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{{Short description|Indian film director}}
{{short description|Indian film director and actor}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = K Bhagyaraj
| name              = K. Bhagyaraj
| image              = Actor Director K Bhagyaraj at the Sathuranga Vettai Audio Launch.jpg
| image              = Actor Director K Bhagyaraj at the Sathuranga Vettai Audio Launch (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Bhagyaraj in April 2014
| caption            = Bhagyaraj in 2014
| birth_name        = Krishnasaamy Bhagyaraj
| birth_name        = Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1953|1|7}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1953|01|07}}
| birth_place        = [[Vellankoil]], [[Erode]], [[Madras State]], [[India]]
| birth_place        = [[Vellankoil]], [[Coimbatore District|Coimbatore]], [[Madras State]], [[India]] (present-day [[Erode District]])
| occupation        = {{hlist|Actor|director|screenwriter|producer|music director}}
| occupation        = {{hlist|Film director|Screenwriter|Actor|Composer|Film producer|Politician}}
| spouses            = {{marriage|[[Praveena Bhagyaraj]]|1981|1983|reason=her death}}<br />{{marriage|[[Poornima Jayaram]]|1984}}
| spouses            = {{plainlist|
| children          = [[Saranya Bhagyaraj]]  (b.1985)<br />[[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj]] (b.1986)
* {{marriage|[[Praveena Bhagyaraj]]|1981|1983|reason=her death}}
| height            = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=15 February 1984 |title=K. Bhagyaraj; The reigning king in the world of Madras film Hollywood |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19840215-k.-bhagyaraj-the-reigning-king-in-the-world-of-madras-film-hollywood-802749-1984-02-15 |access-date=28 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200828164724/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19840215-k.-bhagyaraj-the-reigning-king-in-the-world-of-madras-film-hollywood-802749-1984-02-15 |archive-date=28 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{marriage|[[Poornima Jayaram]]|1984}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/heres-how-poornima-and-bhagyaraj-celebrated-their-37th-wedding-anniversary/articleshow/80746647.cms | title=Here's how Poornima and Bhagyaraj celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=8 February 2021 | accessdate=5 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/heroines-who-fell-for-their-directors/heroines-who-fell-for-their-directors/photostory/34322092.cms | title=Heroines who fell for their directors | work=[[The Times of India]] | accessdate=5 August 2021}}</ref>
| parents            = {{unbulleted list|Krishnasaamy|Amaravathiyammal}}
}}
| children          = 2, including [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj|Shanthanu]]
| yearsactive        = 1977–present
| yearsactive        = 1977–present
}}
}}


'''Krishnasaamy Bhagyaraj''' (born 7 January 1953) is an Indian director, actor, screenwriter, music director, producer and politician active mainly in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films. He has also written and directed [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]] films and TV serials. As an actor, he has worked in more than 75 films and has directed more than 25 films.  He won a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil|Filmfare Best Actor Award]] for ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]'' (1983). He received Lifetime achievement award in [[3rd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA]] (2014).<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/siima-awards-2014-tamil-winners-list/articleshow/42514726.cms</ref> He is the editor of weekly magazine ''Bhagya'' and has also written several novels.
'''Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj''' (born 7 January 1953) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, composer, film producer and politician active mainly in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films. He has also written and directed [[Hindi]] remakes of his Tamil films and TV serials. As an actor, he has worked in more than 75 films and has directed more than 25 films.  He won a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil|Filmfare Best Actor Award]] for ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]'' (1983). He received [[SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]] in [[3rd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA]] (2014).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/siima-awards-2014-tamil-winners-list/articleshow/42514726.cms|title=SIIMA Awards 2014 Tamil winners list|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> He is the editor of weekly magazine ''Bhagya'' and has also written several novels.


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Bhagyaraj was born in [[Vellankoil]] near [[Gobichettipalayam]] in [[Erode district]] in Tamil Nadu. His parents were Krishnaswamy and Amaravathiamma. He married twice. His first marriage was with actress Praveena, in 1981. She died due to an aggravated case of jaundice in August 1983. His second marriage was with actress [[Poornima Jayaram]], who was his co-star in ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]'' (1982),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |title=K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat |date=12 June 2010 |publisher=Telugucinema.com |access-date=17 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230234821/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |archive-date=30 December 2010 }}</ref> on 7 February 1984. The couple has a daughter [[Saranya Bhagyaraj]] and a son [[Shanthnu Bhagyaraj]].
Bhagyaraj was born on 7 January 1953 in [[Vellankoil]] near [[Gobichettipalayam]] in [[Erode district]] in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/Making-Telugu-film-is-Bhagyaraj%E2%80%99s-dream/article17042042.ece|title=Making Telugu film is Bhagyaraj’s dream|work=The Hindu|quote=Mr. Bhagyaraj, much to the surprise of all, said that his forefathers belonged to Andhra Pradesh and they migrated to Tamil Nadu long back|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126070703/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/Making-Telugu-film-is-Bhagyaraj%E2%80%99s-dream/article17042042.ece|archive-date=26 November 2023|first=J. R.|last=Shridaran|date=16 January 2017|access-date=9 May 2024}}</ref> He married twice. His first marriage was with actress Praveena, in 1981. She died due to an aggravated case of jaundice in August 1983. His second marriage was with actress [[Poornima Jayaram]], who was his co-star in ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]'' (1982),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |title=K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat |date=12 June 2010 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |access-date=17 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230234821/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |archive-date=30 December 2010 }}</ref> on 7 February 1984. The couple has a daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/nayanthara-khushbu-sundar-top-kollywood-heroines-who-fell-love-their-directors-532436|title = Nayanthara to Khushbu Sundar: Top Kollywood heroines who fell in love with their directors|date = 13 May 2020|access-date = 6 January 2022|archive-date = 14 November 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221114115204/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/nayanthara-khushbu-sundar-top-kollywood-heroines-who-fell-love-their-directors-532436|url-status = dead}}</ref> (who starred in ''[[Parijatham (2006 film)|Parijatham]]'' (2006)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Reviews/reviews1/parijatham/parijatham-review.html|title = Parijatham review – A whiff of fresh air – scented Parijatham!!}}</ref> and ''[[Photographer (film)|Photographer]]'' (2006)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/photographer-review-malayalam-pclwfPfjhgicf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106212242/https://www.sify.com/movies/photographer-review-malayalam-pclwfPfjhgicf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 January 2022|title = Photographer|website=[[Sify]] }}</ref>) and a son [[Shanthnu Bhagyaraj]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/tamil-director-k-bhagyaraj-son-shantanu-in-rom-com-1.1585114166141|title=Tamil director K Bhagyaraj, son Shantanu in rom-com|first=Mythily Ramachandran, Special to|last=tabloid!|date=25 March 2020|website=Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema}}</ref>
 
Since his childhood he had been huge fan of actors [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and [[Rajesh Khanna]].


== Film career ==
== Film career ==


=== Early years (1977–1979) ===
=== Early years (1977–1979) ===
Beginning his career as an assistant to directors G. Ramakrishnan and [[Bharathiraja]], Bhagyaraj became recognised for his scriptwriting talent.<ref name="telugucinema">{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |title=Stars : Star Interviews : K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230234821/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |archive-date=30 December 2010 }}</ref> He first appeared as a junior artist playing small supporting roles with screen-space of not more than three minutes in films such as ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'' (1977) and later appeared similarly in ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'' (1978). He was assistant director to Bharathiraja in two films – ''16 Vayathnile'' and ''[[Kizhakke Pogum Rail]]''. Among his early work was writing the script for Bharathiraja's films ''Kizhake Pogum Rail'' (1978) and ''[[Tik Tik Tik (1981 film)|Tik Tik Tik]]'' (1981), and writing dialogues for ''Sigappu Rojakkal''. He made his directorial début with ''[[Suvarilladha Chiththirangal]]'' in 1979 and also his debut as the leading man in ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]'', directed by Bharathiraja. He received the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer]] in ''Puthiya Vaarpugal'' (1979). ''[[Kanni Paruvathile]]'' (1979), a film for which he wrote dialogues and screenplay and acted in a negative role, was a huge success. Though he had not achieved success as a director till 1979, he was motivated with success as the hero with ''Puthiya Vaarpugal'', a negative role, and as a writer of story and dialogues for ''Kanni Paruvathile'' and decided to write, direct and act for ''[[Oru Kai Osai]]'' (1980), which, though not a huge success.
Beginning his career as an assistant to directors G. Ramakrishnan and [[Bharathiraja]], Bhagyaraj became recognised for his scriptwriting talent.<ref name="telugucinema">{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |title=Stars : Star Interviews : K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230234821/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php |archive-date=30 December 2010 }}</ref> He first appeared as a junior artist playing small supporting roles with screen-space of not more than three minutes in films such as ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'' (1977) and later appeared similarly in ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'' (1978). He was assistant director to Bharathiraja in two films – ''16 Vayathinile'' and ''[[Kizhakke Pogum Rail]]''. Among his early work was writing the script for Bharathiraja's films ''Kizhake Pogum Rail'' (1978) and ''[[Tik Tik Tik (1981 film)|Tik Tik Tik]]'' (1981), and writing dialogues for ''Sigappu Rojakkal''. He made his directorial début with ''[[Suvarilladha Chiththirangal]]'' in 1979 and also his debut as the leading man in ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]'', directed by Bharathiraja. He received the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer]] in ''Puthiya Vaarpugal'' (1979). He wrote dialogues and screenplay and acted in ''[[Kanni Paruvathile]]'' (1979).


=== Rise to stardom (1980–1999) ===
=== Rise to stardom (1980–1999) ===


He quickly established his own concern and started producing a string of distinctive films made mainly in the Tamil language. Bhagyaraj often cast himself in the lead roles of the films he scripts and directs, effectively carving out a niche for himself in the actor-auteur vein. His style of filmmaking is notable for its relatively elaborate, witty, and double entendre-laced script and socially-themed framework. His on-screen personae are typically characterised by their ironic sense of humour and intelligent bravado.<ref>https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/bhagyaraj/biography.html</ref>
He quickly established his own concern and started producing a string of distinctive films made mainly in the Tamil language. Bhagyaraj often cast himself in the lead roles of the films he scripted and directed, effectively carving out a niche for himself in the actor-auteur vein. His style of filmmaking is notable for its relatively elaborate, witty, and double entendre-laced script and socially-themed framework. His on-screen personae are typically characterised by their ironic sense of humour and intelligent bravado.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/bhagyaraj/biography.html|title=Bhagyaraj Biography &#124; Bhagyaraj Girlfriend, Wife, Family & Net Worth - FilmiBeat|website=www.filmibeat.com}}</ref>


From 1981 onwards, successful Tamil films written, directed by and starring him started being remade in Hindi, with the first being ''[[Mouna Geethangal]]'', remade as ''[[Ek Hi Bhool]]'' and ''[[Andha 7 Naatkal]]'' remade as ''[[Woh Saat Din]]''.
He introduced actress [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]] in the Tamil film ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]'' (1983) and [[Kalpana (Malayalam actress)|Kalpana]] (sister of Urvashi) made her debut with the 1985 film ''[[Chinna Veedu]]'', directed by Bhagyaraj, a commercially successful film. He received the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]] in ''Mundhanai Mudichu''. He became nationally famous when he wrote the script for ''Mundhanai Mudichu'' remade in Hindi as ''[[Masterji]]'' with [[Rajesh Khanna]] in the lead role, which was huge success at the box office.


He introduced actress [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]] in the Tamil film ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]'' (1983) and [[Kalpana (Malayalam actress)|Kalpana]] (sister of Urvashi) made her debut with the 1985 film ''[[Chinna Veedu]]'', directed by Bhagyaraj, a commercially successful film. He received the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]] in ''Mundhanai Mudichu''. He became nationally famous when he wrote the script for ''Mundhanai Mudichu'' remade in Hindi as ''[[Masterji]]'' with [[Rajesh Khanna]] in the lead role, which was huge success at the box office. His next directorial venture ''Mayadari Mogudu'' in Telugu, which was a success.
He rarely acted in films not directed or written by him, with exceptions being ''[[Anbulla Rajinikanth]]'' (1984) and ''[[Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985 film)|Naan Sigappu Manithan]]'' (1985). He decided to direct the Hindi remake of Bharatiraja's 1984 directorial venture ''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]'' with Rajesh Khanna in the lead in 1985, but later Khanna due to his date issues had to opt out and Bhagyaraj cast [[Amitabh Bachchan]] in the Hindi remake ''[[Aakhree Raasta]]'' (1986).  Bhagayraj decided to remake the classic old Kannada film ''[[Mallammana Pavada]]'', starring [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]] and [[B. Saroja Devi|B Saroja Devi]] into a new Tamil film ''[[Enga Chinna Rasa]]'' in 1987, which became a huge blockbuster. In 1988, he wrote the script for ''[[Idhu Namma Aalu (1988 film)|Idhu Namma Aalu]]'' and decided to produce it, but chose not to direct it by himself, as he wanted to act-write-direct a film on a serious issue, which was ''[[Aararo Aaariraro]]''. He received the Best Film Award for ''Idhu Namma Aalu'' in 1990, directed by Balakumar, whereas the other film ''Aararo Aaariraro'' also was both critically acclaimed and successful at box office.


His assistant directors for his directorial ventures ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]'', ''[[Dhavani Kanavugal]]'', ''Mundhanai Mudichu'', ''Mayadari Mogudu'' was [[Pandiarajan]], whereas [[Parthiban]] was his assistant director for ''Dhavani Kanavugal''; later both Pandirajan and Parthiban went on to become director and actors.
From 1991, he gradually started accepting more acting offers as a lead hero, where director-producer-scriptwriter would be three different people, rather than he himself writing-directing-acting in his films. ''[[Rudhra (film)|Rudhra]]'', ''[[Amma Vanthachu]]'', ''[[Gnanapazham]]'' and ''[[Suyamvaram]]'' were such successful films where he was involved only in the capacity of actor. He also started the weekly magazine "Bhagya" and he is the editor of that magazine. His successful directorial ventures written by him from 1991 on were ''[[Pavunnu Pavunuthan]]'', ''[[Sundara Kandam]]'', ''[[Raasukutti]] and'' ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]].'' He cast his son [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj]] as the child artist in ''Vaettiya Madichu Kattu'' in 1998 and the film dealt with the father-son relationship, this proved to be both a critical and financial disappointment capping an end to a string of continuous flops including ''[[Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari (film)|Oru Oorla oru Rajakumari]]'', ''[[Gnanapazham]]'' and ''[[Mr. Bechara]]'' (1996).


He rarely acted in films not directed or written by him, with exceptions being ''[[Anbulla Rajinikanth]]'' (1984) and ''[[Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985 film)|Naan Sigappu Manithan]]'' (1985). He decided to direct the Hindi remake of Bharatiraja's 1984 directorial venture ''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]'' with Rajesh Khanna in the lead in 1985, but later Khanna due to his date issues had to opt out and Bhagyaraj cast [[Amitabh Bachchan]] in the Hindi remake ''[[Aakhree Raasta]]'' (1986)).  Bhagayraj decided to remake the classic old Kannada film ''[[Mallammana Pavada]]'', starring [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]] and [[B. Saroja Devi|B Saroja Devi]] into a new Tamil film ''[[Enga Chinna Rasa]]'' in 1987, which became a huge blockbuster. In 1988, he wrote the script for ''[[Idhu Namma Aalu (1988 film)|Idhu Namma Aalu]]'' and decided to produce it, but chose not to direct it by himself, as he wanted to act-write-direct a film on a serious issue, which was ''[[Aararo Aaariraro]]''. He received the Best Film Award for ''Idhu Namma Aalu'' in 1990, directed by Balakumar, whereas the other film ''Aararo Aaariraro'' also was both critically acclaimed and successful at box office. After the death of MGR in 1987, during a meeting with director [[C V Sridhar]] and producer Duraiswamay, an idea came across to Bhagyaraj to make use of the unfinished 1977 film ''[[Anna Nee En Deivam]]'', starring [[M. G. Ramachandran|MGR]] and [[Latha (actress)|Latha]] and make the film ''[[Avasara Police 100]]'' (1990), starring himself as well in the lead.
His successful Tamil films written by him continued to be in demand for Hindi remakes in the 1990s and were huge hits in Hindi – with ''Raasukutti'' remade as ''[[Raja Babu (film)|Raja Babu]]'', ''Sundara Kandam'' remade as ''[[Andaz (1994 film)|Andaz]]'' (1994) and ''[[Avasara Police 100]]'' remade into ''[[Gopi Kishan]]'', which were successful. He also wrote the script for the Tamil film ''[[Thaikulame Thaikulame]]'' (1995), starring [[Pandiarajan]], whose actor-director was not himself in Hindi, remade as ''[[Gharwali Baharwali]]''.<ref name="hindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/12/26/stories/2010122650140600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624024727/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/12/26/stories/2010122650140600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=News Archives|date=26 December 2010|access-date=1 November 2015}}</ref>


From 1991, he gradually started accepting more acting offers as a lead hero, where director-producer-scriptwriter would be three different people, rather than he himself writing-directing-acting in his films. ''[[Rudhra (film)|Rudhra]]'', ''[[Amma Vanthachu]]'', ''[[Gnanapazham]]'' and ''[[Suyamvaram]]'' were such successful films where he was involved only in the capacity of actor. He also started the weekly magazine "Bhagya" and he is the editor of that magazine. His successful directorial ventures written by him from 1991 on were ''[[Pavunnu Pavunuthan]]'', ''[[Sundara Kandam]]'', ''[[Raasukutti]] and'' ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]].'' He cast his son [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj]] as the child artist in ''Vaettiya Madichu Kattu'' in 1998 and the film dealt with the father-son relationship, this proved to be both a critical and financial disappointment capping an end to a string of continuous flops including ''[[Oru Oorla oru Rajakumari]], [[Gnanapazham]] and [[Mr. Bechara]] (1996).''
=== Last directions (2000–2010) ===
He took a break from acting as the lead hero in Tamil films after the release of the massive critical and commercial failure ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]].'' Instead, he directed the TV shows ''Neenga Nenaicha Saadhikkalanga'' and ''Idhu Oru Kadhayin Kadhai'' (for DD Podhigai), and appeared in ''Apapadi Podu'' on Jaya TV in this period. His tele-serial ''Rules Rangachari'' was very famous on DD channel and it completed 390 episodes. He wrote and directed the 2003 film ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'', starring [[Vijayakanth]]. He launched his daughter [[Saranya Bhagyaraj]] with ''[[Parijatham (2006 film)|Parijatham]]'', which he wrote and directed in 2006. He returned to acting with ''[[Something Something... Unakkum Enakkum]]'' and ''[[Rendu]]'' in a supporting role and with ''[[Kasu Irukkanum]]'' as the lead hero in 2007. In 2010, he directed his adult son [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj]] in the romantic film ''[[Siddhu +2]]''.


His successful Tamil films written by him continued to be in demand for Hindi remakes in the 1990s and were huge hits in Hindi – with ''Raasukutti'' remade as ''[[Raja Babu (film)|Raja Babu]]'', ''Sundara Kandam'' remade as ''[[Andaz (1994 film)|Andaz]]'' (1994) and ''Avasara Police 100'' remade into ''[[Gopi Kishan]]'', which were successful. He also wrote the script for the Tamil film ''[[Thaikulame Thaikulame]]'' (1995), starring [[Pandiarajan]], whose actor-director was not himself in Hindi, remade as ''[[Gharwali Baharwali]]''.<ref name="hindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/12/26/stories/2010122650140600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624024727/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/12/26/stories/2010122650140600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=News Archives:|date=2010-12-26|access-date=1 November 2015}}</ref>
===Matured roles (2011–present) ===
At the end of the 2010s, he acted in supporting roles such ''[[Appavi]]'' (2011) and ''[[Vaagai Sooda Vaa]]'' (2011). He ventured into Malayalam film as supporting actor with ''[[Mr. Marumakan]]'' (2012).


===End of directions (2000–2010) ===
He was the leading judge for the show ''[[Junior Super Star]]'' (2016) and ''[[Junior Super Stars (season 2)]]'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lyricsraag.com/zee-tamil-junior-super-star-2016-grand-finale-winner/|title = Zee Tamil Junior Super Star 2016 Grand Finale Winner|date = 17 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zee5.com/global/kids/kids-shows/junior-super-stars-season-2/0-6-598|title = Watch Junior Super Stars Season 2 Kids Show Online on ZEE5}}</ref>
He took a break from acting as the lead hero in Tamil films after the release of the massive critical and commercial failure ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]].'' Instead, he directed the TV shows ''Neenga Nenaicha Saadhikkalanga'' and ''Idhu Oru Kadhayin Kadhai'' (for DD Podhigai), and appeared in ''Apapadi Podu'' on Jaya TV in this period. His tele-serial ''Rules Rangachari'' was very famous on DD channel and it completed 390 episodes. He wrote and directed the 2003 film ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'', starring [[Vijayakanth]]. He launched his daughter [[Saranya Bhagyaraj]] with ''[[Parijatham (2006 film)|Parijatham]]'', which he wrote and directed in 2006. He returned to acting with ''[[Something Something... Unakkum Enakkum]]'' and ''[[Rendu]]'' in a supporting role and with ''[[Kasu Irukkanum]]'' as the lead hero in 2007. He directed his adult son [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj]] in the romantic film ''[[Siddhu +2]]'' in 2010.


===Later Years (2011–present) ===
He wrote books such as ''Vaanga Cinemavai Pattri Pesalam'', ''Neenga Nenaicha Saadikkalaam'' and ''Ungal Bhagyaraj'' in ''Kelvi Bhadhil'' (Five Parts).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eehibu.com/whoami/K.-Bhagyaraj|title = Kids Stories &#124; Panchatantra Stories for Kids &#124; Podupu Kathalu - Eenadu}}</ref>
At the end of the 2010s, he acted in supporting roles such ''[[Appavi]]'' (2011) and  ''[[Vaagai Sooda Vaa]]'' (2011). He ventured into Malayalam film as supporting actor with ''[[Mr. Marumakan]]'' (2012).
 
He appeared in action thriller films which went on to become commercial hits with ''[[Kanithan]]'' (2016) and  ''[[Thupparivaalan]]'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/kanithan-movie-review/article8287055.ece|title=Kanithan: For the most part, a punchy thriller|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 February 2016|last1=Rangan|first1=Baradwaj}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thupparivaalan-review-the-adventure-of-the-eccentric-bachelor/article19684814.ece|title = 'Thupparivaalan' review: The adventure of an eccentric bachelor|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 14 September 2017|last1 = Menon|first1 = Vishal}}</ref>
 
In 2020, he later acted in the legal drama film ''[[Ponmagal Vandhal]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2020/may/30/ponmagal-vandhal-review-this-courtroom-drama-about-big-issues-has-big-issues-2149770.html | title='Ponmagal Vandhal' review: This courtroom drama about big issues has big issues }}</ref> Bhagyaraj plays as grandfather with [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj|Shanthanu]] in the  adult comedy film ''[[Murungakkai Chips]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/murungakkai-chips-review-tamil-movie-25305 | title=Murungakkai Chips review. Murungakkai Chips Tamil movie review, story, rating }}</ref> In 2022, he starred in  ''[[Super Senior Heroes]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bhagyaraj-starrer-super-senior-heroes-hints-at-redefining-superhero-genre/articleshow/94880854.cms | title=Bhagyaraj-starrer 'Super Senior Heroes' hints at redefining Superhero genre | newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref>


He was the leading judge for the show ''[[Junior Super Star]]'' (2016) and ''[[Junior Super Stars (season 2)]]'' (2017).<ref>https://lyricsraag.com/zee-tamil-junior-super-star-2016-grand-finale-winner/</ref><ref>https://www.zee5.com/global/kids/kids-shows/junior-super-stars-season-2/0-6-598</ref>
== Politics ==
MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (MGR Popular Progressive Federation) was a political party in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]] launched by Bhagyaraj in February 1989. MGR MMK contested the 1991 [[Kerala]] assembly elections. It had one candidate, who got 87 votes. The MGR MMK party failed in its initial stages.<ref>{{cite news |title=Theatrics to politics: Tamil Nadu's story of a few hits and many misses |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/theatrics-to-politics-tamil-nadus-story-of-a-few-hits-and-many-misses/article10007040.ece |access-date=9 January 2019 |publisher=The Hindu Businessline |language=en}}</ref> Bhagyaraj later joined [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2006/04/05/actor-director-bhagyaraj-joins-dmk-1144224361.html|title = Actor-Director Bhagyaraj joins DMK|date = 5 April 2006}}</ref>


He wrote books such as ''Vaanga Cinemavai Pattri Pesalam'', ''Neenga Nenaicha Saadikkalaam'' and ''Ungal Bhagyaraj'' in ''Kelvi Bhadhil'' (Five Parts).<ref>http://www.eehibu.com/whoami/K.-Bhagyaraj</ref>
On April 5, 2006, Bhagyaraj joined the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] in the presence of the party president [[M. Karunanidhi]], and criticized the AIADMK general secretary [[Jayalalithaa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhagyaraj may return to AIADMK |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2012/feb/28/bhagyaraj-may-return-to-aiadmk-344381.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Later, he left DMK and remained as a spectator in politics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Arsath |date=2020-11-29 |title=அதிமுகவில் மீண்டும் இணைகிறாரா பாக்யராஜ்... பிரச்சாரத்துக்காக படை திரட்டப்படும் நட்சத்திர பட்டாளம்.! |url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/chennai/actor-bhagyaraj-will-rejoined-admk-404458.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=tamil.oneindia.com |language=ta}}</ref>


He appeared in action thriller films which went on to become commercial hits with ''[[Kanithan]]'' (2016) and ''[[Thupparivaalan]]'' (2017).<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/kanithan-movie-review/article8287055.ece</ref><ref>https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thupparivaalan-review-the-adventure-of-the-eccentric-bachelor/article19684814.ece</ref>
== Controversy ==
While speaking to the media at a press event for the film ''[[Karuthukalai Pathivu Sei]]'' in 2019, Bhagyaraj remarked that women invite males to sexually assault them and provide them the room to do so. He went on to ask, why males are usually blamed for crimes while women encourage them, apparently in relation with the Pollachi rape case. His misogynistic remarks drew widespread condemnation and opposition from the public, and several women's organisations demanded that he be prosecuted for them.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-01 |title=Panel summons K Bhagyaraj for misogynistic comment |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/011219/panel-summons-k-bhagyaraj-for-misogynistic-comment.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TK |first=Smitha |date=2019-11-26 |title=Women Let It (Rape) Happen, Don't Blame Only Men: Dir Bhagyaraj |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/cinema/actor-director-bhagyaraj-misogynistic-blame-women-rape-justified-adultery-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref> The Tamil Nadu Commission for Women has summoned him to appear before it.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Staff Reporter |date=2019-11-30 |title=TN State Commission for Women summons director Bhagyaraj over remarks on Pollachi rape case |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/director-bhagyaraj-summoned-over-remarks-on-sexual-crimes/article30121921.ece |access-date=2022-04-20 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
*''Note: All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
!NO
! rowspan=2 | Year
! rowspan=2 | Year
! rowspan=2 | Title
! rowspan=2 | Title
! rowspan=2 | Language
! colspan="2" | Credited as
! colspan=4 | Credited as
! rowspan=2 | Role
! rowspan=2 | Notes
! rowspan=2 | Notes
|-
|-
!
! width=65 | Director
! width=65 | Director
! width=65 | Producer
! width=65 | Writer
! width=65 | Writer
! width=65 | Actor
|-
|1
| 1977
| ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'' || [[Tamil language|Tamil]]|| ||  || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || Assistant director<br />Cameo appearance
|-
|2
| rowspan=2 |1978
| ''[[Kizhake Pogum Rail]]'' || Tamil|| || ||  || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| Ponnandi ||Assistant director<br />Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|3
|1978
| ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'' || Tamil|| || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| Waiter ||Cameo appearance
| ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
|-
|4
| rowspan=4 |1979
| rowspan=3 |1979
| ''[[Niram Maratha Pookal]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]'' || Tamil|| || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}||Shanmugakani  || Debut film as hero
|-
|-
|5
| ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Kanni Paruvathile]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|6
| ''[[Kanni Paruvathile]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Suvarilladha Chiththirangal]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || Debut film as director
|-
|-
|7
| ''[[Suvarilladha Chiththirangal]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| rowspan="4" |1980
| ''[[Bhama Rukmani]]'' || Tamil|| || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|8
| rowspan="3" |1980
| ''[[Oru Kai Oosai]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[Bhama Rukmani]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
|-
|9
| ''[[Oru Kai Oosai]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||Also producer
| ''[[Kumari Pennin Ullathile]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|10
|''[[Ilamai Kolam]]''
|[[Ilamai Kolam]]
|Tamil
|
|
|{{y}}
|
|
|
|style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}
|
|
|-
|-
|11
| rowspan="4" | 1981
| rowspan=4 | 1981
| ''[[Mouna Geethangal]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Mouna Geethangal]]'' ||  Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}||Kumar ||
|-
|-
|12
| ''[[Indru Poi Naalai Vaa]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Indru Poi Naalai Vaa]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|13
| ''[[Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|14
| ''[[Andha 7 Naatkal]]''|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
| ''[[Andha 7 Naatkal]]''|| Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|15
| rowspan=3|1982
| rowspan=3|1982
| ''[[Thooral Ninnu Pochu]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[Thooral Ninnu Pochu]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| ''[[Poi Satchi]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" |1983
| ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]
|-
| ''[[Saattai Illatha Pambaram]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||
|-
|1984
| ''[[Dhavani Kanavugal]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||Also producer
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1985
| ''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| ''[[Chinna Veedu]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1986
| ''[[Aakhree Raasta]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| [[Hindi]] film;<br />Remake of ''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]''
|-
| ''[[Kanna Thorakkanum Saami]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
|1987
| ''[[Enga Chinna Rasa]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| 1988
| ''[[Idhu Namma Aalu (1988 film)|Idhu Namma Aalu]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1989
| ''[[Aararo Aaariraro]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||Also producer
|-
|''[[Ponnu Pakka Poren]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| 1990
| ''[[Avasara Police 100]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1991
| ''[[Pavunnu Pavunuthan]]''|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||[[12th Cinema Express Awards|Cinema Express Award for Best Story Writer]]
|-
| ''[[Rudhra (film)|Rudhra]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" |1992
| ''[[Sundara Kandam]]''|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}||Also producer;
[[13th Cinema Express Awards|Cinema Express Award for Best Story Writer]]
|-
| ''[[Rasukutty]]''|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| 1994
| ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]]''|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" |1995
| ''[[Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari (film)|Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari]]''|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| ''[[Thaikulame Thaikulame]]''|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" |1996
| ''[[Mr. Bechara]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| Hindi film;<br />Remake of ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]]''
|-
| ''[[Gnanapazham]]''|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||
|-
| 1998
| ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]]''|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||Also producer
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2000
| ''[[Papa the Great]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || style="text-align:center;" |  {{y}} || Hindi film<br />Remake of ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]]''
|-
| ''[[Kabadi Kabadi (2001 film)|Kabadi Kabadi]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||
|-
|2003
| ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||25th Film (Director)
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Parijatham (2006 film)|Parijatham]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| Also producer
|-
| 2007
| ''Mudhal Mudhalai'' || || style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| Screenplay and dialogues only
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Siddhu +2]]'' || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| Also producer
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Magadheera|Maaveeran]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" |{{y}} || Dialogues only;<br />Tamil dubbed version of Telugu film ''[[Magadheera]]''
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Thunai Mudhalvar]]'' || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||
|-
|}
 
===Actor===
====Tamil films====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
|16
! Year
| ''[[Poi Satchi]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|-
|17
| 1977
| ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'' || style="text-align: center;"|''Unknown'' || Also assistant director<br />Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|18
|rowspan="2"|1978
| rowspan=2|1983
| ''[[Kizhake Pogum Rail]]'' || Ponnandi || Also assistant director<br />Cameo appearance
| ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]
|-
|-
|19
| ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]''  
| ''[[Saattai Illatha Pambaram]]'' || Tamil || || ||style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || || ||
| Waiter || Also assistant director<br />Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|20
| rowspan=3 |1979
| rowspan="4" |1984
| ''[[Puthiya Vaarpugal]]''  
| ''Mayadari Mogudu'' || Telugu || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || || ||
| Shanmugamani  || Debut film as hero
|-
|-
|21
| ''[[Kanni Paruvathile]]''  
| ''Oomai Janangal'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;"|  || style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| ||
| Cheenu
|
|-
| ''[[Suvarilladha Chiththirangal]]''
| Alagappan ||  
|-
|-
|22
| rowspan="3" |1980
| ''[[Anbulla Rajinikanth]]'' || Tamil|| || || || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}}|| || Cameo
| ''[[Bhama Rukmani]]''  
| Nandagopal ||
|-
|-
|23
| ''[[Oru Kai Oosai]]''
| ''[[Dhavani Kanavugal]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Chinna Pannai||
|-
|-
|24
| ''Kumari Pennin Ullathile'' || ||
| rowspan="3" | 1985
| ''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || ||
|-
|-
|25
| rowspan="4" | 1981
| ''[[Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985 film)|Naan Sigappu Manithan]]'' || Tamil|| || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[Mouna Geethangal]]''
| Kumar ||
|-
|-
|26
| ''[[Indru Poi Naalai Vaa]]''  
| ''[[Chinna Veedu]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Pazhanisamy ||
|-
|-
|27
| ''[[Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru]]''  
| rowspan="2" | 1986
| Raja ||
| ''[[Aakhree Raasta]]'' || Hindi || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || || Remake of Tamil film ''[[Oru Kaidhiyin Diary]]''
|-
|-
|28
| ''[[Andha 7 Naatkal]]''
| ''[[Kanna Thorakkanum Saami]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || ||
| Palakkad Madhavan ||
|-
|-
|29
| rowspan=3|1982
| rowspan="2" |1987
| ''[[Thooral Ninnu Pochu]]''  
| ''[[Enga Chinna Rasa]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Chellai Durai ||
|-
|-
|30
| ''[[Poi Satchi]]''  
| ''[[Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Vairavan ||
|-
|-
|31
| ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]''  
| 1988
| Raju ||
| ''[[Idhu Namma Aalu (1988 film)|Idhu Namma Aalu]]'' || Tamil|| || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || Also composer,<br>also singer for song "Pachaimalai Saamy"
|-
|-
|32
| 1983
| rowspan="3" | 1989
| ''[[Mundhanai Mudichu]]''  
| ''[[En Rathathin Rathame]]'' || Tamil|| || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Vaathiyar || [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]
|-
|-
|33
| rowspan="3"|1984 || ''Oomai Janangal''|| ||
| ''[[Aararo Aaariraro]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || Also composer
|-
|-
|34
| ''[[Anbulla Rajinikanth]]'' || Himself || Cameo
|''[[Ponnu Pakka Poren]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}
|  || || Also composer
|-
|-
|35
| ''[[Dhavani Kanavugal]]''  
| rowspan="1" | 1990
| Subramani ||
| ''[[Avasara Police 100]]'' ||Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||  ||
|-
|-
|36
|rowspan="2"|1985
| rowspan="2" | 1991
| ''[[Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985 film)|Naan Sigappu Manithan]]'' || CID Chinna Salem Singaram ||
| ''[[Pavunnu Pavunuthan]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || Also composer
|-
|-
|37
| ''[[Chinna Veedu]]''  
| ''[[Rudhra (film)|Rudhra]]'' ||Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Madanagopal ||
|-
|-
|38
| rowspan="2"|1987
| rowspan="2" |1992
| ''[[Enga Chinna Rasa]]''  
| ''[[Sundara Kandam]]''|| Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}||  ||
| Chinnarasu ||
|-
|-
|39
| ''[[Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu]]'' || Babu || Cameo appearance
| ''[[Amma Vandhachu]]''|| Tamil|| || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
| 1988
| ''[[Idhu Namma Aalu (1988 film)|Idhu Namma Aalu]]''
| Gopal ||
|-
|-
|40
| rowspan="2"|1989 || ''[[En Rathathin Rathame]]'' || Natesan ||  
| ''[[1992]]''|| ''[[Raasukutti]]''|| Tamil || style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}||  || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}||  ||
|-
|-
|41
| ''[[Aararo Aaariraro]]''  
| rowspan="1" | 1994
| Babu ||  
| ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]]'' ||Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|42
|rowspan="2"|1990||''Pattanamthan Pogalamadi'' || ||The song "Saamakozhi" picturised for shelved film ''[[Kavadi Sindhu]]'' was used in this film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-about-stopped-kavadi-sindhu-movie-and-non-stop-sounding-samakozhi-song-vin-jbr-756993.html|title=நின்றுபோன காவடி சிந்து படமும், நிற்காமல் ஒலிக்கும் சாமக்கோழி பாடலும்|date=10 June 2022|access-date=1 July 2025|website=News 18 Tamil}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |1995
| ''[[Oru Oorla oru Rajakumari]]''|| Tamil || style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" |{{y}}||  ||
|-
|-
|43
| ''[[Avasara Police 100]]''  
| ''[[Thaikulame Thaikulame]]''||Tamil ||  ||  || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||  ||  ||
| Ramu, Veerasamy Naidu || Dual role
|-
|-
|44
| rowspan="2" | 1991
| rowspan="2" |1996
| ''[[Pavunnu Pavunuthan]]''
| ''[[Mr. Bechara]]'' || Hindi || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || || Remake of Tamil film ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]]''
| Chinnu ||
|-
|-
|45
| ''[[Rudhra (film)|Rudhra]]''  
| ''[[Gnanapazham]]''|| Tamil||  ||  ||  || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}||  || Also Music composer
| Madurai ||
|-
|-
|46
| rowspan="3" |1992
| rowspan="1" | 1998
| ''[[Sundara Kandam]]''
| ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]]'' ||Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| Shanmugamani ||
|-
|-
|47
| ''[[Amma Vandhachu]]''|| Nandakumar ||
| rowspan="2" | 2000
| ''[[Papa the Great]]'' ||Hindi ||style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || Remake of Tamil film ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]]''
|-
|-
|48
| ''[[Rasukutty]]''
| ''[[Kabadi Kabadi (2001 film)|Kabadi Kabadi]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || ||
| Rasukutty ||
|-
|-
|49
| 1994
| 2003
| ''[[Veetla Visheshanga]]''
| ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'' ||Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || ||25th Film (Director)
| Gopal ||
|-
|-
|1995
| ''[[Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari (film)|Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari]]''
| Venkatasubramaniam  ||
|-
|-
|50
| 1996
| 2005
| ''[[Gnanapazham]]'' || Gnanasuryan ||  
| ''[[Radha Gopalam]]'' || Telugu || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| Lawyer || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|51
| 1998
| rowspan="3" | 2006
| ''[[Vaettiya Madichu Kattu]]''|| Jaiprakash ||
| ''[[Parijatham (2006 film)|Parijatham]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|52
| rowspan="3"|2006
| ''[[Something Something Unakkum Enakkum]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[Parijatham (2006 film)|Parijatham]]'' || Sampooranam ||
|-
|-
|53
|''[[Something Something Unakkum Enakkum]]'' || Krishnan ||
| ''[[Rendu]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|54
| ''[[Rendu]]'' || CBI Officer ||
| rowspan="2" | 2007
| ''Mudhal Mudhalai'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|55
| 2007 || ''[[Kasu Irukkanum]]'' || G. R. ||
| ''[[Kasu Irukkanum]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| G. R. ||
|-
|-
|56
| 2008
| 2008
| ''[[Maanavan Ninaithal]]'' ||Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| Raj ||
| ''[[Maanavan Ninaithal]]'' || Raj ||
|-
|-
|57
| 2009
| 2009
| ''[[Ninaithale Inikkum (2009 film)|Ninaithale Inikkum]]'' ||  Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[Ninaithale Inikkum (2009 film)|Ninaithale Inikkum]]'' ||  Pazhaniyappan ||
|-
|58
| rowspan="2" | 2010
| ''[[Uthamaputhiran (2010 film)|Uthamaputhiran]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|59
| ''[[Siddhu +2]]'' || Tamil || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|60
| rowspan="2"|2010 ||''[[Uthamaputhiran (2010 film)|Uthamaputhiran]]'' ||Raghuram (Washington Vetrivel) ||
| rowspan="3" | 2011
| ''[[Appavi]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
|-
|-
|61
| ''[[Siddhu +2]]'' || Himself || Cameo appearance
| ''[[Magadheera|Maaveeran]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| || || Dialogue writer<br />Tamil dubbed version of Telugu film ''[[Magadheera]]''
|-
|-
|62
| rowspan="2" | 2011
| ''[[Vaagai Sooda Vaa]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| ||
| ''[[Appavi]]'' || Ramasamy  ||
|-
|-
|63
| ''[[Vaagai Sooda Vaa]]'' || Annamalai ||
| 2012
| ''[[Mr. Marumakan]]'' ||[[Malayalam]]  || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| Balasubrahmanyam||
|-
|-
|64
| 2013
| 2013
| ''[[Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu]]'' || Tamil || || || ||style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}
| ''[[Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu]]'' ||  ||
|  ||
|-
|-
|65
| rowspan="2"|2014
| 2014
| ''[[Ninaithathu Yaaro]]'' || Himself || Cameo appearance
| ''[[Ninaithathu Yaaro]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Himself || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|66
| ''[[3 Geniuses]]'' || Professor Ramanujam || Malaysian film<ref name="2014bilinguals">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2016 |title=Bilingual movies and their double impact |work=Indulge Express |url=http://indulge.newindianexpress.com/double-impact/section/6903 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928085552/http://indulge.newindianexpress.com/double-impact/section/6903 |archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" | 2015
| ''[[Thunai Mudhalvar]]'' || Tamil || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Periyapaandi ||
|-
|-
|67
| 2015
| ''[[Moone Moonu Varthai]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Himself ||
| ''[[Moone Moonu Varthai]]'' || Himself ||
|-
|-
|68
| rowspan="2" | 2016
| rowspan="2" | 2016
| ''[[Kanithan]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  ||
| ''[[Kanithan]]'' || Gowtham's neighbor ||  
|-
|-
|69
| ''[[Vaaimai]]'' || ||  Cameo appearance
| ''[[Vaaimai]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|70
| rowspan="6" | 2017
| rowspan="6" | 2017
| ''[[Mupparimanam]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Himself || Cameo appearance
| ''[[Mupparimanam]]'' || Himself || Cameo appearance
|-
| ''[[Ayyanar Veethi]]'' || Subramania Sastry ||
|-
| ''[[Veruli]]'' || || Cameo appearance
|-
| ''[[Ivan Yarendru Therikiratha]]'' || Love Guru ||
|-
| ''[[Thupparivaalan]]'' ||  Muthu ||
|-
| ''[[Brahma.com]]'' ||  Gurukkal ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2018 || ''Kilambitaangayaa Kilambitaangayaa'' || Cop ||
|-
| ''[[Aaruthra]]'' || Avudaiappan ||
|-
| ''[[Koothan]]'' || ||
|-
|2020 || ''[[Ponmagal Vandhal]]'' ||  'Petition' Pethuraj ||
|-
|2021 || ''[[Murungakkai Chips]]'' ||  Arjun's grandfather ||
|-
|2022 || ''[[Super Senior Heroes]]'' ||  Ganeshan ||Direct television release in Sun TV
|-
|rowspan="5"|2023 || ''[[Dada (2023 film)|Dada]]'' || Manikandan's father ||
|-
| ''[[Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam]]'' || Kaluvan ||
|-
| ''[[3.6.9]]'' || Father Benet Castro ||
|-
| ''Moondram Manithan'' || Police investigator ||
|-
| ''Sarakku'' || Lawyer Parasuraman || Cameo appearance
|-
| 2024 || ''[[PT Sir]]'' || Judge || Cameo appearance
|-
|rowspan="5"| 2025 || ''Enai Sudum Pani'' || Karunakaran ||
|-
| ''Aandavan'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Kuberaa]]'' || Sadhu || Bilingual film; simultaneously shot in Telugu
|-
| ''Antha 7 Naatkal'' || ||
|-
| ''BP 180'' || Lingam ||
|}
 
====Telugu films====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
|71
! Year
| ''[[Ayyanar Veethi]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  Subramania Sastry ||
! Title
! Role
! Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{refh}}
|-
|-
|72
| ''[[Veruli]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  ||
|-
|-
|73
| 2003 || ''[[Avuna]]'' || || Cameo appearance
| ''[[Ivan Yarendru Therikiratha]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}}|| Love Guru ||
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Poornima |date=28 June 2003 |title=Bhagyaraj's Telugu debut |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/28south.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190930131808/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/28south.htm |archive-date=30 September 2019 |access-date=30 September 2019 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|74
| 2004
| ''[[Thupparivaalan]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Muthu ||
| ''Mee Intikoste Em Istaaru Maa Intkoste Em Testaaru''
| ||  
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-mieimiet.html|title = Telugu cinema Review - Mee Intikoste Em Istaavu Maa Intkoste Em Testaavu - Aditya Om, Sangeeta}}</ref>
|-
|-
|75
|2012
| ''[[Brahma.com]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Gurukkal ||
| ''[[Mem Vayasuku Vacham]]'' || Subramanyam ||  
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/review-mem-vayasuku-vacham-routine-love-story.html|title=Review : Mem Vayasuku Vacham – Routine Love Story|date=23 June 2012}}</ref>
|-
|-
|76
|2015 || ''[[Red Alert (2015 film)|Red Alert]]'' || || Cameo appearance || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-details/red-alert/movieshow/61284024.cms|title=Red Alert Movie: Showtimes, Review, Songs, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos &#124; eTimes|via=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" | 2018
| ''Kilambitaangayaa Kilambitaangayaa'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  ||
|-
|-
|77
| 2019 || ''[[Sita (2019 film)|Sita]]'' || Vasanthavada  Anand Mohan  
| ''[[Aaruthra]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || ||
|
|-
|-
|78
| 2024 || ''[[35 (film)|35]]'' || Principal Bucchi Reddy ||
| ''[[Koothan]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  ||
| <ref>{{cite news |title=Nivetha Thomas' 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu locks a new release date, deets inside |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/nivetha-thomas-35-chinna-katha-kaadu-locks-a-new-release-date-deets-inside/0c7d6f96c0445 |work=www.ottplay.com |date=25 August 2024}}</ref>
|-
|-
|79
|2025
|2019 || ''[[Sita (2019 film)|Sita]]'' || Telugu || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} || Anand Mohan  ||
|''[[Kuberaa]]''
|Sadhu
|
|}
 
====Other language films====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role !! Language
! Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{refh}}
|-
|-
| 2012
| ''[[Mr. Marumakan]]'' || Balasubrahmanyam|| [[Malayalam]] ||
|
|-
|-
|80
| rowspan="2"|2015 || ''[[Red Alert (2015 film)|Red Alert]]'' || || [[Kannada]] || rowspan="2"|Cameo appearance || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chiloka.com/movie/red-alert-2015|title=Red Alert (2015) Kannada movie: Cast & Crew|website=chiloka.com}}</ref>
|2020 || ''[[Ponmagal Vandhal]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  'Petition' Pethuraj ||
|-
|-
|81
| ''High Alert'' || || Malayalam || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2015/Aug/11/anjana-menon-playing-a-tough-cop-797698.html|title=Anjana Menon Playing a Tough Cop|first=Aswathy|last=K|date=11 August 2015|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
|2021 || ''[[Murungakkai Chips]]'' || Tamil || || || || style="text-align:center;" | {{y}} ||  || Filming
|-
|-
|}
|}


===Television===
===Television===
;As judge
;Serials
*[[Junior Super Star]]
{| class="wikitable"
*[[Junior Super Stars (season 2)]]
|-
*Comedy stars season 2 (Malayalam Show)
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Channel
! Language
! Notes
|-
|rowspan="3"| 2020||''[[Chithi 2]]''||rowspan="3"| Himself||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||rowspan="4"| [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||rowspan="4"| Cameo Appearance
|-
|''Raja Rani''||rowspan="2"| [[Star Vijay]]
|-
|''[[Senthoora Poove (TV series)|Senthoora Poove]]''
|-
|2022||''Vidhya No.1''||Judge Subramani Vathiyar||[[Zee Tamil]]
|}


;As actor
;Shows
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="background:#ccc;"| Year
! Year
! style="background:#ccc;"| Title
! Title
! style="background:#ccc;"| Role
! Role
! style="background:#ccc;"| Channel
! Channel
! style="background:#ccc;"| Notes
! Language
! Notes
|-
|2014||''[[Ninaithale Inikkum (talk show)|Ninaithale Inikkum]]''||rowspan="2"| Guest||[[Vendhar TV]]||rowspan="2"| [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
|-
|2015||''[[Koffee with DD|Koffee With DD]]''||[[Star Vijay|Vijay TV]]||Along with [[Poornima Bhagyaraj|Poornima]] and [[Pandiarajan]]
|-
|2016||''[[Junior Super Star]]''||rowspan="2"| Judge||rowspan="2"| [[Zee Tamil]]||rowspan="2"| [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
|-
|2017||''[[Junior Super Stars (season 2)|Junior Super Star 2]]''||
|-
|2019||''Comedy Stars Season 2''||Guest||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]||[[Malayalam]]||rowspan="2"| Along with [[Poornima Bhagyaraj|Poornima]]
|-
|2020||''[[Kodeeswari]]''||Contestant||[[Colors Tamil]]||rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|-
|2022||''Super Queen''||Guest||[[Zee Tamil]]||
|}
 
== Discography ==
*''Note: All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.''
===As composer===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan=2 | Year
! rowspan=2 | Title
! rowspan=2 | Notes
|-
 
|-
| 1988
| ''[[Idhu Namma Aalu (1988 film)|Idhu Namma Aalu]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1989
| ''[[Aararo Aaariraro]]'' ||
|-
|-
|2020||[[Chithi – 2|Chithi 2]]||Himself  ||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||Cameo Appearance
|''[[Ponnu Pakka Poren]]'' ||
|-
|-
|2020||Kodeeswari||Participant||[[Colors Tamil]]||Along with [[Poornima Bhagyaraj]]
| 1991
| ''[[Pavunnu Pavunuthan]]''||
|-
|-
|2020||[[Raja Rani (TV series)|Raja Rani]] Season 2||Himself||rowspan=2|[[Star Vijay]]||rowspan=2|Cameo Appearance
|1996
| ''[[Gnanapazham]]''||
|-
|-
|2020||[[Senthoora Poove (TV series)|Senthoora Poove]]||Himself
|}
|}


== Politics ==
===As playback singer===
MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (MGR Popular Progressive Federation) was a [[political party]] in the [[India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]] launched by Bhagyaraj in February 1989. MGR MMK contested the 1991 [[Kerala]] assembly elections. It had one candidate, who got 87 votes. The MGR MMK party failed in its initial stages.<ref>{{cite news |title=Theatrics to politics: Tamil Nadu's story of a few hits and many misses |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/theatrics-to-politics-tamil-nadus-story-of-a-few-hits-and-many-misses/article10007040.ece |access-date=9 January 2019 |publisher=The Hindu Businessline |language=en}}</ref> Bhagyaraj later joined [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]].<ref>https://www.oneindia.com/2006/04/05/actor-director-bhagyaraj-joins-dmk-1144224361.html</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Song
! Composer
! Notes
|-
|1988 ||''Idhu Namma Aalu'' ||"Pachamala Saami"|| rowspan="3" |K. Bhagyaraj||
|-
|1989||''Ponnu Paaka Poren''||"Yerapooti"||
|-
|1989 ||''Aararo Aariraro'' ||"Ellarumae Loosungathan"||
|-
|}


== References ==
== References ==
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* {{IMDb name|0080180}}
* {{IMDb name|0080180}}
* [https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19840215-k.-bhagyaraj-the-reigning-king-in-the-world-of-madras-film-hollywood-802749-1984-02-15 India Today – K. Bhagyaraj; The reigning king in the world of Madras film Hollywood]
* [https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19840215-k.-bhagyaraj-the-reigning-king-in-the-world-of-madras-film-hollywood-802749-1984-02-15 India Today – K. Bhagyaraj; The reigning king in the world of Madras film Hollywood]
{{FilmfareTamilBestActor}}
{{K. Bhagyaraj}}{{SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award}}{{FilmfareTamilBestActor}}{{Authority control}}
{{K. Bhagyaraj}}
 
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhagyaraj, K.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhagyaraj, K.}}
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[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian screenwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:People from Gobichettipalayam]]
[[Category:People from Gobichettipalayam]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
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[[Category:Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:People from Erode district]]
[[Category:People from Erode district]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]
[[Category:Tamil television writers]]

Revision as of 10:35, 2 March 2026


K. Bhagyaraj
Bhagyaraj in 2014
Born
Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj

(1953-01-07) 7 January 1953 (age 73)
Vellankoil, Coimbatore, Madras State, India (present-day Erode District)
Occupation
  • Film director
  • Screenwriter
  • Actor
  • Composer
  • Film producer
  • Politician
Years active1977–present
Spouse(s)
​
(
m. 1981; her death 1983)
(
m. 1984)
[1][2]
Children2, including Shanthanu

Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj (born 7 January 1953) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, composer, film producer and politician active mainly in Tamil films. He has also written and directed Hindi remakes of his Tamil films and TV serials. As an actor, he has worked in more than 75 films and has directed more than 25 films. He won a Filmfare Best Actor Award for Mundhanai Mudichu (1983). He received Lifetime Achievement Award in SIIMA (2014).[3] He is the editor of weekly magazine Bhagya and has also written several novels.

Personal life

Bhagyaraj was born on 7 January 1953 in Vellankoil near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district in Tamil Nadu.[4] He married twice. His first marriage was with actress Praveena, in 1981. She died due to an aggravated case of jaundice in August 1983. His second marriage was with actress Poornima Jayaram, who was his co-star in Darling, Darling, Darling (1982),[5] on 7 February 1984. The couple has a daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj[6] (who starred in Parijatham (2006)[7] and Photographer (2006)[8]) and a son Shanthnu Bhagyaraj.[9]

Film career

Early years (1977–1979)

Beginning his career as an assistant to directors G. Ramakrishnan and Bharathiraja, Bhagyaraj became recognised for his scriptwriting talent.[10] He first appeared as a junior artist playing small supporting roles with screen-space of not more than three minutes in films such as 16 Vayathinile (1977) and later appeared similarly in Sigappu Rojakkal (1978). He was assistant director to Bharathiraja in two films – 16 Vayathinile and Kizhakke Pogum Rail. Among his early work was writing the script for Bharathiraja's films Kizhake Pogum Rail (1978) and Tik Tik Tik (1981), and writing dialogues for Sigappu Rojakkal. He made his directorial début with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal in 1979 and also his debut as the leading man in Puthiya Vaarpugal, directed by Bharathiraja. He received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer in Puthiya Vaarpugal (1979). He wrote dialogues and screenplay and acted in Kanni Paruvathile (1979).

Rise to stardom (1980–1999)

He quickly established his own concern and started producing a string of distinctive films made mainly in the Tamil language. Bhagyaraj often cast himself in the lead roles of the films he scripted and directed, effectively carving out a niche for himself in the actor-auteur vein. His style of filmmaking is notable for its relatively elaborate, witty, and double entendre-laced script and socially-themed framework. His on-screen personae are typically characterised by their ironic sense of humour and intelligent bravado.[11]

He introduced actress Urvashi in the Tamil film Mundhanai Mudichu (1983) and Kalpana (sister of Urvashi) made her debut with the 1985 film Chinna Veedu, directed by Bhagyaraj, a commercially successful film. He received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil in Mundhanai Mudichu. He became nationally famous when he wrote the script for Mundhanai Mudichu remade in Hindi as Masterji with Rajesh Khanna in the lead role, which was huge success at the box office.

He rarely acted in films not directed or written by him, with exceptions being Anbulla Rajinikanth (1984) and Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985). He decided to direct the Hindi remake of Bharatiraja's 1984 directorial venture Oru Kaidhiyin Diary with Rajesh Khanna in the lead in 1985, but later Khanna due to his date issues had to opt out and Bhagyaraj cast Amitabh Bachchan in the Hindi remake Aakhree Raasta (1986). Bhagayraj decided to remake the classic old Kannada film Mallammana Pavada, starring Rajkumar and B Saroja Devi into a new Tamil film Enga Chinna Rasa in 1987, which became a huge blockbuster. In 1988, he wrote the script for Idhu Namma Aalu and decided to produce it, but chose not to direct it by himself, as he wanted to act-write-direct a film on a serious issue, which was Aararo Aaariraro. He received the Best Film Award for Idhu Namma Aalu in 1990, directed by Balakumar, whereas the other film Aararo Aaariraro also was both critically acclaimed and successful at box office.

From 1991, he gradually started accepting more acting offers as a lead hero, where director-producer-scriptwriter would be three different people, rather than he himself writing-directing-acting in his films. Rudhra, Amma Vanthachu, Gnanapazham and Suyamvaram were such successful films where he was involved only in the capacity of actor. He also started the weekly magazine "Bhagya" and he is the editor of that magazine. His successful directorial ventures written by him from 1991 on were Pavunnu Pavunuthan, Sundara Kandam, Raasukutti and Veetla Visheshanga. He cast his son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj as the child artist in Vaettiya Madichu Kattu in 1998 and the film dealt with the father-son relationship, this proved to be both a critical and financial disappointment capping an end to a string of continuous flops including Oru Oorla oru Rajakumari, Gnanapazham and Mr. Bechara (1996).

His successful Tamil films written by him continued to be in demand for Hindi remakes in the 1990s and were huge hits in Hindi – with Raasukutti remade as Raja Babu, Sundara Kandam remade as Andaz (1994) and Avasara Police 100 remade into Gopi Kishan, which were successful. He also wrote the script for the Tamil film Thaikulame Thaikulame (1995), starring Pandiarajan, whose actor-director was not himself in Hindi, remade as Gharwali Baharwali.[12]

Last directions (2000–2010)

He took a break from acting as the lead hero in Tamil films after the release of the massive critical and commercial failure Vaettiya Madichu Kattu. Instead, he directed the TV shows Neenga Nenaicha Saadhikkalanga and Idhu Oru Kadhayin Kadhai (for DD Podhigai), and appeared in Apapadi Podu on Jaya TV in this period. His tele-serial Rules Rangachari was very famous on DD channel and it completed 390 episodes. He wrote and directed the 2003 film Chokka Thangam, starring Vijayakanth. He launched his daughter Saranya Bhagyaraj with Parijatham, which he wrote and directed in 2006. He returned to acting with Something Something... Unakkum Enakkum and Rendu in a supporting role and with Kasu Irukkanum as the lead hero in 2007. In 2010, he directed his adult son Shanthanu Bhagyaraj in the romantic film Siddhu +2.

Matured roles (2011–present)

At the end of the 2010s, he acted in supporting roles such Appavi (2011) and Vaagai Sooda Vaa (2011). He ventured into Malayalam film as supporting actor with Mr. Marumakan (2012).

He was the leading judge for the show Junior Super Star (2016) and Junior Super Stars (season 2) (2017).[13][14]

He wrote books such as Vaanga Cinemavai Pattri Pesalam, Neenga Nenaicha Saadikkalaam and Ungal Bhagyaraj in Kelvi Bhadhil (Five Parts).[15]

He appeared in action thriller films which went on to become commercial hits with Kanithan (2016) and Thupparivaalan (2017).[16][17]

In 2020, he later acted in the legal drama film Ponmagal Vandhal.[18] Bhagyaraj plays as grandfather with Shanthanu in the adult comedy film Murungakkai Chips.[19] In 2022, he starred in Super Senior Heroes.[20]

Politics

MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (MGR Popular Progressive Federation) was a political party in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu launched by Bhagyaraj in February 1989. MGR MMK contested the 1991 Kerala assembly elections. It had one candidate, who got 87 votes. The MGR MMK party failed in its initial stages.[21] Bhagyaraj later joined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.[22]

On April 5, 2006, Bhagyaraj joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the presence of the party president M. Karunanidhi, and criticized the AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa.[23] Later, he left DMK and remained as a spectator in politics.[24]

Controversy

While speaking to the media at a press event for the film Karuthukalai Pathivu Sei in 2019, Bhagyaraj remarked that women invite males to sexually assault them and provide them the room to do so. He went on to ask, why males are usually blamed for crimes while women encourage them, apparently in relation with the Pollachi rape case. His misogynistic remarks drew widespread condemnation and opposition from the public, and several women's organisations demanded that he be prosecuted for them.[25][26] The Tamil Nadu Commission for Women has summoned him to appear before it.[27]

Filmography

  • Note: All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
Year Title Credited as Notes
Director Writer
1978 Sigappu Rojakkal Green tickY
1979 Niram Maratha Pookal Green tickY
Puthiya Vaarpugal Green tickY
Kanni Paruvathile Green tickY
Suvarilladha Chiththirangal Green tickY Green tickY
1980 Bhama Rukmani Green tickY
Oru Kai Oosai Green tickY Green tickY Also producer
Ilamai Kolam Green tickY
1981 Mouna Geethangal Green tickY Green tickY
Indru Poi Naalai Vaa Green tickY Green tickY
Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru Green tickY Green tickY
Andha 7 Naatkal Green tickY Green tickY
1982 Thooral Ninnu Pochu Green tickY Green tickY
Poi Satchi Green tickY Green tickY
Darling, Darling, Darling Green tickY Green tickY
1983 Mundhanai Mudichu Green tickY Green tickY Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil
Saattai Illatha Pambaram Green tickY
1984 Dhavani Kanavugal Green tickY Green tickY Also producer
1985 Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Green tickY
Chinna Veedu Green tickY Green tickY
1986 Aakhree Raasta Green tickY Green tickY Hindi film;
Remake of Oru Kaidhiyin Diary
Kanna Thorakkanum Saami Green tickY
1987 Enga Chinna Rasa Green tickY Green tickY
1988 Idhu Namma Aalu Green tickY
1989 Aararo Aaariraro Green tickY Green tickY Also producer
Ponnu Pakka Poren Green tickY
1990 Avasara Police 100 Green tickY Green tickY
1991 Pavunnu Pavunuthan Green tickY Green tickY Cinema Express Award for Best Story Writer
Rudhra Green tickY
1992 Sundara Kandam Green tickY Green tickY Also producer;

Cinema Express Award for Best Story Writer

Rasukutty Green tickY Green tickY
1994 Veetla Visheshanga Green tickY Green tickY
1995 Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari Green tickY Green tickY
Thaikulame Thaikulame Green tickY
1996 Mr. Bechara Green tickY Green tickY Hindi film;
Remake of Veetla Visheshanga
Gnanapazham Green tickY
1998 Vaettiya Madichu Kattu Green tickY Green tickY Also producer
2000 Papa the Great Green tickY Green tickY Hindi film
Remake of Vaettiya Madichu Kattu
Kabadi Kabadi Green tickY
2003 Chokka Thangam Green tickY Green tickY 25th Film (Director)
2006 Parijatham Green tickY Green tickY Also producer
2007 Mudhal Mudhalai Green tickY Screenplay and dialogues only
2010 Siddhu +2 Green tickY Green tickY Also producer
2011 Maaveeran Green tickY Dialogues only;
Tamil dubbed version of Telugu film Magadheera
2015 Thunai Mudhalvar Green tickY

Actor

Tamil films

Year Title Role Notes
1977 16 Vayathinile Unknown Also assistant director
Cameo appearance
1978 Kizhake Pogum Rail Ponnandi Also assistant director
Cameo appearance
Sigappu Rojakkal Waiter Also assistant director
Cameo appearance
1979 Puthiya Vaarpugal Shanmugamani Debut film as hero
Kanni Paruvathile Cheenu
Suvarilladha Chiththirangal Alagappan
1980 Bhama Rukmani Nandagopal
Oru Kai Oosai Chinna Pannai
Kumari Pennin Ullathile
1981 Mouna Geethangal Kumar
Indru Poi Naalai Vaa Pazhanisamy
Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru Raja
Andha 7 Naatkal Palakkad Madhavan
1982 Thooral Ninnu Pochu Chellai Durai
Poi Satchi Vairavan
Darling, Darling, Darling Raju
1983 Mundhanai Mudichu Vaathiyar Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil
1984 Oomai Janangal
Anbulla Rajinikanth Himself Cameo
Dhavani Kanavugal Subramani
1985 Naan Sigappu Manithan CID Chinna Salem Singaram
Chinna Veedu Madanagopal
1987 Enga Chinna Rasa Chinnarasu
Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu Babu Cameo appearance
1988 Idhu Namma Aalu Gopal
1989 En Rathathin Rathame Natesan
Aararo Aaariraro Babu
1990 Pattanamthan Pogalamadi The song "Saamakozhi" picturised for shelved film Kavadi Sindhu was used in this film.[28]
Avasara Police 100 Ramu, Veerasamy Naidu Dual role
1991 Pavunnu Pavunuthan Chinnu
Rudhra Madurai
1992 Sundara Kandam Shanmugamani
Amma Vandhachu Nandakumar
Rasukutty Rasukutty
1994 Veetla Visheshanga Gopal
1995 Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari Venkatasubramaniam
1996 Gnanapazham Gnanasuryan
1998 Vaettiya Madichu Kattu Jaiprakash
2006 Parijatham Sampooranam
Something Something Unakkum Enakkum Krishnan
Rendu CBI Officer
2007 Kasu Irukkanum G. R.
2008 Maanavan Ninaithal Raj
2009 Ninaithale Inikkum Pazhaniyappan
2010 Uthamaputhiran Raghuram (Washington Vetrivel)
Siddhu +2 Himself Cameo appearance
2011 Appavi Ramasamy
Vaagai Sooda Vaa Annamalai
2013 Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu
2014 Ninaithathu Yaaro Himself Cameo appearance
3 Geniuses Professor Ramanujam Malaysian film[29]
2015 Moone Moonu Varthai Himself
2016 Kanithan Gowtham's neighbor
Vaaimai Cameo appearance
2017 Mupparimanam Himself Cameo appearance
Ayyanar Veethi Subramania Sastry
Veruli Cameo appearance
Ivan Yarendru Therikiratha Love Guru
Thupparivaalan Muthu
Brahma.com Gurukkal
2018 Kilambitaangayaa Kilambitaangayaa Cop
Aaruthra Avudaiappan
Koothan
2020 Ponmagal Vandhal 'Petition' Pethuraj
2021 Murungakkai Chips Arjun's grandfather
2022 Super Senior Heroes Ganeshan Direct television release in Sun TV
2023 Dada Manikandan's father
Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam Kaluvan
3.6.9 Father Benet Castro
Moondram Manithan Police investigator
Sarakku Lawyer Parasuraman Cameo appearance
2024 PT Sir Judge Cameo appearance
2025 Enai Sudum Pani Karunakaran
Aandavan
Kuberaa Sadhu Bilingual film; simultaneously shot in Telugu
Antha 7 Naatkal
BP 180 Lingam

Telugu films

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2003 Avuna Cameo appearance [30]
2004 Mee Intikoste Em Istaaru Maa Intkoste Em Testaaru [31]
2012 Mem Vayasuku Vacham Subramanyam [32]
2015 Red Alert Cameo appearance [33]
2019 Sita Vasanthavada Anand Mohan
2024 35 Principal Bucchi Reddy [34]
2025 Kuberaa Sadhu

Other language films

Year Title Role Language Notes Ref.
2012 Mr. Marumakan Balasubrahmanyam Malayalam
2015 Red Alert Kannada Cameo appearance [35]
High Alert Malayalam [36]

Television

Serials
Year Title Role Channel Language Notes
2020 Chithi 2 Himself Sun TV Tamil Cameo Appearance
Raja Rani Star Vijay
Senthoora Poove
2022 Vidhya No.1 Judge Subramani Vathiyar Zee Tamil
Shows
Year Title Role Channel Language Notes
2014 Ninaithale Inikkum Guest Vendhar TV Tamil
2015 Koffee With DD Vijay TV Along with Poornima and Pandiarajan
2016 Junior Super Star Judge Zee Tamil Tamil
2017 Junior Super Star 2
2019 Comedy Stars Season 2 Guest Asianet Malayalam Along with Poornima
2020 Kodeeswari Contestant Colors Tamil Tamil
2022 Super Queen Guest Zee Tamil

Discography

  • Note: All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.

As composer

Year Title Notes
1988 Idhu Namma Aalu
1989 Aararo Aaariraro
Ponnu Pakka Poren
1991 Pavunnu Pavunuthan
1996 Gnanapazham

As playback singer

Year Film Song Composer Notes
1988 Idhu Namma Aalu "Pachamala Saami" K. Bhagyaraj
1989 Ponnu Paaka Poren "Yerapooti"
1989 Aararo Aariraro "Ellarumae Loosungathan"

References

  1. ↑ "Here's how Poornima and Bhagyaraj celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary". The Times of India. 8 February 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  2. ↑ "Heroines who fell for their directors". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  3. ↑ "SIIMA Awards 2014 Tamil winners list". The Times of India.
  4. ↑ Shridaran, J. R. (16 January 2017). "Making Telugu film is Bhagyaraj's dream". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 November 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2024. Mr. Bhagyaraj, much to the surprise of all, said that his forefathers belonged to Andhra Pradesh and they migrated to Tamil Nadu long back
  5. ↑ "K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat". Telugucinema.com. 12 June 2010. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  6. ↑ "Nayanthara to Khushbu Sundar: Top Kollywood heroines who fell in love with their directors". 13 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  7. ↑ "Parijatham review – A whiff of fresh air – scented Parijatham!!".
  8. ↑ "Photographer". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 January 2022.
  9. ↑ tabloid!, Mythily Ramachandran, Special to (25 March 2020). "Tamil director K Bhagyaraj, son Shantanu in rom-com". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ↑ "Stars : Star Interviews : K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat". Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  11. ↑ "Bhagyaraj Biography | Bhagyaraj Girlfriend, Wife, Family & Net Worth - FilmiBeat". www.filmibeat.com.
  12. ↑ "News Archives". The Hindu. 26 December 2010. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  13. ↑ "Zee Tamil Junior Super Star 2016 Grand Finale Winner". 17 December 2016.
  14. ↑ "Watch Junior Super Stars Season 2 Kids Show Online on ZEE5".
  15. ↑ "Kids Stories | Panchatantra Stories for Kids | Podupu Kathalu - Eenadu".
  16. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (27 February 2016). "Kanithan: For the most part, a punchy thriller". The Hindu.
  17. ↑ Menon, Vishal (14 September 2017). "'Thupparivaalan' review: The adventure of an eccentric bachelor". The Hindu.
  18. ↑ "'Ponmagal Vandhal' review: This courtroom drama about big issues has big issues".
  19. ↑ "Murungakkai Chips review. Murungakkai Chips Tamil movie review, story, rating".
  20. ↑ "Bhagyaraj-starrer 'Super Senior Heroes' hints at redefining Superhero genre". The Times of India.
  21. ↑ "Theatrics to politics: Tamil Nadu's story of a few hits and many misses". The Hindu Businessline. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
  22. ↑ "Actor-Director Bhagyaraj joins DMK". 5 April 2006.
  23. ↑ "Bhagyaraj may return to AIADMK". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  24. ↑ Kan, Arsath (29 November 2020). "அதிமுகவில் மீண்டும் இணைகிறாரா பாக்யராஜ்... பிரச்சாரத்துக்காக படை திரட்டப்படும் நட்சத்திர பட்டாளம்.!". tamil.oneindia.com (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  25. ↑ "Panel summons K Bhagyaraj for misogynistic comment". Deccan Chronicle. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  26. ↑ TK, Smitha (26 November 2019). "Women Let It (Rape) Happen, Don't Blame Only Men: Dir Bhagyaraj". TheQuint. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  27. ↑ Staff Reporter (30 November 2019). "TN State Commission for Women summons director Bhagyaraj over remarks on Pollachi rape case". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  28. ↑ "நின்றுபோன காவடி சிந்து படமும், நிற்காமல் ஒலிக்கும் சாமக்கோழி பாடலும்". News 18 Tamil. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  29. ↑ "Bilingual movies and their double impact". Indulge Express. 28 September 2016. Archived from the original on 28 September 2016.
  30. ↑ Poornima (28 June 2003). "Bhagyaraj's Telugu debut". Rediff.com. Retrieved 30 September 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  31. ↑ "Telugu cinema Review - Mee Intikoste Em Istaavu Maa Intkoste Em Testaavu - Aditya Om, Sangeeta".
  32. ↑ "Review : Mem Vayasuku Vacham – Routine Love Story". 23 June 2012.
  33. ↑ "Red Alert Movie: Showtimes, Review, Songs, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos | eTimes" – via timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
  34. ↑ "Nivetha Thomas' 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu locks a new release date, deets inside". www.ottplay.com. 25 August 2024.
  35. ↑ "Red Alert (2015) Kannada movie: Cast & Crew". chiloka.com.
  36. ↑ K, Aswathy (11 August 2015). "Anjana Menon Playing a Tough Cop". The New Indian Express.

External links

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