowed. The current that carried the conversations was not cinematic dialect or grammatic perfection but the soul of village Tamil itself. Bharathirajaa, with his pen, captured the sing-songs, the jargon, the cynicism and the allusions of the emotion packed village Tamil.
Costumes were uncomfortably true-to-life, dialogue was as-is-spoken, and village characters were tellingly genuine. As Bharathiraja himself agrees, the film was expected to bring in lots of accolades - which it did - but to do moderate business at the box office - which it did not. The film was a huge commercial success and kept the cash registers jingling even after several re-releases.
His next film Kizhakke Pogum Rail produced similar results and eventually brought in criticisms that Bharathiraja was capable of catering only to village audiences. This led him to make Sigappu Rojakkal
, about a psychopathic woman hater that was totally Westernized in terms of both conception and production. But contrary to what several observers expected, this film met with box office success and everyone agreed that Bharathiraja was here to stay.
Bharathiraja confirmed his versatility and refusal to be tied down to one particular genre with an experimental film Nizhalgal and an action thriller Tik.. Tik.. Tik. But, undoubtedly rural themes proved to be his forte as his biggest hits in the 80s Alaigal Oivadhillai, Mann Vasanai
and Muthal Mariyathai
were strong love stories in a village backdrop. Muthal Mariyathai
deserves special mention starred veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan
in the lead, playing a middle-aged village head. Radha is a poor young woman who moves into his village for a living. The love that bonds these two humans, separated not just by age but also by caste and class, is told by Bharathiraja with poetic touches. Without doubt, this film remains one of the most successful films for both himself and Sivaji Ganesan.
Vedham Pudhithu
dealt with the caste issue in a stronger manner. The film's narrative was seamless and starred Sathyaraj
as Balu Thevar. It contains some of Bharathiraja's trademark touches as well as several ground-breaking scenes. However, it does follow the anti-Brahmin trend common in Tamil films - in this respect it departed from his earlier success, Alaigal Oiyvadhillai, where the caste and religion factor was given a more balanced treatment. Bharathiraja has successfully managed to modernize his film making techniques for the 1990s. The commercial success of Kizhakku Cheemaiyile and the awards Karuththamma garnered stand as testimony for his ability to thrill the younger generation as well. His mother Karuththamma received the National Award on his behalf from the President in 1994 for the film named after her. Bharathiraja was on the same stage in 1996 to receive another National Award for Anthimanthaarai.
He has plans of making short films with varying themes to attract the international audience and has currently completed his latest venture Kadal Pookal and picked up a national award for the best screenplay writer for the same film. The well-known Tamil film director Bhagyaraj
was one of his assistant directors. He has also directed movies in Telugu
, Kannada
and Hindi.
National Film Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Nandi Awards
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
.
He displayed a story-teller's potential from an early age. Bharathiraja is known for his realistic and sensitive portrayal of village-life in his movies.
His mother Karuththamma received the National Award
National Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
from the President on his behalf for his film named after her. Among his other landmark films are 16 Vayathinile
16 Vayathinile
16 Vayathinile is a 1977 Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film marked Bharathiraja's debut as a filmmaker/screenwriter and it met with a strong critical reception upon...
, Sigappu Rojakkal
Sigappu Rojakkal
Sigappu Rojakkal is a 1978 Tamil thriller film starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Directed by Bharathiraja,music by Ilayaraja and cinematography by P.S.Nivas...
, Muthal Mariyathai
Muthal Mariyathai
Mudhal Mariyadhai is a Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was critically received upon release.-Plot:...
(with Sivaji Ganesan
Sivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
in the lead), Karuththamma
Karuththamma
Karuthamma is a Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by A. R. Rahman. The film was noticed as a milestone in the Tamil Film Industry. Bharathiraja even told that this film is the finest one that he ever done...
, Alaigal Oivathillai
Alaigal Oivathillai
Alaigal Oyivathillai is a 1981 Indian Tamil language film directed by P. Bharathiraja. The film stars Karthik and Radha in the lead roles. -Plot:...
, Mann Vasanai
Mann Vasanai
Mann Vasanai is a 1983 Indian Tamil language film starring Revathi, Vinu Chakravarthy, Kantimathi, Pandiyan and Y. Vijaya. It is remade as Mangammagari Manavadu in 1984 directed by Kodi Ramakrishna in Telugu language. It is also highly successful....
, Vedham Pudhithu
Vedham Pudhithu
Vedham Pudhithu , starring Sathyaraj and Amala is a critically acclaimed Tamil movie, directed by Bharathiraja. Charuhasan, Saritha, Raja and 'Nizhalgal' Ravi played supporting roles in the movie. The story and dialogue was written by Kannan....
, Kizhakku Cheemayile
Kizhakku Cheemayile
Kizhakku Cheemayile is a 1993 Tamil film directed by Bharathiraaja. It has music composed by A. R. Rahman. The film involves a touching sentimental story between a brother and a sister...
and Anthimanthaarai
Anthimanthaarai
Anthimanthaarai is a period arthouse Tamil language film released in 1996. The film has Vijayakumar, Jayasudha in lead roles. Its produced by Chandraleela Bharathiraja and Thilaka Ganesh The director of this film is Bharathiraja. The film won the National Award for the Best Feature Film in Tamil...
.
Personal life
Bharathiraja was born in Alli Nagaram, a small village near Theni, as Chinnasamy on 17 July 1941. He was the fifth child to his parents, Periya Maya Thevar and Meenatchiammaal alias Karuthammaal in a Tamil KallarKallar (caste)
Kallar are a community found in the central and south-eastern parts of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kallar means thiefs. The Kallar, along with the Maravar and Akamudayar, constitute the Mukkulathor confederacy, a united social caste on the basis of parallel professions, though their locations...
family. He is very different in that he used his mother's name as his initial. K. Bharathiraja is credited with launching the careers of several influential people in Tamil cinema. He is married to Chandra Leelavathi and they have two children - son Manoj (the hero of 'Taj Mahal') and daughter Janani Iswariya.
Early days
His childhood passions were deer hunting and literature. As a full-blooded youth, he aspired to the dream world of film-making. He had an unremitting passion for acting and other theatrical pursuits from his earliest days. He also happened to be a good platform speaker and travelled around, spreading social awareness among the villagers. He got a job as a Sanitary Inspector in the Public Health Department in 1963, at a monthly salary of INR 75.Bharathiraja wrote, directed and acted in his first dramas "Oor Sirikkirathu" (The Town Laughs) and "Summa Oru Kadhai" (Just a Story) in Theni Pazhani Chettiyapatti village during festival
Festival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
seasons. This kindled his creative spirit and gave him the confidence to seek an opening in the Tamil film industry.
As he moved to Madras to seek his creative future, Bharathiraja staged his "Summa Oru Kadhai" and "Adhigaaram" (Power) with the help of his friends. He also took part in radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
dramas and music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
programs
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
& Kallar Sangam. But since these opportunities were too infrequent to be depended upon for a living, he took up a job in a petrol bunk keeping his cinema
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
ambitions intact and fell in the eyes of the South Indian singing Legend S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam is a multilingual Indian playback singer, actor, music director, voice actor and a film producer. He is referred to as S. P. B. or Balu by the media. He has won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer six times closely following K. J. Yesudas...
who paved his way into film industry.
Film career
Bharathiraja started his film career as an assistant to director P. Pullaiya and Kannada film-maker Puttanna KanagalPuttanna Kanagal
Puttanna Kanagal was one of the most prominent Kannada film directors of the 1960s and the 70s. Although the majority of his films were on offbeat or taboo subjects, he endeared himself to both the critics and ordinary film goers alike. He also directed a handful Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and...
. Eventually working with Krishnan Nair, Avinasi Mani and A. Jaganathan, he learned the grammar of film-making and got his first directorial opportunity in 1977. His first film 16 Vayathinile
16 Vayathinile
16 Vayathinile is a 1977 Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film marked Bharathiraja's debut as a filmmaker/screenwriter and it met with a strong critical reception upon...
for which he wrote the script broke the then existing convention to create a new genre of village cinema. The movie is now regarded as a game-changer and a mile-stone in the modern history of Tamil Cinema. About the movie, said Bharathirajaa in his own words:" This movie was meant to be black and white art film produced with the help of National Film Development Corporation", but turned out to be a commercially successful color film and a starting point for several important careers – including that of Bharathirajaa.
Hitherto, most, if not all, Tamil films were studio produced. A village shown in Tamil cinemas, in general, was colorful and inhibited by ever smiling, healthy artistes. The farming tools used in black and white movies looked new and glittered in studio light. Even the poorest of the poor was shown as well-dressed in sparkling white dress with his hair well-oiled. The language the villagers spoke was either a city-dialect or superfluous grammatical Tamil of the educated-totally unrealistic and far removed from the dialects of the villagers.
Bharathirajaa’s 16 Vayathinile broke these rules. The camera moved out of the studio with a mission. A mission that would take the viewers on a ride to real Tamil Nadu villages. A mission that would start off a new genre – village cinema – that catered to the audience living in remote villages away from cities and cars and fashion. Coming out of the confines of a studio also lead to the breaking of several unwritten rules. The first of them was the portrayal of the protagonist. A good looking male hero clad in colourful costumes was a must for Tamil films till then. The lead role, Chappani, in 16 Vayathinile was what any other film maker would have relegated to an unimportant side role.Chappani was lame dirty ugly (in spite of Kamal Hassan-the actor donning the role-being a good looking young man ),stammered while he spoke and an IQ of an under 15. Bharathirajaa’s conviction and clarity in the conception of this character turned out to be revolutionary and enormously successful. This film also shown the world how Rajni Kanth can change the world of Villain, in fact, Rajni Kanth dominated the film more than Kamal Hassan. Goundamani was another character which gave power to the film as a side kick to Rajnikanth
Rajnikanth
Rajinikanth is an Indian film actor, media personality, and cultural icon. He made his debut as an actor in the National Film Award-winning motion picture Apoorva Raagangal , directed by K. Balachander, whom the actor considers his mentor....
.
Next, the language flowed. The current that carried the conversations was not cinematic dialect or grammatic perfection but the soul of village Tamil itself. Bharathirajaa, with his pen, captured the sing-songs, the jargon, the cynicism and the allusions of the emotion packed village Tamil.
Costumes were uncomfortably true-to-life, dialogue was as-is-spoken, and village characters were tellingly genuine. As Bharathiraja himself agrees, the film was expected to bring in lots of accolades - which it did - but to do moderate business at the box office - which it did not. The film was a huge commercial success and kept the cash registers jingling even after several re-releases.
His next film Kizhakke Pogum Rail produced similar results and eventually brought in criticisms that Bharathiraja was capable of catering only to village audiences. This led him to make Sigappu Rojakkal
Sigappu Rojakkal
Sigappu Rojakkal is a 1978 Tamil thriller film starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Directed by Bharathiraja,music by Ilayaraja and cinematography by P.S.Nivas...
, about a psychopathic woman hater that was totally Westernized in terms of both conception and production. But contrary to what several observers expected, this film met with box office success and everyone agreed that Bharathiraja was here to stay.
Bharathiraja confirmed his versatility and refusal to be tied down to one particular genre with an experimental film Nizhalgal and an action thriller Tik.. Tik.. Tik. But, undoubtedly rural themes proved to be his forte as his biggest hits in the 80s Alaigal Oivadhillai, Mann Vasanai
Mann Vasanai
Mann Vasanai is a 1983 Indian Tamil language film starring Revathi, Vinu Chakravarthy, Kantimathi, Pandiyan and Y. Vijaya. It is remade as Mangammagari Manavadu in 1984 directed by Kodi Ramakrishna in Telugu language. It is also highly successful....
and Muthal Mariyathai
Muthal Mariyathai
Mudhal Mariyadhai is a Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was critically received upon release.-Plot:...
were strong love stories in a village backdrop. Muthal Mariyathai
Muthal Mariyathai
Mudhal Mariyadhai is a Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was critically received upon release.-Plot:...
deserves special mention starred veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan
Sivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
in the lead, playing a middle-aged village head. Radha is a poor young woman who moves into his village for a living. The love that bonds these two humans, separated not just by age but also by caste and class, is told by Bharathiraja with poetic touches. Without doubt, this film remains one of the most successful films for both himself and Sivaji Ganesan.
Vedham Pudhithu
Vedham Pudhithu
Vedham Pudhithu , starring Sathyaraj and Amala is a critically acclaimed Tamil movie, directed by Bharathiraja. Charuhasan, Saritha, Raja and 'Nizhalgal' Ravi played supporting roles in the movie. The story and dialogue was written by Kannan....
dealt with the caste issue in a stronger manner. The film's narrative was seamless and starred Sathyaraj
Sathyaraj
Sathyaraj is a Tamil film actor and media personality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A Tamil activist and a political influence, he has acted in over 150 films, ranging from action and drama to comedy. In 2007, he played the role of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy in the Tamil Nadu government-sponsored...
as Balu Thevar. It contains some of Bharathiraja's trademark touches as well as several ground-breaking scenes. However, it does follow the anti-Brahmin trend common in Tamil films - in this respect it departed from his earlier success, Alaigal Oiyvadhillai, where the caste and religion factor was given a more balanced treatment. Bharathiraja has successfully managed to modernize his film making techniques for the 1990s. The commercial success of Kizhakku Cheemaiyile and the awards Karuththamma garnered stand as testimony for his ability to thrill the younger generation as well. His mother Karuththamma received the National Award on his behalf from the President in 1994 for the film named after her. Bharathiraja was on the same stage in 1996 to receive another National Award for Anthimanthaarai.
He has plans of making short films with varying themes to attract the international audience and has currently completed his latest venture Kadal Pookal and picked up a national award for the best screenplay writer for the same film. The well-known Tamil film director Bhagyaraj
Bhagyaraj
K. Bhagyaraj is a Tamil film director, actor, writer and producer. He has directed and produced several Tamil films, along with a few Telugu and Hindi films. He is well known for his mastery in screenplay. He has won a Filmfare Best Actor Award for Mundhanai Mudichu, a film he wrote, directed and...
was one of his assistant directors. He has also directed movies in Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
, Kannada
Kannada language
Kannada or , is a language spoken in India predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas and number roughly 50 million, is one of the 30 most spoken languages in the world...
and Hindi.
List of film artistes introduced by Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja introduced many actors and actresses in Indian cinema, for instance:- GoundamaniGoundamaniGoundamani is a Tamil film actor, comedian and screen icon. He is considered as the greatest comic actor in Kollywood and is renowned for his alliance with fellow actor Senthil.-Early Life:...
- 16 Vayathinile - Sathyajith - 16 Vayathinile
- Raadhika - Kizhake Pogum Rail
- SudhakarSudhakarSudhakar is a popular South Indian film comedian-actor. He acted more than 600 films in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi Languages. He also produced several films in Telugu, including the super hit film Yamudiki Mogudu.- Background :...
- Kizhake Pogum Rail - BhagyarajBhagyarajK. Bhagyaraj is a Tamil film director, actor, writer and producer. He has directed and produced several Tamil films, along with a few Telugu and Hindi films. He is well known for his mastery in screenplay. He has won a Filmfare Best Actor Award for Mundhanai Mudichu, a film he wrote, directed and...
- Puthiya Vaarpugal - Rati AgnihotriRati AgnihotriRati Agnihotri is a veteran Indian actress. Her portfolio mainly includes films in Hindi-Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. She was born to a Sikh family.-Film career:...
- Puthiya Vaarpugal - VijayashantiVijayashantiVijayashanti is an Indian film actress and a politician from Andhra Pradesh. She has acted in over 185 movies in seven languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. She was born in Anaparti, India on 24 June 1966. She is credited as "The Lady Superstar" of South Indian cinema...
- Kallukkul Eeram - ArunaArunaIn to Hindu mythology and Hindu scriptures, Aruṇá or Aruṇ is a personification of the reddish glow of the rising Sun, which is believed to have spiritual powers...
- Kallukkul Eeram - Vagai Chandrasekar - Kallukkul Eeram
- Nizhalgal RaviNizhalgal RaviNizhalgal Ravi is an Indian actor who has performed in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He started his career in 1980 with the film Nizhalgal.-Career:...
- Nizhalgal - Rajasekar - Nizhalgal
- RohiniRohini (actress)Rohini is an actress in south Indian, notably Malayalam and Tamil, films. She started her career in 1976 as a child artist. She was married to actor late Raghuvaran from 1996 to 2003. She is also the most popular dubbing artist in Tamil industry. She lent her voice to actresses like Jyothika ,...
- Nizhalgal - VairamuthuVairamuthuVairamuthu Ramaswamy Thevar is an award-winning Tamil poet and lyricist.Debuting in the film Nizhalgal with the lyrics for the song "Ponmalai Pozhudhu", he has now about 5800 songs to his credit as of January 2009. His partnership with the composers Ilaiyaraaja, and later A. R...
- Nizhalgal (Lyricist for the song "Ithu Oru pon Malai Poluthu") - Karthik MuthuramanKarthik MuthuramanMurali Karthikeyan Muthuraman , better known by his screen name Karthik , is a Tamil film actor and politician. He is the son of veteran actor R. Muthuraman. He was first introduced by Bharathiraja in the film Alaigal Oivathillai...
- Alaigal Ooivathilai - RadhaRadhaRadha , also called Radhika, Radharani and Radhikarani, is the childhood friend and lover of Krishna in the Bhagavata Purana, and the Gita Govinda of the Vaisnava traditions of Hinduism...
- Alaigal Ooivathilai - Thiyagarajan - Alaigal Ooivathilai
- PandiyanPandiyanPandiyan may refer to:*Any of the kings of the Pandyan Dynasty, which ruled South India from pre-historic times until end of the 15th century*Pandiyan - Tamil actor...
- Mann Vasanai - RevathiRevathiRevathi is an award-winning Indian actress and film director. She has acted in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi movies, directed several feature-length films, and has acted in and produced multiple television programs, totaling over twenty years of experience in the entertainment...
- Mann Vasanai - Ranjani - Mudhal Mariyadhai
- Dheepan - Mudhal Mariyadhai
- Raja - Kadolara Kavithaigal
- Rekha - Kadolara Kavithaigal
- ManivannanManivannanManivannan is a popular Tamil actor and director. With over 400 films to his name, Manivannan is one of the most experienced actors in the field. He normally plays the role of a dad or a senior comedian.- Background :...
- NIZHALGAL - Ramaa - En Uyir Thozhan
- BabuBabuBabu may refer to:Place:* Babu District, in Hezhou, Guangxi, ChinaTitle* Babu , South Asian term of respect People*Babu , list of people with this name* Babù, Anderson Rodney de Oliveira, Brazilian footballer...
- En Uyir Thozhan - RameshRameshRamesh is a common name in India and Nepal as well as other parts of the world where Hindu are living.The Sanskrit meaning of words Ramesh is Ruler of Rama....
- En Uyir Thozhan - NapoleanNapolean (actor)Kumaresan Duraisamy , better known by his stage name Napoleon , is a Tamil film actor, politician and the founder and chairman of the Jeevan Technologies. As of 27 May 2009, He is a Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Cabinet...
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu - SuganyaSuganyaSukanya , born on July 8, 1969 is a South Indian actress. She has acted in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi movies, totaling over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry....
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu - Ruthra alias Aswini- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
- RahulRahulRahul, a popular male name in India, has a variety of meanings. The earliest meaning found in the Upanishads is "conqueror of all miseries." Rahul also means "Traveler" in Arabic.Buddha's son was also called Rahul meaning "obstruction".- People named Rahul :...
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu - RanjithaRanjithaRanjitha is an Indian film and television actress. She has acted in a number of Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. Her first film was a Telugu film titled Kadapa Reddemma. She made her Tamil film debut in the 1992 Bharathiraja film Nadodi Thendral. She played lead roles in Tamil films till 1999....
- Nadodi Thendral - Manoj BharathirajaManoj BharathirajaManoj K. Bharathi is a Tamil film actor. He has starred in several films. He is most noted as son of director Bharathiraja.-Career:...
- TajMahal - Riya SenRiya SenRiya Sen is an Indian film actress and model. Riya, who hails from a family of actors including her grandmother Suchitra Sen, mother Moon Moon Sen and sister Raima Sen, began her acting career in 1991 as a child artiste in the film Vishkanya. Her first commercial success in her film career was...
- TajMahal - Uma Shankari- Kadal PookkalKadal PookkalKadal Pookkal is a 2001 Tamil drama film directed by Bharathiraja which stars Murali and Manoj in the leading roles, with Sindhu Menon, Pratyusha and Uma in supporting roles...
- PriyamaniPriyamaniPriya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
- Kangalal Kaithu Sei - Bosevengat- Eera nilam
- Vaseegaran - Kangalal Kaithu Sei
- Rukmini VijayakumarRukmini VijayakumarRukmini Vijayakumar, is a Tamil film actress and a Bharatanatyam dancer.-Personal Life And Career:Rukmini Vijayakumar began her dance training at the age of eight. She studied Bharatanatyam under Guru Narmada, Guru Padmini Rao and Guru Sundari Santhanam and practiced the Karanas for several years...
- Bommalattam
National Film AwardsNational Film AwardsThe National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
- 1982 - National Film Award for Best Feature Film in TeluguNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in TeluguThe National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu Cinema winners: The awards received by the films released in the previous year are listed below...
for Seethakoka ChilukaSeethakoka Chiluka (1981 film)Seethakoka Chiluka is a 1981 Telugu language film directed by Bharathiraja. It is a remake of Bharathiraja's Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai. Karthik reprises his role from the original film. Aruna Mucherla did female lead character. The film has received a Swarna Nandi Award for Best Feature Film.... - 1986 - National Film Award for Best Feature Film in TamilNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in TamilThe following lists the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. The year in the header refers to the date when the film was censored and submitted for the awards, without of regard of when the award was presented. Apart from the Silver Lotus Award "Certificate of Merit" was also given...
for Mudhal Mariyathai - 1988 - National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social IssuesNational Film Award for Best Film on Other Social IssuesThe National Film Award - Best Film on Other Social Issues winners:...
Vedham PudhithuVedham PudhithuVedham Pudhithu , starring Sathyaraj and Amala is a critically acclaimed Tamil movie, directed by Bharathiraja. Charuhasan, Saritha, Raja and 'Nizhalgal' Ravi played supporting roles in the movie. The story and dialogue was written by Kannan.... - 1995 - National Film Award for Best Film on Family WelfareNational Film Award for Best Film on Family WelfareThe National Film Award - Best Film on Family Welfare winners:...
for KaruththammaKaruththammaKaruthamma is a Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by A. R. Rahman. The film was noticed as a milestone in the Tamil Film Industry. Bharathiraja even told that this film is the finest one that he ever done... - 1996 - National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for AnthimanthaaraiAnthimanthaaraiAnthimanthaarai is a period arthouse Tamil language film released in 1996. The film has Vijayakumar, Jayasudha in lead roles. Its produced by Chandraleela Bharathiraja and Thilaka Ganesh The director of this film is Bharathiraja. The film won the National Award for the Best Feature Film in Tamil...
- 2001 - National Film Award for Best ScreenplayNational Film Award for Best ScreenplayThe National Film Award for Best Screenplay winners:-References:...
for Kadal Pookal
Filmfare Awards SouthFilmfare Awards SouthFilmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the South Indian film industry. The awards are separately given for Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films...
- Filmfare Best Director AwardFilmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)The Filmfare Best Director Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil films. The Award was first given in 1972 with P. Madhavan being the first recipient.K...
for Sigappu RojakkalSigappu RojakkalSigappu Rojakkal is a 1978 Tamil thriller film starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Directed by Bharathiraja,music by Ilayaraja and cinematography by P.S.Nivas...
Nandi AwardsNandi AwardsThe Nandi Awards is the most Prominent award ceremony for Telugu films, Telugu Theater & Television, presented annually in Andhra Pradesh, India. "Nandi" means "bull", the awards being named after the big granite bull at Lepakshi — a cultural and historical symbol of Andhra Pradesh.Nandi...
- Nandi Award for Best DirectorNandi Award for Best DirectorThe Nandi Award for Best Director winners:...
for Seethakoka ChilukaSeethakoka Chiluka (1981 film)Seethakoka Chiluka is a 1981 Telugu language film directed by Bharathiraja. It is a remake of Bharathiraja's Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai. Karthik reprises his role from the original film. Aruna Mucherla did female lead character. The film has received a Swarna Nandi Award for Best Feature Film....
Other awards
- South Indian Film Technicians : Best Technician Award for Kallukkul Eeram
- Indian Panoram Entry : Nizhalgal
- Sitara Award for Best Director for Seethakoka Chiluka
Controversies
- He attended the Heroes Day conference at Jaffna and appreciated its heroism and valour. Tamil Nadu Congress president Krishnasamy claimed he met the LTTE's leader, Prabhakaran, accused of planning the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and banned in India.
- He organized a protest by Tamil Nadu artistes against the Indian state of Karnataka for not releasing Cauvery water at NeyveliNeyveliNeyveli is a mining and power generation township in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located at 11.30° N - 79.29° E. It is 52 km inland from Bay of Bengal, west of Pondicherry and 197 km south of Chennai. The township was developed after mining of lignite...
. During a SUN TV interview, co-film stars like Sarath KumarSarath KumarSarathkumar Ramanathan is an Indian journalist, film actor, politician, body builder and the current president of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association. He started his career in Tamil cinema playing negative roles, and later played minor roles in other movies. He was first chosen for the...
and RadhikaRaadhika SarathkumarRadhika Sarathkumar is a Tamil television and film actress, successful entrepreneur and producer. She is the founder of Radaan Mediaworks, which has produced the successful serials Chithi, Annamalai, Selvi, Arasi, and Idi Katha Kadu . She is currently acting in the serial Chellamay for Sun TV...
who attended the conference accused him of using that opportunity to eulogise ex-Tamil Nadu chief minister JayalalithaJ. JayalalithaaJayalalithaa Jayaram ; born 24 February 1948) commonly referred to as J. Jayalalitha, is the Chief Minister of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. She is the incumbent general secretary of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam , a Dravidian party. She is called Amma and Puratchi Thalaivi by her...
and launching attacks on Rajinikanth's ethnicity. - A staunch supporter of the Eelam Tamils and their right to self determination, Bharathiraaja has expressed full support for the independence of Tamil EelamTamil EelamTamil Eelam , is the name given by certain Tamils in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora to the independent state which they aspire to create in the north and east of Sri Lanka. Tamil Eelam has no official status or recognition by any other state or authority...
. - Bharathiraja returned his Padma ShriPadma ShriPadma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...
because he felt that his emotions as a Tamilian supporting fellow Tamilians in Eelam were not heard by the Government of India
As director
| Year | Film | language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 16 Vayathinile 16 Vayathinile 16 Vayathinile is a 1977 Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film marked Bharathiraja's debut as a filmmaker/screenwriter and it met with a strong critical reception upon... |
Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore... |
|
| 1978 | Kizhakke Pogum Rail | Tamil | |
| 1978 | Sigappu Rojakkal Sigappu Rojakkal Sigappu Rojakkal is a 1978 Tamil thriller film starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Directed by Bharathiraja,music by Ilayaraja and cinematography by P.S.Nivas... |
Tamil | |
| 1979 | Solva Sawan Solva Sawan Solva Sawan is a 1979 Bollywood film directed by Bharathi Rajaa. Music by Jayadev Verma and cinematography by P.S.Nivas.-Cast:The film stars Amol Palekar, Sridevi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda,... |
Hindi | |
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal | Tamil | |
| 1979 | Niram Maaratha Pookkal | Tamil | |
| 1980 | Kallukkul Eeram Kallukkul Eeram Kallukkul Eeram is a 1980 Kollywood film directed by P.S.Nivas, starring Bharathiraaja, Sudhakar, Aruna Mucherla and Vijayashanti.- Synopsis :... |
Tamil | |
| 1980 | Nizhalgal Nizhalgal Nizhalgal is a 1980 Indian Tamil film directed by Bharathiraja and written by Manivannan, starring Nizhalgal Ravi, in his debut venture, Rohini, Chandrasekar and Rajasekar.-Plot:... |
Tamil | |
| 1980 | Kotha Jeevithalu | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Red Rose | Hindi | |
| 1981 | Alaigal Oivathillai Alaigal Oivathillai Alaigal Oyivathillai is a 1981 Indian Tamil language film directed by P. Bharathiraja. The film stars Karthik and Radha in the lead roles. -Plot:... |
Tamil | |
| 1981 | Valibamey Vaa Vaa | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Tik Tik Tik | Tamil | |
| 1981 | Seethakoka Chiluka Seethakoka Chiluka (1981 film) Seethakoka Chiluka is a 1981 Telugu language film directed by Bharathiraja. It is a remake of Bharathiraja's Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai. Karthik reprises his role from the original film. Aruna Mucherla did female lead character. The film has received a Swarna Nandi Award for Best Feature Film.... |
Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... |
|
| 1982 | Kathal Oviyam | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Man Vasanai | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Lovers | Hindi | |
| 1984 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Oru Kaidhiyin Diary is a 1985 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by Bharathiraaja, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist.-Summary:... |
Tamil | |
| 1984 | Pudhumai Penn | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Yuvadharam Pilicindi | Telugu | |
| 1985 | Mudhal Mariyathai | Tamil | |
| 1985 | Ee Tharam Illalu | Telugu | |
| 1986 | Saveray Wali Gaadi | Hindi | |
| 1987 | Kadalora Kavithaigal Kadalora Kavithaigal Kadalora Kavithaigal is a 1986 Indian Tamil language film starring Satyaraj, Rekha, Janagaraj and Kamala Kamesh and This movie is a blockbuster and remade into telugu with Chiranjeevi and Suhasini Maniratnam-Plot:... |
Tamil | |
| 1988 | Jamadagni | Telugu | |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu Vedham Pudhithu Vedham Pudhithu , starring Sathyaraj and Amala is a critically acclaimed Tamil movie, directed by Bharathiraja. Charuhasan, Saritha, Raja and 'Nizhalgal' Ravi played supporting roles in the movie. The story and dialogue was written by Kannan.... |
Tamil | |
| 1987 | Aradhana | Telugu | |
| 1988 | Kodi Parakuthu Kodi Parakuthu Kodi Parakuthu is a Tamil film is directed by Bharathiraja.The film was released on 1988 Diwali day. After a decade Rajinikanth joined with BharathiRaja for this film. Movie released with lots of expectations and did resonably at the box office. In other words, it was bad and not many people wanted... |
Tamil | |
| 1990 | En Uyir Thozhan En Uyir Thozhan En Uyir Thozhanis a Tamil language film directed by Bharathiraja. The film was released in 1990. The music was composed by Ilayaraja. The film revolves around activist of a political party and his demise.-Soundtrack:... |
Tamil | |
| 1991 | Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu | Tamil | |
| 1991 | Garuda Dhwaja | Kannada | |
| 1992 | Nadodi Thendral Nadodi Thendral Nadodi Thendral was a 1992 Tamil language film directed by Bharathiraja and written by Sujatha Rangarajan. It starred Karthik Muthuraman and Ranjitha in the lead roles. The music was provided by Ilayaraja.The music score by Ilayaraja was of much talk. As usual his background score and original... |
Tamil | |
| 1992 | Captain Magal | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Kizhakku Cheemayile Kizhakku Cheemayile Kizhakku Cheemayile is a 1993 Tamil film directed by Bharathiraaja. It has music composed by A. R. Rahman. The film involves a touching sentimental story between a brother and a sister... |
Tamil | |
| 1994 | Karuthamma | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Pasum Pon | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Tamizh Selvan | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Anthimanthaarai Anthimanthaarai Anthimanthaarai is a period arthouse Tamil language film released in 1996. The film has Vijayakumar, Jayasudha in lead roles. Its produced by Chandraleela Bharathiraja and Thilaka Ganesh The director of this film is Bharathiraja. The film won the National Award for the Best Feature Film in Tamil... |
Tamil | |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal | Tamil | |
| 2001 | Kadal Pookal | Tamil | |
| 2003 | Eera Nilam | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei Kangalal Kaidhu Sei Kangalal Kaidhu Sei is a 2004 Tamil language film, written and directed by Bharathiraja. It stars Vaseegaran in the protagonist's role and marks actress Priyamani's debut in the Tamil film industry. Music was scored by A. R. Rahman, which was the major highlight of this film... |
Tamil | |
| 2008 | Bommalattam Bommalattam Bommalattam is a Tamil film directed by the director Bharathiraja starring Arjun and Nana Patekar in the lead roles of the protagonists. The film is released in Hindi as Cinema and in Telugu as Rana... |
Tamil | |
| 2012 | Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum is a 2012 Tamil film directed by veteran director Bharathiraja.It features Ameer and Iniya in the lead roles. The film has music by G. V... |
Tamil | Filming |
As actor
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Aayutha Ezhuthu | Directed by Mani Ratnam Mani Ratnam Mani Ratnam is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter and producer. He made his directorial debut with the Kannada film Pallavi Anu Pallavi starring Anil Kapoor in 1983... |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi Rettaisuzhi Rettaichuzhi 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 released on 23 April... |
As Writer
- Padaharella VayasuPadaharella VayasuPadaharella Vayasu is a 1978 Telugu film starring Sridevi Kapoor, Chandra Mohan, and Mohan Babu. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, it is a remake of the Tamil hit 16 Vayathinile which starred Kamal Hassan and Sridevi Kapoor.-Plot:...
(1978) - KarishmaKarishmaKarishmaa is a 1984 Hindi language film starring Kamal Haasan, Reena Roy, Tina Munim, Danny Denzongpa. Other cast include Jagdeep, Sarika, Raza Murad, Viju Khote, Mac Mohan, Swaroop Sampat, Satyendra Kapoor, Mahesh Anand, Baby Pinky....
(1984) - Palnati PourushamPalnati PourushamPalnati Pourusham is a 1994 Telugu film directed by Muthyala Subbaiah. It has music composed by A. R. Rahman. The film involves a touching sentimental story between a brother and a sister. Krishnam Raju and Radhika have been highly praised for their roles in the film...
(1994)