Actor Mohanlal and Director Tharun Moorthy Mourn Filmmaker Bharathiraja in Chennai

Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja has passed away in Chennai at the age of 84. Following his demise, prominent film personalities, including actor Mohanlal and 'Thudarum' director Tharun Moorthy, paid rich tributes to the veteran director, remembering his immense contribution to cinema.

Bharathiraja, who was widely celebrated for bringing realistic rural stories and powerful emotions to the big screen, shared a close professional bond with the cast and crew of the Malayalam film industry.

Actor Mohanlal, who worked alongside Bharathiraja in the Malayalam blockbuster film 'Thudarum', shared his grief and recalled his experience of sharing screen space with the late filmmaker. In the film, Bharathiraja portrayed Stunt Master Palani Swamy, the mentor of Mohanlal's character, 'Benz' Shanmugham.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Mohanlal described Bharathiraja as a director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame. The actor added that sharing screen space with the veteran filmmaker was an honour he would cherish forever.

"Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations and your presence will be deeply missed," Mohanlal stated.

Director Tharun Moorthy also expressed his condolences by sharing photographs from the production of 'Thudarum'. The images showed Bharathiraja alongside members of the film's cast and crew.

Moorthy captioned the photographs with a brief message, writing, "Thank you, Master." He added in another note, "Memories Thudarum forever."

'Thudarum' follows the story of Shanmugham, a former stuntman living a modest life as a car service provider who travels to Tamil Nadu to meet his mentor, Palani Swamy. The role stands as one of the final acting performances of Bharathiraja's career.