Bharathiraja dies at 84: Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, Allu Arjun and others pay tribute

The death of legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the film industry. Hours after news of his death emerged on Wednesday, actors and filmmakers including Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun, Prakash Raj and SS Rajamouli paid tribute to the director, remembering his immense contribution to Indian cinema.

The celebrated Tamil filmmaker, actor and screenwriter died in Chennai on June 10 following a prolonged illness. He was 84.

Among the first to mourn his death was Mohanlal, who worked with Bharathiraja in Thudarum. Sharing a note on X, he wrote, "A director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame. Sharing screen space with Bharathiraja Sir in Thudarum was an honour I will cherish forever. Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations, and your presence will be deeply missed (sic)."

Telugu star Chiranjeevi also remembered the filmmaker with a series of throwback photographs. Referring to Bharathiraja by his popular moniker, Iyakkunar Imayam (The Pinnacle of Directors), the actor called him "one of its greatest storytellers."

The actor, who worked with Bharathiraja in Aradhana, said the filmmaker's "passion for cinema, simplicity and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on me."

On Wednesday, actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan visited Bharathiraja's residence to pay his last respects. Rajinikanth later spoke to the media and mourned the loss of his longtime colleague and friend.

Telugu star Allu Arjun, in his social media post, described Bharathiraja as "a true legend whose vision, storytelling, and contribution to Indian cinema will remain timeless (sic)." Offering condolences to the filmmaker's family, he added that Bharathiraja's legacy would continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and artists.

Actor Prakash Raj shared an emotional note on social media, writing, "#Bharathiraja sir. Will miss you my darling. Your love for life. Inspiring conversations and your memorable moments of cinema. Thank you for everything. Love you. May your soul rest in peace (sic)."

Actor Kajal Aggarwal also extended her condolences to Bharathiraja's family, friends and admirers.

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli remembered Bharathiraja as a pioneer who transformed Indian cinema through his distinctive storytelling. "Those unforgettable rur0al narratives, that fearless vision and the authenticity he brought to the screen will live on forever (sic)," he wrote.

Others who also paid their tributes are Simran, Trisha Krishnan, Ravi Mohan, Raghava Lawrence, Vishal, Suriya and others.

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All about legendary director Bharathiraja

Bharathiraja had reportedly been battling multiple health issues linked to respiratory complications and age-related ailments. Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, he spent over five decades shaping stories that brought rural life and human relationships to the forefront.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Bharathiraja directed over 40 films and left behind a body of work that reshaped Tamil cinema. Some of his most acclaimed films include 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Seethakoka Chiluka, Mann Vasanai, Mudhal Mariyathai, Vedham Pudhithu, Kizhakku Cheemayile and Karuthamma.