The 1986 masala film Mr Bharath, featuring Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj, not only emerged as a massive hit but also etched the dialogue ‘Ennama Kannu Sowkiyama’ into the cultural lexicon. This catchphrase became iconic, and the story behind it adds an intriguing layer to the film’s legacy.
Initially, director S. P. Muthuraman had cast Rajinikanth and Ambika as the lead pair. However, Sathyaraj was later roped in for the film. At that time, Sathyaraj was busy with the action-packed success of Kaakki Sattai. As he joined the cast, the filmmakers decided to incorporate a dialogue that would leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Producer AVM Saravanan, impressed by Raghuvaran’s performance in Police Police, cast him in the film. During this process, the famous Ennama Kannu dialogue was derived from G. Anand, the owner of Little Anand Theatre, who frequently used this line.
The decision to use the phrase Ennama Kannu Sowkiyama, roughly translates to What’s wrong, eye? Are you okay? In the movie, it proved to be a stroke of genius. The dialogue, spoken by Sathyaraj, became immensely popular, contributing to the film’s success. The banter revolves around a father and son engaged in a verbal battle, asserting their superiority over each other.
The song Ennamma Kannu, sung by Malaysia Vasudevan and S. P., with lyrics by Vairamuthu, encapsulates this spirited exchange. Filmed at the Guindy Race Course in Chennai, the music for the track was composed by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja.
Notably, the track Ennama Kannu continued to resonate across time and was remixed by D. Imman for the 2006 film Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam. The title also inspired a 2000 film starring Sathyaraj.
Mr Bharath follows the narrative of Bharath, an educated young man oblivious to his father’s whereabouts. The revelation of his father’s past comes from his mother, Shanti, on her deathbed. The film, a remake of the 1978 Hindi film Trishul, weaves a compelling story around family dynamics and personal revelations.
The success of Mr Bharath and the enduring popularity of the Ennama Kannu dialogue showcase the film’s impact on Tamil cinema and the cultural landscape.
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