Bharathiraja’s health update: Veteran filmmaker stable, Lingusamy shares latest status
Veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja is currently stable and undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai, according to the latest official medical update. The 84-year-old director was admitted on 27 December 2025 after experiencing breathing difficulties and was later diagnosed with a severe lung infection.
Doctors at MGM Healthcare have confirmed that Bharathiraja remains in the Critical Care Unit (ICU), where he is receiving continuous monitoring and specialised treatment. Hospital authorities have said his vital signs are normal and that he is responding to medication, though he will need to stay under intensive care as part of his recovery.
Concerns grew after reports of his hospitalisation surfaced, with several unverified claims circulating on social media. To address this, filmmaker Lingusamy, who visited Bharathiraja at the hospital, shared a clear update on his condition.
Lingusamy said, “His health is stable and he is recovering. I request everyone not to spread rumours. Keeping him in our prayers is the best we could do.” His statement is the latest confirmed public quote regarding Bharathiraja’s health.
Several senior figures from the Tamil film industry, including AR Murugadoss, Ameer, Seeman, RK Selvamani and Chitra Lakshmanan, have either visited the director or spoken to his family to check on his condition. Their visits helped reassure fans amid speculation online.
Bharathiraja is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Tamil cinema. He revolutionised storytelling in the late 1970s by bringing realism and rural narratives to the mainstream. His debut 16 Vayathinile remains a landmark film, while works such as Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai and Mudhal Mariyathai are considered classics.
The health concern follows a difficult period for the director, who suffered a personal loss in 2025. Despite this, doctors remain cautiously optimistic, stating that his condition has not deteriorated.
Hospital authorities have requested privacy for the family and clarified that official updates will be issued only if there is a significant change. As of now, Bharathiraja continues to receive treatment, while fans and members of the film fraternity await further updates and wish him a steady recovery.
