Veteran filmmaker and actor Bharathiraja remains in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of a Chennai hospital after being admitted for breathing difficulties on December 27, 2025. Hospital officials confirmed on January 5 that while the 84-year-old director is stable, his condition is being closely monitored due to a severe lung infection.
The hospital bulletin noted that Bharathiraja is receiving comprehensive treatment for organ impairments, and the medical team is providing constant care to ensure his recovery. “His condition is stable and he will continue to require treatment in the Critical Care Unit,” the statement read.
Several prominent figures from the Tamil film industry visited the veteran at the hospital, including AR Murugadoss, RK Selvamani, Seeman, Seenu Ramasamy, Chitra Lakshmanan, Lingusamy, Ameer, and producer Kalaipuli S Thanu. They wished him a speedy recovery and expressed support for the legendary filmmaker during this challenging time.
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Bharathiraja has faced personal tragedy recently, losing his actor-director son Monoj at the age of 48, which reportedly affected his health. Despite these hardships, he remains a towering figure in Tamil cinema, credited with revolutionising filmmaking by moving productions from studio sets to real locations and mentoring fresh talent both on-screen and behind the camera.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Bharathiraja delivered iconic films such as 16 Vayathinile, Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, and Puthiya Vaarpugal. He has been honoured with the Padma Shri and multiple National Awards, cementing his legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most influential auteurs.
Fans and cinephiles are eagerly awaiting his comeback, with his last directorial and acting venture being Meendum Oru Mariyathai (2020). The Tamil film fraternity continues to pray for his recovery, hoping the legend returns to filmmaking soon.
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