Periyamayathevar Bharathiraja wass an Indian filmmaker who works mainly in the Tamil film industry. He made his debut in 16 Vayathinile (1977) and was known for realistic and sensitive portrayal of village-life in his films. As of 2015, he has won six National Film Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and was also a recipient of other awards such as three Filmfare Awards South, Cinema Express Awards, and Nandi Awards.