Bharathiraja health update: Ace filmmaker’s condition is ‘stable’, doctors say, ‘He is responding satisfactorily’

Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja continues to be admitted to a hospital. (Credit: Instagram/@dir_bharathiraja)

Days after reports surfaced that legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja had been hospitalised, the healthcare institution where he is admitted has issued a statement offering an update on his health. He was admitted to the hospital due to breathlessness. Subsequently, baseless rumours had circulated that the director passed away. The hospital’s statement notes that his condition is now stable and that he remains under observation.

The bulletin read, “Mr Bharathiraja, renowned movie director, is presently admitted at MGM Healthcare, Aminjikkarai, following complaints of breathlessness. He is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. His clinical condition is stable, and he continues to be under close monitoring by our team of medical experts. With appropriate support, his vital parameters remain within normal limits. He is responding satisfactorily to the ongoing treatment. Further updates will be communicated as and when deemed necessary.”

The filmmaking legend was reportedly hospitalised on December 27 after experiencing respiratory issues. According to the Times of India, he had been staying with his daughter in Malaysia for treatment for the past few months and had recently returned to Chennai.

Bharathiraja has been going through an emotionally challenging phase in life since March 2025, after his son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, passed away. The 48-year-old breathed his last after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Bharathiraja with his son, actor-director Manoj. (Credit: Facebook/@ManojBharathirajaofficial)

In a recent interview, Bharathiraja’s brother, Jayaraj Periyamayathevar, revealed that the ace filmmaker has been going through a difficult emotional phase following Manoj’s death. “Anna (elder brother) has been unwell for a few months now. He has not been able to cope with the loss of his son. He often looks at Manoj’s photos and breaks down. We even took him to Malaysia, hoping a change of place would console and heal him. But even there, his thoughts kept returning to his late son. Despite all the fame and money, he is unable to come to terms with this loss. He is slowly drifting away from his old memories,” he said.

Renowned for helming highly acclaimed movies such as 16 Vayathinile (1977), Kizhakke Pogum Rail (1978), Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), Nizhalgal (1980), Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), Tik Tik Tik (1981), Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1985), Mudhal Mariyathai (1985) and Kizhakku Cheemayile (1993), among others, Bharathiraja is often regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of Tamil cinema, having played a key role in ushering in a new wave in the 1970s.

He last donned the director’s hat in 2020 with Meendum Oru Mariyathai. Bharathiraja has also taken on acting roles over the past few years, with his most recent appearance being in director Tharun Moorthy’s Mohanlal-Shobana starrer Thudarum (2025).