Condolences poured in from the film and political world in Tamil Nadu for actor-director K. Bhagyaraj, who passed away at age 73 following a heart attack on Saturday (June 27, 2026).
“The passing away of veteran Tamil film director and writer Thiru. K. Bhagyaraj is a great loss to the world of cinema,” wrote Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on X. “His unique storytelling, creative brilliance, and immense contribution to Tamil cinema have earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and film lovers. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Announcing that Mr. Bhagyaraj will be laid to rest with full State honours, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, in a post on X, said: “Through films that reflect unique storytelling, humour-infused performances, and the profound emotions of rural life and family relationships, Thiru. K. Bhagyaraj has carved an everlasting place in the hearts of Tamil people. His contributions to the Tamil film world are immeasurable.”
“Each of his creations will endure forever as timeless memories that entertain while speaking to humanity and social values. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema. I convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to his grieving family, relatives, friends, members of the film industry, and fans. I pray that his soul rests in peace at the divine feet of the Lord,” Mr. Vijay wrote.
Also read: Bhagyaraj death LIVE updates
‘A realistic hero’
Former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, referring to legendary Tamil film director and actor Bharathiraja, who passed away earlier this month, said: “Within just a few weeks of the teacher’s passing, the Tamil film world has now lost his student as well!”
“In Indian cinema, as the emperor of unfinished screenplays, as the realistic hero who captivated everyone, as a writer endowed with the ability to navigate complex situations with brief dialogues, and as an extraordinary director who triumphed in every aspect, Mr. Bhagyaraj made his mark,” Mr. Stalin said in a post on X.
Expressing shock and sadness over his demise, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami hailed Mr. Bhagyaraj as a multifaceted personality and a unique screenplay writer. He recalled that the relationship between AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister, M.G. Ramachandran, and Bhagyaraj was based on mutual affection.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan said: “Having recently completed his 50-year landmark journey in the film industry and being specially praised by members of the film world and fans alike, his demise is an irreplaceable loss to the Tamil film industry. He has left an indelible mark in Tamil cinema by offering timeless creations centered on humor, family drama and bonding, and social values.”
BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran, expressing his condolences, said, “His works continue to serve as exemplary lessons even today on how the screenplay of a film should be structured. By seamlessly blending simple narratives, humor, family sentiments, and engaging screenplays in his distinctive style, he has gifted Tamil cinema with timeless creations that will endure for countless generations.”
Former BJP State unit president K. Annamalai said Mr. Bhagyaraj’s demise has come as a great shock and caused deep sorrow. “Through his films, he earned the immense affection of the people of Tamil Nadu. He was also known for his simplicity and humility,” he said in a post on X.
General secretary of the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AIPTMMK), V.K. Sasikala, in a post, said that Mr. Bhagyaraj had received several awards. Besides being an “ardent fan” of M.G. Ramachandran, Mr. Bhagyaraj also had respect for Jayalalithaa, Ms. Sasikala said, recalling the period when they were both in politics together
MP D. Ravikumar, expressing his condolences, said: “Even in films made primarily for commercial entertainment, he consistently conveyed ideas that encouraged social reform. Death has snatched him away suddenly. The void created by his passing in Tamil cinema can never truly be filled.”
‘His work transcended languages’
Actor-producer Daggubati Venkatesh said on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Bhagyaraj sir. His work transcended languages and touched the hearts of millions. I feel fortunate to have been a part of films like Sundarakanda and Abbaigaru, which were born from his remarkable storytelling. Indian cinema has lost one of its finest filmmakers. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers.”
Vijay Vasanth, Kanniyakumari MP, posted on X that the demise of Mr. Bhagyaraj, “an outstanding director, actor, screenwriter, and dialogue writer of Tamil cinema, who has secured an indelible place in the hearts of millions through his multifaceted talents, causes immense grief.” In this sorrowful moment, he said he conveys his deepest condolences and sympathies to Mr. Bhagyaraj’s family and friends.
‘King of screenplay’
Actor Sibi Sathyaraj said the king of screenplay is no more. He said he was saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Mr. Bhagyaraj. This was a huge loss to the film industry, he said. He conveyed his deepest condolences to Mr. Bhagyaraj’s family, friends, and fans.
Choreographer, actor, and director Raghava Lawrence said he was deeply saddened by the demise of Mr. Bhagyaraj. “His contribution to cinema is unforgettable, and his work has inspired generations. This is a great loss to the film industry.”
Film producer G. Dhananjheyan said he was deeply shocked and devastated by Mr. Bhagyaraj’s demise. He was “my great friend and support in the film industry for many years,” he said.
Actor Rohini Molleti paid her “heartfelt tributes” to Mr. Bhagyaraj and extended her “deepest condolences” to his family. “Whenever we met, he would fondly call me ‘Pavunu’. Sir, when will we ever see a storyteller like you again?” she posted.
Actor Harish Kalyan said Mr. Bhagyaraj’s films and his writing will “live on in our hearts forever. His legacy of brilliant films and unforgettable performances will continue to guide and inspire us forever.”
Published – June 27, 2026 11:19 am IST
