Ace film director Bharathiraja passes away (opens original article in a new tab)

Renowned Tamil film director Bharathiraja passed away at 84 in Chennai. He was known for transforming Tamil cinema by focusing on rural landscapes and introducing new actors.

• Bharathiraja died in Chennai at 84 after a prolonged illness.
• He pioneered rural storytelling in Tamil cinema and introduced actors with names starting with 'R'.
• He collaborated with composers like Ilaiyaraaja and influenced Tamil film industry through his works.