Bharathi (2000 film)

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Bharathi
Bharathi Poster.jpg
Poster
Directed by Gnana Rajasekaran
Written byGnana Rajasekaran
Produced by Sujatha
M. Varadaraja
K. Maniprasad
Starring Sayaji Shinde
Devayani
Nizhalgal Ravi
Ramesh Kumar
Cinematography Thangar Bachan
Edited by B. Lenin
V. T. Vijayan
Music by Ilayaraja
Production
company
Distributed byMedia Dreams
Release date
  • 1 September 2000 (2000-09-01)
Running time
149 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget1.5 crore [1]

Bharathi is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language biographical film based on the life of Subramania Bharati starring Sayaji Shinde, Devayani and Nizhalgal Ravi. The film was directed by Gnana Rajasekaran [2] and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for the year 2000.

Contents

Plot

It is a biographical film based on the life of Tamil poet Subramania Bharati.

Cast

Production

During his days as a district collector, Gnana Rajasekaran was invited as guest for an event where a student suggested him to make a film on poet Subramania Bharati which created a spark in him and went to Coimbatore and read books about him. [1] The director wanted to cast Kamal Haasan in the lead role, but the film's budget did not allow it. So he chose Marathi actor Sayaji Shinde, who made his debut in Tamil cinema. [4] [5] The dubbing voice for Shinde was given by actor Rajeev. [6]

The female lead role was initially offered to actress Suvalakshmi, whose refusal prompted the team to sign on Devayani. [7] The filming was held at locations like Kadaya, Ettayapuram, Kasi and Pondicherry. The film's budget was 112 crores. [1]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Nirpadhuve" is set in Kalyani raga. [8] Sajahan Waheed of New Straits Times wrote "Isaignani Illayaraja showcases his three-decade experience in the Tamil music industry thorough this brilliant effort". [9]

All lyrics are written by Subramania Bharati (Except noted)

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSingersLength
1."Agini Kunjondru"  K. J. Yesudas  
2."Baratha Samuthayam" K. J. Yesudas 
3."Ethilum Ingu" Pulamaipithan Madhu Balakrishnan  
4."French Music"  Ilaiyaraaja  
5."Keladaa Manida"  Rajkumar Bharathi  
6."Mayil Pola Ponnu onnu" Mu. Metha Bhavatharini  
7."Nallathor Veenai" Ilaiyaraaja, Mano  
8."Ninnaichcharan Adainthen"  Bombay Jayashree  
9."Ninnaichcharan" Ilaiyaraaja 
10."Nirpathuve Nadapathuve"  Harish Raghavendra  
11."Vante Matharam" Madhu Balakrishnan 

Reception

Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu said, "THE MAJESTIC GAIT, the intimidating, piercing eyes that sparkle with a mix of eccentricity, anger, defiance and passion – Shayaji Shinde is indeed a remarkable choice for the role of Bharati" and "It is another fantastic break for Devyani as Chellamma, the wife of Subramania Bharati. Her soft, vulnerable docility and her helpless effete submission to her husband's impractical way of life have been beautifully portrayed". [10] Rediff.com said, "Sayaji Shinde as Bharati is simply splendid. His is an impressive performance, with nary an inkling of the trepidation that he is enacting Bharati's role -- he, a Maharashtrian and Tamil, an alien tongue". [11]

Tamil Star wrote "Bharathi" may not be a commercial success. All said and done, with its superior quality it is certain that the film is bound to bag plenty of awards in near future". [6] Seetha Ravi of Kalki praised the acting of Shinde and other actors, Ilaiyaraaja's music, Thangar Bachan's cinematography and Krishnamoorthy's art direction. [12] Dinakaran wrote "The events that happened in Bharathi's life are as unlimited as the ocean. From among them the particular aspect of how Bharathi braved the burning situation of personal poverty by facing it's challenges as a undisputed king of the world of poetry is beautifully narrated in this film. What has been told in this by director Gnanasekaran has been narrated in an excellent manner. He has won a diamond crown for his career through this film. Through his melodious, musical scores, music director Ilayaraja has given his heart-felt respect to Bharathi, the poetic genius. The cameraman Thangarbachchaan has brought before our eyes the very period of Bharathi's life". [13] K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote "This film will satisfy those who have been lamenting the lack of good subjects in Tamil movies and quench the curiosity of those fascinated by Bharathi's poems". [14]

Related Research Articles

Bharati or Bharathi may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Subramania Bharati</span> Indian writer, poet, and Independence activist

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References

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