He was primarily active in the 1990s and early 2000 and is most noted for his work on devotional films.
He started his career in 1981, joining as an assistant director to Nellai Sunderrajan and went on to continue such roles for the next fifteen years, while appearing in a few supporting roles as actor notably in Nethiyadi and Jadikketha Moodi (1989).
[1] Bharathi Kannan made his first film Aruva Velu in 1996 and won average reviews for his work.
"[3] In 2004, he directed Vayasu Pasanga, a coming-of-age story of youngsters though critics gave the film's negative reviews with a reviewer noting "after directing some devotionals, Bharathi Kannan tries his hand at a different subject.
[5] His most recent directorial venture was Karagattakkari which went unnoticed and Bharathikannan opted against directing any films and started acting in supporting roles in films and television serials notably Kolangal and Rajakumari.