The demise of Bharathiraja was a huge loss to the South Indian film industry. This master director, who was called “Iyakkunar Imayam” for Tamil cinema, gave almost half of his life to the filmmaking industry.Bharathiraja’s demise made everyone from actors to directors very sad. He was not only a great director but also a dreamer whose work always depicted village culture and human emotions in a unique manner. While people mourn Bharathiraja’s death today, some celebrate the journey of Chinnasaamy Periyamayathevar’s life.
How Chinnasaamy Periyamayathevar became Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja’s real name at birth was Chinnasaamy Periyamayathevar in Allinagaram near Theni. Until he entered the film world, Bharathiraja used only this name. Once he entered films, Bharathiraja desired an identity through which he could fulfill his artistic dreams. Thus, Bharathiraja chose the identity name “Bharathiraja,” reportedly derived from the celebrated poet Subramania Bharati, and added the name Raja to it.Thus, he created an identity popular all over Tamil Nadu, ensuring people would know only Bharathiraja, the filmmaker, forgetting his birth name.
Bharathiraja’s blockbuster films changed the face of Tamil cinema
The name Bharathiraja earned recognition due to the brilliant films he made. ’16 Vayathinile’ is one of his early films and a milestone in Tamil film history because it had a totally new concept. After ’16 Vayathinile’, he made many more great films like ‘Kizhakke Pogum Rail’, ‘Alaigal Oivathillai’, ‘Mann Vasanai’, ‘Mudhal Mariyadhai’, ‘Vedham Pudhithu’, ‘Karuthamma’. Bharathiraja has given many actors and technicians their chance to make a mark through his work. His true representation of village life gained him immense respect as a filmmaker.
Do you believe Bharathiraja work accurately represented village culture?
A difficult final chapter after the loss of his son, Manoj Bharathiraja
Even as an icon and a legend, Bharathiraja had recently undergone much pain in his personal life. The loss of his son, Manoj Bharathiraja, broke his heart. It seemed he could not accept this tragedy. He continued to act in movies and make public appearances, yet his sadness was obvious. This was accompanied by health problems requiring constant medical care.A man who used to bring emotions to the big screen in Tamil cinema was dealing with a personal tragedy during the last few years. However, despite everything, Bharathiraja remains a respected person whose contribution is worth remembering.From Chinnasaamy Periyamayathevar to Bharathiraja, his story is truly an inspiration for all.