Raja Rishi

Raja Rishi is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film directed by K. Shankar and produced by N. Sakunthala. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Prabhu, M. N. Nambiar and Nalini. It is based on the play Viswamithran by A. S. Prakasam, which is about the sage Vishvamitra. The film was released on 20 September 1985, and failed at the box office.

Plot
The film narrates the story of Vishwamitra in a linear manner right from him being the King, his run-in with Vashista over Kamadenu cow leading him to take a vow that he too would become a brahmarishi like Vashista. He faces hurdle after hurdle placed in his path by Devendran. In the process, he falls in love, impregnates and abandons Menaka. Their daughter Shakuntala is brought up by another rishi. She falls in love with Dushyanta who is cursed to forget her by Durvasa. When Vishwamitra finds out about this, he goes on to fix her life and in the process learns humility. In the end, with the blessing of Vashista. who mentions that that was the only thing stopping Vishwamitra from becoming Brahmarishi, he is acknowledged and accredited as one.

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Maan Kanden" is set in Vasantha raga.

Reception
Jayamanmandhan (a duo) of Kalki praised the acting of Sivaji Ganesan, Ilayaraja's music and film's first half but panned the humour and concluded saying as Vishwamitra gained name from Vashishta, let's see if he gets the same from audience.