Tributes poured in from actors, directors and producers across the country following the death of veteran film director K. Bharathiraja on Wednesday, recalling his immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Many actors, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Sivakumar, Radha, Ramarajan, Karthik, Vijayakumar, Rekha, Prabhu, Suriya, and Siddharth paid their respects to the mortal remains of Bharathiraja. Film directors such as S.P. Muthuraman, P. Vasu, R.V. Udayakumar, Cheran, Mysskin and Kasthuri Raja, also paid homage.

The Tamil Nadu Television Digital and OTT Producers Association has announced the suspension of all television shoots for 12 hours, from 6 a.m. on June 11, as a mark of respect to Bharathiraja. The Film Employees Federation of South India and the Society of Television Producers of Southern India also paid their homage.

After paying his respects, actor Rajinikanth said Bharathiraja had been his friend for the last 50 years. “Everyone knows about his accomplishments and talent. He has introduced several actors, technicians and artists, and made immense contributions. Be it actors, directors or producers, whenever someone faced a problem, he was the first to voice his support for them and stood by them,” he said.

Veteran music director Ilaiyaraaja said: “There’s nothing more to say. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.” Music composer and filmmaker Gangai Amaran, who was closely associated with Bharathiraja, was also present.

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan said Bharathiraja had made films with him and that he was grateful for it.

Actress Sukanya described his death as a huge loss to the film industry and that he made phenomenal accomplishments. “He was very passionate about direction. It is a rarity to see a hardworking person like him,” she said. Lyricist Vairamuthu described him as a visionary who revolutionised Indian cinema by celebrating rural landscapes and lives.

In his post on X, music director A.R. Rahman, who has composed for Bharathiraja’s films, thanked the legendary filmmaker for taking his music to the remote villages of south India, and introducing their stories to the world. No one has portrayed love and vitality of Tamil villages on screen like the filmmaker, he said.

Actor Mohanlal on ‘X’ said Bharathiraja was a director who found poetry in the soil, truth in silence, and soul in every frame, and that sharing screen space with him in Thudarum was an honour he would cherish forever.

Actor Chiranjeevi said Indian cinema has lost one of its greatest storytellers and that Bharathiraja’s films touched millions of hearts and inspired generations of filmmakers. He was fortunate to have worked under his direction as ‘Puliraju’ in Aradhana.

Film producer Boney Kapoor said Bharathiraja was a visionary who transformed Indian cinema with his authentic portrayal of rural life, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable characters. His ground-breaking films not only redefined Tamil cinema but also inspired generations of filmmakers and artists.

Director Pa. Ranjith said for countless people like him, Bharathiraja was a great source of inspiration. Film director S.S. Rajamouli said Bharathiraja was a true pioneer who revolutionised cinema with his raw and uncompromising storytelling. He brought to screen unforgettable rural narratives, fearless vision and the authenticity and it will live on forever.