Iyakkunar Imayam Bharthiraja is known for his bold and straight forward approach. He never hesitates to criticize the powerful people even if that means inviting staunch rebuttal and verbal abuses from the followers and supporters of those who are criticized by him. Despite this candidness, Bharathiraja is respected by almost all in the industry as a 'father figure'.

Bharathiraja has worked in two films with Superstar Rajinikanth and in the last two decades he has criticized the latter in a few instances. But he has never hesitated to appreciate Superstar when the credits are due to him. In one such instance Bharathiraja recounted the generosity of Rajinikanth to have accepted to act in his film only by getting Rs.2 as advance.

In his exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the 'Sigappu Rojakkal' director narrated how 'Kodi Parakkudhu' his second and last film with Rajinikanth happened.

"After '16 Vayathiniley' I did not work with Rajinikanth even as he had become a huge star by then. Even while meeting him in public gatherings we will just exchange plesantaries and have never spoken about doing a film together again. I always hesitate to work with well established stars out of fear that I will have to compromise my uniqueness as a filmmaker. But the story narrated by GM Kumar and Livingston made me tell them that they should approach Rajinkanth to act in the film. After listening to the story Rajinikanth was so impressed. He called me and confirmed that he will act in the film and I should direct it.

I carried Rs.10 lakhs in a suitcase to his house to pay him advance. But Rajinikanth set that aside. He asked me how much I had in my shirt pocket. I had  Rs.100 and a Rs.50 notes and a coin of Rs.2. He took that coin as advance to act in the film. He received his full salary only after the film was completed."

It must be noted that Bharathiraja was also the film The film starred Amala as the female lead.

This incident shows the extreme affection and respect the Superstar had for Bharathiraja.