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Bharathiraja

Bharathiraja

Writer, director, actor and producer · Died June 10, 2026, aged 84 · Theni, Tamil Nadu, India

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.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
July 17, 1941
Died
June 10, 2026 (aged 84)
From
Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
Works as
Writer, director, actor and producer
Titles
13 on MovieCove · 74 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

What are Bharathiraja's films like?

Across their 10 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Action3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 94th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies
Drama3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 89th percentile
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
47%
Morality
24%
Survival
13%
Self
11%
Power
3%
Ideas
2%
Family bonds6 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love3 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge2 titles, browse their movies with this themeComing of age2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 9 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 7 · Stylized 1 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

A split, not a type: Gentle 2 · Charged 3 · Intense 4

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 2 · Shifting 6 · Whiplash 1

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 5 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 0

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 4 · Even-paced 5 · Relentless 0

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 5 · Engaged 3 · Full focus 1

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 2 · Affecting 2 · Heavy 5

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 7 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

3 analyzed roles

Usually the Mentor: 2 of 3 analyzed roles.

Mentor
2 of 3
Shadow
1 of 3

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
5
Melancholic
5
Warm
3
Romantic
3
Bittersweet
3
Other
8

How their films linger

Bittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteWistful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 3 with a twist

  • Happy2
  • Bittersweet7
  • Ambiguous1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Bharathiraja's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 11 of their 13 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Bharathiraja's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

74 credits, 13 with a MovieCove page; 6 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Pulavar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    as Pulavar

  • Desiya Thalaivar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    Actor

  • Thudarum(2025)

    as Stunt Master Palani Swamy

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Niram Marum Ulagil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Rayappan

  • Thiru.Manickam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Shanmugam

  • Maharaja(2024)

    as Gopal Thatha

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Kalvan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Azhagar

  • Kadhale Kadhale (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Actor

  • Margazhi Thingal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Ramaiya

  • Karumegangal Kalaiginrana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Justice Ramanathan

  • Modern Love Chennai(2023)

    Show 1 episode · Director

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all shows

  • ThiruvinKural(2023)

    as Marimuthu

    Midcredits score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • Vaathi(2023)

    as Villager

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • Thiruchitrambalam(2022)

    as Thiruchitrambalam Sr.

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Kuttram Kuttrame (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Retd. DSP. Muthukaruppan

  • Rocky(2021)

    as Manimaran

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • Eeswaran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    as Periyasamy

  • Meendum Oru Mariyathai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Director · Screenplay · Story · as Om

  • Namma Veettu Pillai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Arunmozhivarman

  • Kennedy Club (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Savarimuthu

  • Padai Veeran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Krishnan

  • Kurangu Bommai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Sundaram

  • Pandiya Naadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Kalyanasundaram

  • Annakodi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Director · Producer · Writer

  • Rettaisuzhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Singaravelan

  • Bommalattam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Director · Dialogue · Producer · Screenplay · Story

  • Thekkathi Ponnu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 1 episode · Director

  • Aayitha Ezhuthu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Selva Nayagam

  • Kangalal Kaidhu Sei (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Eera Nilam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay

  • Kadal Pookkal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Taj Mahal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Tamizh Selvan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Anthimanthaarai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Director · Playback Singer · Screenplay

  • Pasumpon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Karuththamma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Director · Playback Singer · Screenplay · as Self

  • Kizhakku Cheemayile (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Captain Magal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay

  • Nadodi Thendral (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay

  • Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Director · Screenplay

  • En Uyir Thozhan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Director · Screenplay · as Ramesh (voice)

  • Kodi Parakuthu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay · as GD (voice)

  • Jamadagni (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Vedham Pudhithu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Director · Screenplay · as Widowed Forest Ranger (voice)

  • Aradhana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Kadalora Kavithaigal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Neethana Antha Kuyil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Screenplay

  • Saveray Wali Gaadi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Mudhal Mariyathai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay

  • Oru Kaidhiyin Diary(1985)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Karishmaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Story

  • Mangamma Gari Manavadu(1984)

    Original Story

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Pudhumai Penn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Mann Vasanai(1983)

    Director · Screenplay · as Mookkaiyan (voice)

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Lovers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Valibamey Vaa Vaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Kadhal Oviyam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Tik Tik Tik(1981)

    Director · Writer

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • Seethakoka Chilaka (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Alaigal Oyivadhilai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Director · Screenplay · as David (voice)

  • Kotha Jeevithalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Nizhalgal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Red Rose (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Kallukul Eeram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Screenplay · as Self

  • Niram Maaratha Pookkal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Director · Screenplay · as Vijayan (voice)

  • Puthiya Vaarpugal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay

  • Solva Sawan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Sigappu Rojakkal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Padaharella Vayasu(1978)

    Original Story

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Kizhakke Pogum Rail (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Director · Screenplay · as Station Master (uncredited)

  • Pathinaru Vayathinile(1977)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Assistant Director

  • Naa Naa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • Valli Mayil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

Career shape

A full career of 74 titles, 72 of them dated from 1976 to 2026.

Biggest box office

Thudarum (2025)

$6.2M worldwide

Highest rated

Thiruchitrambalam (2022)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

Modern Love Chennai (2023)

Film career

  • 2004Screen debut· Aayitha Ezhuthu

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting33 of 74: 25 only acting, 8 with another role · typical Midcredits score94thDirecting43 of 74: 2 only directing, 41 with another role · typical Midcredits score76thWriting46 of 74: 5 only writing, 41 with another role · typical Midcredits score81stProducing8 of 74: 0 only producing, 8 with another roleOther crew3 of 74: 1 only other crew, 2 with another role

74 titles, 41 with more than one role — writing and directing overlap on 41 of them.

By decade

1970s8 · 2 acting · 8 crew1980s23 · 4 acting · 23 crew1990s10 · 1 acting · 10 crew2000s6 · 1 acting · 5 crew2010s7 · 6 acting · 1 crew2020s18 · 17 acting · 2 crew

Billing

usually 7th · top billed in 0% of 6 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Bharathiraja's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 88th percentile, the median of all 12; across their 9 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 89th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

89thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 9

Approval · how many liked their films

84thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 9

Reach · how many have seen their films

38thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 9

Midcredits score across 13 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up9
  • 50th to 74th2
  • 25th to 49th1
  • Below 25th1

Shape of the crowd

6 of their 13 titles are Universally Loved.

  • Universally Loved6
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser2
  • Mixed4

Most divisive · writer

Padaharella Vayasu (1978)

85th percentile spread · 18% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Maharaja (2024)

Midcredits 99th · 93% liked

Reviewers score the dialogue 53/100 and the plot and story 54/100 in their films, across 6 reviewed titles. The element that speaks to their work as a writer.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Bharathiraja's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Violence & Gore3 titlesmedian 84 · severeMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity3 titlesmedian 9 · minimalMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Bharathiraja work with?

People who share at least 2 of Bharathiraja's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Ilaiyaraaja shares the most, 5.

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Mixed roles