Sri Raghavendrar

<p>This film features the life of , from Birth till his Mahasamadhi. was ‘s 100th film (including his other language films). The film featured him in the role of the saint , different from the larger-than-life characters which he is known for and portrayed. Rajinikanth, a fan of Kannada actor , had seen his film where Rajkumar portrayed Raghavendra. Rajinikanth approached to direct the film. Muthuraman was initially reluctant to direct a devotional film as he hails from a family of , but Balachander encouraged and convinced him to take up the film. To prepare himself to direct the film, Muthuraman watched various devotional films directed by who was known for such films. In order to portray the scenes of saint authentically, few people from Raghavendra Mutt were invited to the shoot to provide their guidance. Prior to the start of the film, the team took the script first to the Swami’s abode in , and got it blessed. They did the same thing with the first copy, post-completion. Muthuraman said that during the 90-day schedule, all the cast and crew of the film undergone the ritual of fasting on Thursday in reverence to lord’s presence considering it was the mythological film. The introduction song with was shot for the film; however Balachander felt this song was glamorous and felt out of place in a devotional film, hence Muthuraman removed the song from the film. Soundtrack was composed by and lyrics for all songs were written by . The song “Parthale Theriyadha” is based on Anandabhairavi raga. The song “Aadal Kalaiye” is based on Charukesi raga. The song “Azhaikiran Madhavan” is based on Subhapantuvarali raga. The song “Ramanamam” is based on Mayamalavagowla raga. The song “Mazhaikkoru” is based on Amruthavarshini raga. The song “Unakum Enakum” was later reused by American Musical group ‘s bonus track “The Elephunk Theme” from their 2003 album . The film received from Tamil Nadu government, and received positive reviews, primarily for Rajinikanth’s performance, but became a . Despite this Rajinikanth won three awards for his performance: the Film Fans Association Award for Best Actor, and Filmalaya Award for Best Actor. The film itself frequently features on lists compiling Rajinikanth’s best movies, and he considers it a personal favourite film. of praised Rajinikanth for scoring a century and choosing a role which is one of the hundred for his 100th film something that will make proud.</p>