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 11⁄2 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)
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]
^ரவி, சீதா (17 September 2000). "பாரதி". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 71. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023 – via Internet Archive.
