Artist and 'Swarna Kamal' awardee art director for films such as Nayagan, Mouna Raagam, Sathya, and Anjali, some are smitten by the naturalistic colour drawings that resulted from his stint at the Banasthali. He was also the recipient of the 'Padmashri' in 2001.

The late Chennai-based art critic Josef James wrote about Tharani: "Tharani moves to the intuitive sense of harmony, rhythm and continuity to integrate his urges for freedom and refinement. Music generally and symphonic western music particularly have been his inspiration for these spirited excursions. It gives out much colour, in bold harmonies, flashed out in each instance, over strong linear rhythms."

Tharani's bold brush strokes are influenced by musical symphonies; they are rhythmic and spontaneous and exude energy. This early figurative work is rare and iconic in representation.