Bharathiraja's cause of death: What happened to the legendary Tamil filmmaker who passed away at 84?

The Tamil film industry is mourning the death of the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who passed away at 84 on Wednesday. The towering figure who changed the face of the Tamil cinema with his unique storytelling was battling health issues for several months before his demise.

According to a report by the Economic Times, Bharathiraja had been facing multiple health issues in the last couple of months. He was admitted to a hospital in Chennai towards the end of 2025 due to difficulty in breathing. He then remained under regular medical supervision and received treatment for multiple age-related problems.

Lung infection and respiratory complications

It is also reported that the ‘Meendum Oru Mariyathai’ director faced lung infection and faced multiple respiratory issues. Even though the filmmaker was responding to the treatment, his health condition remained fragile.

Health remained a concern despite treatment

Earlier this year, the hospital authorities clarified that he was undergoing treatment for breathing-related complications. Several film personalities from the Tamil cinema also visited him during his recovery period. It was also said that the veteran filmmaker appeared visibly weak while continuing his treatment. Even though he received the medical care, his condition remained a matter of concern among his family, friends and fans.

Personal tragedy

Unfortunately, the veteran filmmaker also went through a heartbreaking tragedy last year in 2025. His son, who was also a filmmaker, actor and director Manoj Bharathiraja, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 48. The emotional pain of losing his son had a significant impact on his overall well-being during the past year.

Multiple illustrious figures from the film industry have shared their condolences with the filmmaker’s family, remembering him and paying their last respects. Actor and Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh Pawan Kalyan, Chiranjeevi, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay and others shared emotional posts upon learning the news.

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