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Sri Raghavendrar (1985) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Sri Raghavendrar (1985) Review

Sri Raghavendrar (1985) — a Tamil biography, drama film directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Starring Rajinikanth, Lakshmi, Vishnuvardhan. The story of the great Indian saint Raghavendra Swami. Born as Venkatanatha, he proved to be a very brilliant scholar from a very young age. After enduring a series of profound life challenges, he embraced sannyasa following his master and the divine. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 1 Sept 1985. Runtime: 2h 33m.

Sri Raghavendrar
BELOW AVERAGE

Sri Raghavendrar(1985)

Guruve Sharanam

Tamil · Biography, Drama

2h 33m · 1 Sept 1985

Writer: A.L. Narayanan

Drama

Ratings

IMDbIMDb7.2
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.4
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB55
TraktTrakt41

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

Sri Raghavendrar is a devotional biographical film that chronicles the life and spiritual journey of Raghavendra Swami, a revered Hindu saint and philosopher. The narrative explores his early life, his dedication to spirituality, his miracles, and his teachings that continue to inspire devotees. The film delves into his struggles and triumphs, highlighting his unwavering faith and the impact he had on society.

🔍 Analysis

Sri Raghavendrar is a well-crafted devotional biopic that effectively captures the essence of the saint's life and philosophy. The story is told with reverence and sincerity, maintaining a respectful tone throughout. The screenplay is straightforward, focusing on key events and teachings without unnecessary embellishments, which helps in maintaining the devotional mood. The pacing is measured, with the first half setting up the saint's background and spiritual awakening, while the second half delves deeper into his miracles and legacy.

The film's songs and background score complement the devotional theme, enhancing the emotional and spiritual atmosphere. Although the music director and cinematographer details are not provided, the musical elements serve their purpose in supporting the narrative without overpowering it. The film's strength lies in its ability to maintain audience engagement through its spiritual storytelling and Rajinikanth's earnest portrayal.

While the film may feel slow to viewers accustomed to commercial cinema, it succeeds as a devotional piece with a clear focus. The absence of commercial elements like high-energy songs or action sequences keeps the tone consistent. Overall, Sri Raghavendrar stands out as a respectful tribute to a spiritual icon, appreciated by audiences interested in devotional cinema.

🎭 Performances

Rajinikanth: Delivered a sincere and restrained performance, embodying the saint's humility and spiritual depth convincingly.

Lakshmi: Provided a strong supporting role, complementing the lead with emotional depth.

Vishnuvardhan: Offered a solid performance that added gravitas to the narrative.

Sathyaraj: Played a pivotal role with conviction, enhancing the film's dramatic moments.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Sincere and respectful portrayal of a spiritual icon
  • ✓Strong lead performance by Rajinikanth
  • ✓Faithful screenplay maintaining devotional tone
  • ✓Effective use of background score and songs to enhance mood
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Slow pacing may not appeal to all audiences
  • ✕Lack of commercial elements might limit wider appeal
  • ✕Limited technical innovation or cinematic flair

🎬 Direction & Writing

S. P. Muthuraman's direction is steady and respectful, focusing on the devotional aspects with clarity and reverence. The writing avoids unnecessary dramatization, ensuring the saint's life is portrayed with dignity and authenticity.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
7.2
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.4
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
55
TraktTrakt
41

Our Rating

2.5/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral30%
Negative10%

Critics

The film was appreciated for its devotional sincerity and Rajinikanth's performance. Critics noted the film's respectful treatment of the subject but mentioned its slow pace and limited commercial appeal. The film holds a special place among devotional biopics in Tamil cinema.

Final Box-Office Result

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sri Raghavendrar release in theatres?▾

Sri Raghavendrar released on 1 September 1985 (1985).

Is Sri Raghavendrar a hit or flop?▾

Sri Raghavendrar is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Sri Raghavendrar online? OTT release date?▾

Sri Raghavendrar is available on Tentkotta. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Sri Raghavendrar?▾

Sri Raghavendrar directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Produced by K. Balachander.

Who are the main cast members of Sri Raghavendrar?▾

Sri Raghavendrar stars Rajinikanth, Lakshmi, Vishnuvardhan, Sathyaraj, Delhi Ganesh.

What is the Tollybo rating for Sri Raghavendrar?▾

Tollybo rates Sri Raghavendrar 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Sri Raghavendrar?▾

Sri Raghavendrar — Genre: Biography, Drama, Runtime: 153 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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