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 released on 1 September 1985 to positive reception with Rajinikanth's performance as a saint receiving widespread praised, but failed at the box office.
Sri Raghavendra was Rajinikanth's 100th film (including his other language films).[1] The film featured him in the role of the saint Raghavendra Tirtha, different from the larger-than-life characters which he is known for and portrayed.[2] Rajinikanth, a fan of Kannada actor Rajkumar, had seen his film Mantralaya Mahatme where Rajkumar portrayed Raghavendra. Rajinikanth approached S. P. Muthuraman to direct the film. Muthuraman was initially reluctant to direct a devotional film as he hails from a family of Self-Respect Movement, but Balachander encouraged and convinced him to take up the film.[3] To prepare himself to direct the film, Muthuraman watched various devotional films directed by A. P. Nagarajan 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.[4] Prior to the start of the film, the team took the script first to the Swami's abode in Mantralayam, and got it blessed. They did the same thing with the first copy, post-completion.[2] 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.[5] The introduction song with Sathyaraj was shot for the film; however Balachander felt this song was glamourous and felt out of place in a devotional film, hence Muthuraman removed the song from the film.[4]
Soundtrack
Soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics for all songs were written by Vaali. The song "Parthale Theriyadha" is based on Anandabhairavi raga.[6] The song "Aadal Kalaiye" is based on Charukesi raga.[7] The song "Azhaikiran Madhavan" is based on Subhapantuvarali raga.[8] The song "Ramanamam" is based on Mayamalavagowla raga.[9] The song "Mazhaikkoru" is based on Amruthavarshini raga.[10] The song "Unakum Enakum" was later reused by American Musical group Black Eyed Peas's bonus track "The Elephunk Theme" from their 2003 album Elephunk.[11]
The film received tax exemption from Tamil Nadu government,[5][12] and received positive reviews, primarily for Rajinikanth's performance, but became a box-office bomb.[13] Despite this Rajinikanth won three awards for his performance: the Film Fans Association Award for Best Actor, Cinema Express Award for Best Actor – Tamil and Filmalaya Award for Best Actor.[14] The film itself frequently features on lists compiling Rajinikanth's best movies,[15][16] and he considers it a personal favourite film.[17]Jayamanmadhan of Kalki 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.[18]
