By – Shubhendra Rajawat
Tamil director and writer Jayabharathi, best known for films like Kudisai and Puthiran, passed away at the age of 77. He had been suffering from age-related health issues and was admitted to the hospital, where he breathed his last on Friday morning.
Jayabharathi gained recognition for his work in Tamil cinema, especially for his film Kudisai (1979), which was notable for being one of the first films in Tamil cinema to be funded through crowdfunding. The film was released on March 30, 1979, and has since been preserved in the National Film Archive of India, marking its 43rd anniversary this year.
Actor and former MLA S. V. Shekhar, who had worked with Jayabharathi in Kudisai, paid tribute to the director, recalling his dedication to cinema. Shekhar emphasized that Jayabharathi lived solely for cinema and was deeply influenced by international films. Shekhar also mentioned that despite receiving minimal pay for his work, Jayabharathi was steadfast in his commitment to filmmaking.
Jayabharathi’s later years were spent in financial struggle. Despite this, he continued to pursue alternative cinema with unwavering passion. In addition to Kudisai, Jayabharathi’s Puthiran (2010) also earned him acclaim.
Shekhar called for the Tamil Nadu government to honor Jayabharathi with a state funeral, recognizing his contributions to the film industry. He also highlighted that Jayabharathi’s film Nanba Nanba (in which Shekhar’s brother played the lead role) won a national award, further cementing Jayabharathi’s legacy in Tamil cinema.
The film industry and fans alike mourn the loss of a visionary director who helped shape the landscape of Tamil cinema.