Sri Raghavendra is a 1985 Tamil film directed by SP. Muthuraman and was produced by Kavithalaya Productions. The film stars Rajinikanth portraying the title character (in his 100th film), with Lakshmi, Vishnuvardhan, Sathyaraj, Delhi Ganesh and Nizhalgal Ravi portraying supporting roles. The film revolves around the life of Madhwa saint Raghavendra Swami. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics were written by Vaali. The dialogues for the film were written by A. L. Narayanan.
The cinematography was handled by T. S. Vinayagam while the editing was handled by the duo R. Vittal and S. B. Mohan. The film was later dubbed in Telugu as Sri Mantralaya Raghavendra Swamy Mahatyam. The film was released on 1 September 1985 to positive reception with Rajinikanth’s performance as a saint was widely praised.
Sri Raghavendra was Rajinikanth’s 100th film (including his other language films). The film featured Rajinikanth in the role of saint Sri Raghavendra Swami, different from the larger than life characters which he is known for and portrayed. Rajini who is a fan of Kannada actor Rajkumar, had seen his film called Mantralaya Mahime where Rajkumar portrayed Sri Raghavendra. Rajini approached SP Muthuraman to direct the film. Muthuraman was initially reluctant to direct a devotional film. Balachander encouraged and convinced him to take up the film thus in order to prepare himself to direct the film, Muthuraman watched various devotional films of A. P. Nagarajan who was known for such films. Muthuraman told 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.
This film is the life of Sri Raghavendra. From Birth till his Mahasamadhi has been portrayed by Rajinikanth. The film highlights some of the miracles Sri Raghavendra performed. The film has Lakshmi as his wife and guest appearances by Vishnuvardhan, Mohan and Sathyaraj.
Directed by SP. Muthuraman
Produced by Kavithalayaa Productions
Written by AL Narayanan (dialogues)
Story by Sri Raghavaendra History
Starring Rajinikanth, Lakshmi
Music by Ilayaraja
Cinematography T. S. Vinayagam
Edited by R. Vittal & S. B. Mohan
Distributed by Kavithalayaa Productions
Release dates 1 September 1985
Running time 160 mins
Language Tamil
