Tamil actor and filmmaker Manoj Bharathiraja passed away on Tuesday in Chennai due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 48. As the son of the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, Manoj’s sudden loss has profoundly affected the Tamil film community.

His final rites took place at his home, where numerous industry colleagues came to express their condolences. Among the first attendees was actor Vijay, who arrived on Wednesday.

In recently circulated videos, Vijay was seen placing a garland on Manoj’s remains and standing in solemn silence before departing with a heavy heart.

நேற்று மறைந்த நடிகரும், இயக்குனருமான மனோஜுக்கு இறுதி மரியாதை செலுத்திய நடிகரும், தவெக தலைவருமான விஜய்.#RIPManoj #RIPManojBharathiraja #Vijay pic.twitter.com/llYDmbN4SK
— Actor Kayal Devaraj (@kayaldevaraj) March 26, 2025

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan also shared his sorrow, describing Manoj’s death as a tremendous shock. He expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Manoj Bharathiraja’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to Bharathiraja sir, his family, and friends during this challenging time.”

நடிகரும் எனது ஆத்ம நண்பர் இயக்குனர் பாரதிராஜாவின் புதல்வனுமான மனோஜ் பாரதிராஜா மறைந்த செய்தி அறிந்து மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியும் வருத்தமும் அடைந்தேன். தனது அருமை மகனை இழந்து வாடும் பாரதிராஜா அவர்களுக்கும், அவரது குடும்பத்தாருக்கும், நண்பர்களுக்கும் எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலைத்…
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) March 25, 2025

Other notable industry figures also paid tribute. Music composer Ilaiyaraaja, director Venkat Prabhu, and actor-politician Khushbu Sundar expressed their condolences. Venkat Prabhu shared a photo of Manoj with friends, calling the news “unbelievable.”

Really shocking to hear the news.. can’t believe u r no more my brother #manoj gone toooo soon… deepest condolences to @offBharathiraja uncle family and friends may ur soul RIP #RIPmanoj #ManojBharthiraja pic.twitter.com/XebSFgKcYF
— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) March 25, 2025

Khushbu, also taken aback, remarked, “Extremely shocked… He was just 48. May Bharathiraja sir and his family find the strength to endure this irreplaceable loss.”

Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore. His untimely demise pains. He was just 48 years. May God give the strength to his father Thiru #Bharathiraaja avl and his family to overcome this unbearable painful loss. You will be missed, Manoj.
Rest in peace.
Om… pic.twitter.com/Cu3lApdsiE
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) March 25, 2025

Manoj launched his acting career in 1999 with ‘Taj Mahal’, directed by his father. Throughout his career, he made a mark with memorable performances in films such as ‘Samudhiram’ (2001), ‘Kadal Pookkal’ (2001), ‘Alli Arjuna’ (2002), ‘Eera Nilam’ (2003), and more recently, ‘Maanaadu’ (2021) and ‘Viruman’ (2022). Before his foray into acting, he worked as an assistant director on various projects, including ‘Final Cut of Director’ (2016). Manoj’s unexpected death has created a significant void in the industry.
Also Read: Manoj Bharathiraja passes away at 48, Tamil cinema mourns