A Grand Event by the Film Industry!
Memorial Halls and Busts Planned for Bharathiraja and Bhagyaraj.
‘Rajagopurangal Ninaivu Utsavam’ (A Grand Commemorative Celebration) to be attended by Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and others.
The film fraternity has decided to erect memorial halls and busts honoring the legendary Tamil filmmakers Bharathiraja and K. Bhagyaraj. As a precursor to this, a grand commemorative event titled ‘Rajagopurangal Ninaivu Utsavam’ (Festival Commemorating the Pillars of Cinema) will be held on the 16th of this month at Kalaivanar Arangam.
This event is being organized jointly by the Tamil Film Producers Council, the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, the South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam), the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), and the South Indian Film Directors’ Association.
Office bearers from these associations announced the details during a meeting held at the Film Chamber premises.
R.K. Selvamani, President of FEFSI and a director himself, stated:
“Director Bharathiraja is a trailblazer who emerged as a guiding star in the Tamil film industry, nurturing hundreds of directors, actors, actresses, producers, and technicians. He is a distinguished creator who upheld Tamil culture, traditions, and the essence of Tamil life. K. Bhagyaraj, known as the ‘King of Screenplay,’ brought national acclaim to the art of screenwriting. Both are exceptional artists who elevated the stature of Tamil cinema on national and global platforms.
To honor the legacy of these two artists, we—the Tamil Film Producers Council, the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, the South Indian Artistes’ Association, FEFSI, and the South Indian Film Directors’ Association—are jointly organizing this commemorative tribute event, ‘Rajagopurangal Ninaivu Utsavam’.” This event will serve to highlight the significant roles both of them played in the growth of the Tamil film industry.
While Bharathiraja was still alive, we had decided to organize a grand celebration in his honor and had even informed him about it. We had named the event “Aalamara Verukku Vizhudhugal Edukkum Vizha” (A Celebration of the Banyan Tree’s Aerial Roots). We—comprising those who had worked as his assistants and those who had risen to become directors under his mentorship—had planned to host this event together.
However, Bharathiraja suddenly fell ill, and the event could not take place. Before he passed away, he hosted a gathering for all the directors. He shared that he had purchased a plot of land on the way to Kodaikanal and intended to build a hall there to house his films and songs. He said, “That is where I will stay. You must all come there and assist me.” He noted that the location was on the route to the Ayyappan Temple and expressed his wish to be laid to rest there. Unfortunately, he was unable to realize that plan.
Chitra Lakshmanan, Bhagyaraj, Radhika, and I sat down to discuss building a memorial hall for him at that site and decided to organize a tribute event. However, the passing of Bhagyaraj within just a week came as a huge shock to us, leaving us unsure of how to proceed. Then, Parthiban suggested that we hold a joint event honoring both Bharathiraja and Bhagyaraj—a collaborative effort that would be a truly meaningful occasion.
Consequently, we initiated an effort to unite the Tamil film industry and discussed how to execute this. We decided to plan it meticulously, ensuring it would be a significant event—not merely a memorial service, but a symbolic tribute that stands as a testament to their legacy as creators.
We have decided to hold this event on August 16th at Kalaivanar Arangam. The event will take place from 10 AM to 10 PM. We have submitted a formal request to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay regarding the event, and we have done the same with Rajmohan. Rajini Sir and Kamal Sir have confirmed their participation, and actors across the board will be attending. Similarly, directors from the Directors’ Association will also take part.
From other states, actor Venkatesh has confirmed his attendance. We have extended invitations to Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna, as well as to a Union Minister. Suresh Gopi from Kerala has confirmed he will come, and we have invited Mammootty and Mohanlal. We have also reached out to the industry in Karnataka. Everyone has responded positively. This event will be truly magnificent and will serve as a major landmark for Tamil cinema.
Work on structuring the event is currently underway. Additionally, A.L. Vijay is directing a special ten-minute documentary short film about the lives of these two individuals. We also plan to install statues of both of them at the memorial hall; work on this is in progress. Regarding the revenue generated if this event takes on a commercial aspect, Bhagyaraj Sir and Bharathiraja Sir…
[02/08, 19:28] Flowing Fizz: We have discussed the matter with their families regarding the initial deposit for the memorial halls.
We are constructing memorial halls for Bhagyaraj in the Gobichettipalayam area and for Bharathiraja in his hometown. However, the main event itself will take place at a single venue. The revenue generated from this will be managed by a trust to support both events and serve as the initial funding for the construction of their memorial halls. There is no entry fee for attending this event. They were like ‘Kings’ in the film industry; they stood tall like ‘Towers’ (Gopurams). Therefore, this celebration is titled ‘Raja Gopuram Memorial Festival’—not a condolence meeting, but a celebratory memorial festival. Both led exemplary lives. We intend to organize this event with enthusiasm, honoring them as true icons of Tamil cinema.
We have decided to create a legacy for them that will endure well beyond the coming century.
Attendees included G.K. Tamilkumaran (President, Tamil Film Producers Council), Radhakrishnan (Secretary), Kamalakannan (Vice President), Sujatha Vijayakumar (Joint Secretary), Subash Chandra Bose (Treasurer), T. Siva (Secretary, Active Producers Association), Nassar (President, South Indian Artistes’ Association), R.V. Udhayakumar (President, Tamil Nadu Directors’ Association), Ravi Mariya (Vice President, South Indian Writers’ Association), music composer Dina, directors P. Vasu, K.S. Ravikumar, and A.L. Vijay, and producers M. Kaffar and Hari Murali, among others.