Rating: ***** Bravo
Starring: Sayaji Shinde and Devyani
Director: Ganan Rajashekaran
Music: Illayaraja


Bharathi,  directed by Ganan Rajashekaran, delves on some unknown aspects of the life of the legendary Tamil poet and revolutionary thinker Subramania Bharathi. Right from his childhood, Bharathi showed an aptitude for poetry and drama and became a favourite of the king and his courtiers. While in Rishikesh to study Vedas, he performed the first most radical act of his life - he shaved off his head and discarded the sacred thread. He then returned to his hometown to join the freedom movement. His wife, to whom he was married in childhood, found it difficult to cope with his way of thinking and his scant regard for day-to-day problems. The film also depicts the final days of the poet, who had kicked away many jobs as well as assistance from the rich. Interestingly, Bharathi, who is now held in high esteem, had only ten people for his final journey. His frankness and his opposition to the rich and powerful alienated him from the upper strata of the society, which accepted him unhesitatingly posthumously.

Sayaji Shinde gives a laudable performance in the title role and Devyani, as his wife Chellamma, lends able support. Illayaraja's melodious tunes and Thankar Pachan's camerawork together make the film an audio-visual treat. Director Ganan Rajashekaran adds another feather to his cap for the screenplay of the movie.