Mythological tales told in song, dance and lavish costumes are a staple of popular cinema from the Madras production center, and this 1981 entry by “Bapu” (S. Lakhsminarayana) is one of the loveliest and most charming of the genre. The story is based on the life of Thyagaraja Swami, or Thyagayya, an eighteenth century poet, composer and musician who is still revered by his followers for his nearly 24,000 kritis (lyrics) dedicated to the Lord Rama. Thyagayya follows the poet on his wanderings, resisting treacherous attempts to force him to sing the praises of mortal kings, and in search of his god and peace. He sings so beautifully that Lord Rama and the other gods appear to him, to thank him. His wife, unable to bear their separation, contrives to bring him home, enlisting the help of Lord Rama and his consort Sita. The late Variety critic Gene Moskowitz, reviewing the film at the 1982 Calcutta Film Festival, wrote, “This (film) has charming flair...the gods are lovely visions...and the music is enticing and effective....”