Bharathi(2000)
'Bharathi' is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language biographical film directed by Gnana Rajasekaran. It stars Sayaji Shinde as poet Subramania Bharati and Devayani as his wife Chellamal. The film chronicles Bharati's life from childhood to his death in 1921. It shows his work as a poet and journalist, his involvement in the Indian independence movement, and his exile in Pondicherry. The film also explores the conflict between his artistic passion and his family responsibilities. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for 2000. The film was praised for Shinde's performance and Ilaiyaraaja's music. It was released in theatres in September 2000.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 2 September 2000
- Director
- Gnana Rajasekaran
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 40m
- Rating
- 4.8/10
Storyline
Subramania Bharati is a brilliant Tamil poet who dreams of a free India. He uses his words to fight British rule and social injustice. But his passion for poetry leaves his family in poverty. His wife Chellamal struggles to keep their home together. Bharati must choose between his art and his family.
“A poet who gave everything for freedom”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Bharathi
Cast reunions in this film: Nizhalgal Ravi & Ilayaraja (34 films together), Devayani & Ilayaraja (9 films together), Srikanth & Ilayaraja (9 films together), T. P. Gajendran & Ilayaraja (6 films together), Devayani & Thangar Bachan (4 films together), and Nizhalgal Ravi & T. P. Gajendran (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in black and white to give it a historical and authentic feel, matching the era of Bharathiar's life.
- Director Gnana Rajasekaran spent over five years researching Bharathiar's life and writings before making the movie.
- The movie's music was composed by L. Vaidyanathan, who used Bharathiar's own poems as lyrics for the songs.
- It won three National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Tamil and Best Costume Design.
- Actor Sayaji Shinde, who played a key role, learned to write and speak in the old Tamil style used during Bharathiar's time.
- The film was partly funded by the National Film Development Corporation of India, a government body that supports artistic cinema.
- Many scenes were filmed in actual locations in Tamil Nadu associated with Bharathiar, like Ettayapuram and Pondicherry.