Bharathi - the first movie on the life of the great poet Bharathiyar, packs quite a punch. The film starts with this phenomenal poet's funeral, which was attended by only fourteen people.

Why did this happen? To answer this question, we are taken back to the time when Bharathi was a small boy. The director Gnanasekaran, has portrayed beautifully how, even as a small boy, Subramani (Bharathi's real name) was a child prodigy, with different perceptions and ideas.

Shayaji Shindey's intense eyes, which smoulder with a mix of anger, frustration, dreams, defiance and passion, his royal swagger and the entire gamut of his expressions prove that this Marathi actor has lived the part of Bharathi. In the scene, when he blesses Mahatma Gandhi's efforts for independence and walks away, saying that he cannot postpone his meeting, we get a glimpse of the poet's spirit and defiance.

A few more scenes that stand out in the movie - the scene of his daughter's wedding, when he says, " Coming down from the level of Bharathi to that of an ordinary brahmin father, is not such a big task." Also, the scene, when he asks Goddess Parasakthi to release him from family worries and tensions.

Devayani, as the docile wife Chellamma, provides a perfect foil to the intense Bharathi, proving once again that she has substance. She portrays effectively, the turmoil of a conservative lady, married to a revolutionary husband.

The highlight of the movie is the music of Ilayaraja. The maestro has used percussion instruments to good effect. The background score is also excellent. The camera work of Thangar Bachan and the scenic locales deserve a special mention.In some places the editing becomes too crisp and lacks continuity. And some of the scenes that are provided for comic relief, distract attention from the seriousness of the movie. But as we came out of the theatre, Bharathi's last words, " I am not conquered by death. I will live on forever" echo in our minds. A 'must-see' movie.