Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977, a film that went on to redefine rural storytelling in Tamil cinema. It starred Kamal Haasan, Sridevi and Rajinikanth. Over the following decades, he directed several acclaimed films, including Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai. With a career spanning nearly 40 directorial films, he earned the honorary title Iyakkunar Imayam for his contribution to Indian cinema. Apart from directing, Bharathiraja also built a successful acting career while gradually reducing film direction.
