Malathi Rangarajan of
The Hindu said, "THE MAJESTIC GAIT, the intimidating, piercing eyes that sparkle with a mix of eccentricity, anger, defiance and passion – Shayaji Shinde is indeed a remarkable choice for the role of Bharati" and "It is another fantastic break for Devyani as Chellamma, the wife of Subramania Bharati. Her soft, vulnerable docility and her helpless effete submission to her husband's impractical way of life have been beautifully portrayed".
Rediff.com said, "Sayaji Shinde as Bharati is simply splendid. His is an impressive performance, with nary an inkling of the trepidation that he is enacting Bharati's role -- he, a Maharashtrian and Tamil, an alien tongue".
Tamil Star wrote "Bharathi" may not be a commercial success. All said and done, with its superior quality it is certain that the film is bound to bag plenty of awards in near future". Seetha Ravi of
Kalki praised the acting of Shinde and other actors, Ilaiyaraaja's music, Thangar Bachan's cinematography and Krishnamoorthy's art direction.
Dinakaran wrote "The events that happened in Bharathi's life are as unlimited as the ocean. From among them the particular aspect of how Bharathi braved the burning situation of personal poverty by facing it's challenges as a undisputed king of the world of poetry is beautifully narrated in this film. What has been told in this by director Gnanasekaran has been narrated in an excellent manner. He has won a diamond crown for his career through this film. Through his melodious, musical scores, music director Ilayaraja has given his heart-felt respect to Bharathi, the poetic genius. The cameraman Thangarbachchaan has brought before our eyes the very period of Bharathi's life". K. N. Vijiyan of
New Straits Times wrote "This film will satisfy those who have been lamenting the lack of good subjects in Tamil movies and quench the curiosity of those fascinated by Bharathi's poems". ==References==