• Thursday, 06 November 2025

Chinnasamy Periyamayathevar Bharathiraja

Born: 1941-12-07
FAN SCORE
85
POPULARITY
Rising Talent
Last Updated on 05 Nov 2025
Chinnasamy Periyamayathevar Bharathiraja Poster

Bharathiraja is a legendary Tamil film director, screenwriter, and producer known for revolutionizing Tamil cinema with rural realism and socially relevant storytelling. He introduced iconic films like 16 Vayathinile, Muthal Mariyathai, and Kizhakku Cheemayile.

Bharathiraja is a legendary Tamil film director, screenwriter, and producer known for revolutionizing Tamil cinema with rural realism and socially relevant storytelling. He introduced iconic films like 16 Vayathinile, Muthal Mariyathai, and Kizhakku Cheemayile.

Bharathiraja, born Chinnasamy on July 17, 1941, in Allinagaram, Tamil Nadu, is a legendary Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for revolutionizing Tamil cinema. He is credited with bringing rural stories and realism to the forefront, making his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film 16 Vayathinile (1977). Over the years, Bharathiraja has delivered numerous classics such as Muthal Mariyathai, Sigappu Rojakkal, and Kizhakku Cheemayile, often focusing on village life, social issues, and strong character-driven narratives. He is celebrated for introducing fresh talent, including stars like Rajinikanth and Revathi, and for his poetic depiction of rural life. Bharathiraja has received multiple accolades, including National Film Awards, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and the Padma Shri in 2010, in recognition of his significant contributions to Indian cinema.
Bharathiraja, born Chinnasamy on July 17, 1941, in Allinagaram, Tamil Nadu, is a legendary Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for revolutionizing Tamil cinema. He is credited with bringing rural stories and realism to the forefront, making his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful film 16 Vayathinile (1977). Over the years, Bharathiraja has delivered numerous classics such as Muthal Mariyathai, Sigappu Rojakkal, and Kizhakku Cheemayile, often focusing on village life, social issues, and strong character-driven narratives. He is celebrated for introducing fresh talent, including stars like Rajinikanth and Revathi, and for his poetic depiction of rural life. Bharathiraja has received multiple accolades, including National Film Awards, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and the Padma Shri in 2010, in recognition of his significant contributions to Indian cinema.

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Personal details

Alternative names Iyakkunar Imayam
Height 5'8"/68kg
Born December 07, 1941 · Allinagaram
Children Bharathi Raja Jr Narmadha Bharathiraja
Parents Father: Periya Maya Thevar Mother: Meenatchiammaal
Relatives Brother-in-law:Manoj Kumar. Brother:Jayaraj Periyamayathevar.
Other works
acting, writing and producing

FAQ

Bharathiraja is a legendary Tamil film director, screenwriter, and producer known for revolutionizing Tamil cinema by introducing rural realism and socially relevant storytelling. Did Bharathiraja introduce any famous actors?

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Trivia

Made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile (1977).

Known for bringing rural stories and realism to Tamil cinema.

Introduced several actors who later became stars, including Rajinikanth and Revathi.

Quotes

"Cinema should reflect the lives of ordinary people."

"Every story has its own truth we must capture it honestly."

Trademarks

Realistic depiction of village life and rural settings.

Strong character-driven narratives.

Known as "Iyakkunar Imayam" for his impact on Tamil cinema.

Nicknames

Iyakkunar Imayam

Salaries

RS:5-6 crore for major films in the 2000s- 2010s.

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