Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja has been hospitalised in Chennai and is undergoing treatement in the ICU after he suffered breathing issues. The doctors have now shared an health update confirming that he is stable and responding to treatment
Bharathiraja
Legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja continues to remain under medical care. He was hospitalised late last month. Now the doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable and improving although he continues to be in the ICU. The hospital shared that they have been treating the veteran director in an official statement addressing concerns and dismissing false reports surrounding his health.
Doctors share update on Bharathiraja's hospitalisation
Filmmaker Bharathiraja was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Aminjikkarai, Chennai, on December 27, 2025, after he complained of breathing difficulties. In the following days, several reports emerged claiming that the filmmaker had passed away. This led to the hospital releasing a detailed medical update.
In its bulletin, the hospital stated, “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."
As per reports, the director had been struggling with respiratory issues prior to his admission. The Times of India had earlier reported that Bharathiraja had been living in Malaysia for the past few months for treatment. He was reportedly living with his daughter during that period. The filmmaker had recently returned to Chennai before being hospitalised.
Bharathiraja lost his son
The health scare comes after the filmmaker lost his son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja, who passed away at the age of 48. Manoj died following a cardiac arrest in March 2025. The loss had reportedly taken a significant emotional toll on the director's well-being.
Bharathiraja’s brother Jayaraj Periyamayathevar shared details about his brother's emotional state in a recent interview saying, “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."
Bharathiraja is widely known as one of the most influential figures in Tamil cinema. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry during the 1970s and 1980s, wherein he introduced a new wave of realistic storytelling. His celebrated filmography includes films such as 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Nizhalgal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Mudhal Mariyathai and Kizhakku Cheemayile, and others.
The filmmaker last helmed the film Meendum Oru Mariyathai in 2020. In recent years, he has also appeared as an actor. His latest on-screen role was in Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum (2025), starring Mohanlal and Shobana.
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