“THE LEGEND OF -IYAKKUNAR IMAYAM - BHARATHIRAJA"

 

 

Born Chinnasamy on July 17, 1941, in Theni, Bharathiraja is a titan of the Tamil film industry. Known by the honorific Iyakkunar Imayam (The Everest of Directors), he is credited with taking Tamil cinema out of the restrictive confines of the studio and into the authentic, dusty heart of rural India.

 

Quick Stats: Accolades & Honors

 

Category	Details
Major Awards	6 National Film Awards, 4 Filmfare Awards South, 6 TN State Awards
National Honor	Padma Shri (2004)
Academic Honor	Honorary Doctor of Letters (Sathyabama University, 2005)
Signature Catchphrase	"En Iniya Thamizh Makkale" (My sweet Tamil people)

 

A Revolutionary Film Career 

The Early Years & the "Village Cinema" Movement

After honing his craft as an assistant to stalwarts like Puttanna Kanagal and P. Pullaiah, Bharathiraja changed the trajectory of Tamil cinema with his 1977 debut, 16 Vayathinile.

·        The Milestone: While originally intended as a black-and-white art film, it became a commercial color sensation that pioneered the "village cinema" genre.

·        Versatility: To prove he wasn't just a "rural director," he pivoted to the westernized psychological thriller Sigappu Rojakkal, followed by experimental works like Nizhalgal (1980) and the action-packed Tik Tik Tik (1981).

 

The Golden Era (1980s–1990s)

Bharathiraja’s 1980s run is considered legendary for blending social commentary with poignant storytelling:

·        Masterpieces: Alaigal Oivathillai (1981) and Mann Vasanai (1983).

·        Muthal Mariyathai (1985): A career-defining film featuring Sivaji Ganesan that explored love across age and caste boundaries.

·        Vedham Pudhithu: A bold, direct confrontation of the caste system.

·        The 90s Evolution: He successfully transitioned into the new decade with hits like Kizhakku Cheemaiyile and the socially conscious Karuththamma.

 

Later Projects & Television

·        National Success: Won the National Award for Best Screenplay for Kadal Pookal (2001).

·        Small Screen: Debuted on television in 2008 with Thekkathi Ponnu.

·        Recent Work: In 2018, he began work on November 8, Iravu 8 Mani, a film centered on the impact of demonetization.

 

Style, Critique, and Lasting Influence

Bharathiraja didn't just direct films; he disrupted the status quo.

"He redefined the 'hero' by stripping away flashy costumes for simple attire and championed 'dusky-skinned' actresses, moving away from the industry's obsession with fair-skinned leads."

·        The Star-Maker: He is famous for discovering iconic talents, including Karthik, Radha, Revathi, Radhika, and Vijayashanti.

·        The Director's Director: He gave several future directors their first acting roles, such as K. Bhagyaraj and Manivannan.

·        Education: Through the BRIIC (Bharathi Raja International Institute of Cinema), he continues to mentor the next generation of filmmakers.

 

Personal Life

·        Family Roots: Born into a Kallar family in Theni Allinagaram to Periyamayathevar and Karuthammal.

·        Immediate Family: Married ChandraLeela in 1974. They have two children:

o   Manoj Bharathiraja: An actor (introduced in Taj Mahal) married to actress Nandana.

o   Janani: Married to Malaysian businessman Rajkumar Thambiraja.

· Extended Legacy: His brother-in-law (Manoj Kumar), brother (Jayaraj), and relative (Stalin) are all active participants in the film and television industry.

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