Indian Film Industry celebrated the golden jubilee of Indian talkie in December 1981. In Bombay now Mumbai, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi presided for the function. In Madras the function was held in University of Madras Centenary Building on 1st December 1981, the then President Sanjiv Reddy inaugurated the function. The chief guests of the function are Tamil Nadu Governor Sadique Ali, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivar MGR, Karnataka Chief Minister Gundurao, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Anjaiah, Actors, Directors, Technicians of Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu.
Above is the article published in Agnimalargal August 2016 issue as Flashback 2, MGR’s bodyguard K.P.Ramakrishnan remembering the function and how Jayalalitha performed as the compere. The article was shared by R.Govindaraj, sub editor of Agni Malargal.
Continuation to the post about MGR movies which celebrated 50 years and that have been published as a special post in srimgr.com
Earlier post include movies Nadodi Mannan (1958), Thirudathey (1961), Thai Sollai Thatathey (1961) and Thaiyai Katha Thanayan (1962).
The fifth of the series for the golden jubilee year is Panathottam a black and white movie, released in the year 1963. Director K.Shankar’s first venture with MGR.
Movie Name :Panathottam
Date of Release :11.01.1963
Production : Saravana Films
Direction :K.Shankar
Click the below image for the post.
The sixth instalment to the 50 years celebration is none other than Mekala Pictures Kanchi Thalaivan. Our Puratchi Thalaivar took the incarnation of Narasimha Pallavan on screen. In the title MGR is shown as M.G.Ramachandran, M.L.C., for the first and last time. This movie is a treat for historical fans especially for Pallavan dynasty.
Movie Name :Kanchi Thalaivan
Date of Release : 26.10.1963
Production : Mekala Pictures
Direction :Kasilingam
Click the above image to read the post.
The seventh of the series is Gowri Pictures Parisu, a crime thriller, directed by Yoganand. MGR as police officer investigates a grand theft in jewellery store who then undergoes in disguise and stays in the village as a researcher. One of the highlight of the movie is the climax scene, MGR outwits Nambiyar in a revolver fight.
Movie Name :Parisu
Date of Release :15.11.1963
Production : Gowri Pictures
Direction : D.Yoganand
Click the above image to read the post.
The eighth part of the series that was covered for MGR movies celebrating golden jubilee is Vettaikaran, the box office success and the second highest grossing MGR movie in 1964. MGR cladded in tight fitting cowboy costume, faster drawing of gun from his belt and mesmerizing songs are highlight of the movie.
Movie Name :Vettaikaran
Date of Release :14.01.1964
Production : Devar Films
Direction :M.A.Thirumugam
Click the below image to read the post.
The ninth movie that was published in srimgr.com for the series of Golden jubilee celebration is colour movie Padagotti. I have written the posts in two parts (still third part has to be written). Our Puratchi Thalaivar MGR as a fisherman who tries to unite two hamlets forms the story.
Below are some MGR movies that have celebrated Golden jubilee i.e. 50 years of first release and which have been published as a special post in our MGR blog from 2008 to till date.
The first I wrote about the golden jubilee celebration movie is Emgeeyar Pictures Nadodi Mannan. The movie was released on 22.08.1958 all over South India and it became a super hit and also the highest grosser movie of 1958.
Name of the movie :Nadodi Mannan
Date of Release :22.08.1958
Production : Emgeeyar Pictures
Direction :MGR
Click the above image for the post
The second post published for the Golden jubilee celebration is social oriented first super hit movie Thirudathey, MGR retained his title ‘Vasool Chakaravarthi’ (Emperor of Box Office collection)
Movie Name :Thirudathey
Date of Release :23.03.1961
Production :ALS Productions
Direction :P.Neelakandan
Click the above image for the post
The third post published in the series is Thai Sollai Thatathey, MGR as a CID, the movie was the second highest grosser of 1961.
Movie Name :Thai Sollai Thatathey
Date of Release :07.11.1961
Production : Devar Films
Direction :M.A.Thirumugam
Click the above image for the post
The fourth of the series is Devar Films Thaiyaikatha Thanayan, a black and white movie with MGR as a hunter and the highest grosser movie of 1962.
This is the continuation to the previous post of Enga Veetu Pillai Golden jubilee. Our Puratchi Thalaivar MGR donned dual role in this movie. Two contrasting characters one a daring and dashing Elango and another coward Ramu.
In all the 115 movies MGR acted as a hero, the character is always daring, and energetic. We always get a positive energy on watching his movies that much he took care for his character. But in Enga Veetu Pillai the character Ramu born in Zamin family is ill treated by Nambiyar grows up as a coward. Whenever the word Gajendran is mentioned and whenever he sees him, MGR shows the fear in his eyes.
In the movie MGR goes to a function without the knowledge of Nambiyar but other people comes to know about his presence, he was garlanded and praised which provokes Nambiyar. The emotions of Ramu is easily detected from the non verbal signs, MGR conveys the fear by clenching his fist, covers his chest and in extreme fear the chin is held down and makes less eye contact with the person. MGR does this perfectly on screen. Check the above images.
After this scene MGR was whipped badly by Nambiyar (wondering how people reacted in 1965) the injury is visible on the front and back of the body. MGR had perfectly reacted to the injuries he had sustained. After the beating when Pandari Bai and the baby touches him, MGR shows the REACTION to pain. The reaction part continues till MGR gives promise to Pandari Bai. See the below images.
MGR reacting to the hug of Baby Shakeela
Though Ramu character is the crux of the story his part is little compared to Elango. The character has very limited scenes to grab our attention. But very wisely MGR does that.
In the movie, on that night MGR gets up from bed and goes to his parents photos and extends his arm and tells that he wishes to join them in their world. He plans to commit suicide by jumping into the well. After he says that he wishes to join them he tries to speak further but he mumbles and gestures what he is going to do.
Baby Shakeela stops MGR from the action and she tells this to her mother Pandari Bai. She tries to comforts him but MGR says why should he want to live, he is not intelligent, he is whipped like an animal,why should he want to live, he has only grown up but he does not know about the world. In the function someone said that one should live with honour but sister, I do not want that kind of life but only want to live like a common man. With the above lines MGR captivates our heart and will make us cry.
Even the cook ill treats Ramu
Another scene where Ramu character scores over Elango is Saroja Devi comes to see Ramu. MGR dominates the whole scene with his submissive character. One such is pronouncing his name.
After coming to know the real plan of Nambiyar, MGR escapes from the Zamin, wanders aimlessly and comes to a hotel, where Elango has just satisfied his voracious appetite and leaves without paying. Ramu takes up the same table and orders his food, the way MGR pushes the plates and eats, the table manners shows his royal birth. Click the below images.
Table manners
After Ramu fells unconsious and saved by Rathna, MGR reacts when Elango’s mother gives him food. He struggles to intake the curd, shows the signs of vomiting and then he gets relaxed when the food settles. The expression only lasts for a second and it proves our Puratchi Thalaivar natural acting talent.
Ramu’s depressed state changes to the new environment he enjoys his life as a farmer and with his new found girl friend Rathna.
Will follow with Elango characterization in the next post.
We srimgr.com team wishes all the blog readers, MGR fans and devotees a very happy and prosperous New Year 2015.
2015 is the Golden Jubilee year for MGR movies released in 1965. The movies list is given below.
No.
Name of the Movie
Date Of Release
Character Name
1
Enga Veetu Pillai (Colour)
14.01.1965
Ramu & Elango
2
Panam Padaithavan
27.03.1965
Raja
3
Ayirathil Oruvan (Colour)
09.07.1965
Manimaran
4
Kalangarai Vilakkam
28.08.1965
Ravi
5
Kanni Thai
10.09.1965
Saravanan
6
Thazhampoo
23.10.1965
Durai
7
Asai Mugam
10.12.1965
Manohar & Vajravelu
Enga Veetu Pillai : Released in the Pongal day turned to be highest grossing movie of 1965, our Puratchi Thalaivar MGR acted in two roles one as daring Ramu and another as coward Elango. Produced by Vijaya studios, directed by Chanakya and the mesmerizing music by Viswanathan & Ramamurthy. Crossed 175 days in 7 theatres, a record unparallel.
Enga Veetu Pillai famous song “Naan Aanai Ittal”.
Panam Padaithavan : MGR as an athlete, with a different story line, directed and produced by T.R.Ramanna, music by Viswanathan and Ramamurthy, the movie had a decent run.
Ayirathil Oruvan : One of the greatest movie of our God MGR, Ayirathil Oruvan produced and directed by B.R.Panthalu, first time working with MGR. The movie enjoyed a great run and released again in 2014 with Di format had 190 days run making this another silver jubilee movie for MGR record.
Above image is from the Ayirathil Oruvan restored version. The most famous dialog uttered by our Puratchi Thalaivar on screen.
Kalangarai Vilakkam : Black and white movie with heroine having split personality. Had a decent run on the first release. Memorable songs and music, produced by Saravana films Velumani and directed by K.Shankar.
“Naan Katru Vanga” song shooting still from the movie Kalangarai Vilakkam.
Kanni Thai : Devar films low budget movie with MGR and Jayalalitha paired for the second time released in 1965 had a decent run, directed by M.A.Thirumugam, produced by M.M.A.Chinnappa Devar and music by K.V.Mahadevan.
Thazhampoo : Another black and white movie, MGR’s leading lady K.R.Vijaya. MGR saving his brother from a murder case is the core of the movie. Produced by Bala Murugan films, music by K.V.Mahadevan, directed by N.S.Ramadoss the movie was released during Deepavali.
Thazhampoo movie song book (courtesy Professor Selvakumar)
Asai Mugam ad
Asai Mugam : Produced by P.L.Mohanram, Mohan production Black and White movie Asai Mugam was released in December 1965. Music by S.M.Subbaiah Naidu, directed by P.Pullaiah, Saroja Devi is the leading lady. The story is a science fiction of changing the face of villain to become hero MGR. Later this same story become a Hollywood movie Face/off.
Today 15.11.2013 is the Golden Jubilee Year of MGR movie Parisu, directed by Yoganand, story by Kottarakara, produced by Kottarakara and Yoganand, dialogs by Aroordass, music is by K.V.Mahadevan and lyrics by Kannadasan. The character name of MGR in this movie is Venu and he is a Police Officer.
A crime takes place in Lakshmi Jewellers and the Police entrusts the case to MGR who goes in disguise as a researcher there he meets Ponni (Savithri) her uncle is M.R.Radha and his boss is the thief M.N.Nambiyar (who disguise as an old man). She has a boat, MGR uses her boat for his investigation. Both fell in love in due course, which was not liked by M.R.Radha who has plan to marry her.
MGR has a dearest friend, he has a sister Rajasulochana she is in love with the Villain. M.N.Nambiyar plans to kill MGR in his house unfortunately MGR’s friend was stabbed and he asks MGR to look after her sister and dies. MGR comes to know about Rajasulochana’s love and asks Nambiyar to marry but he suggest MGR to first marry his sister who is mentally ill. MGR sacrifices his love of Ponni and marries Nambiyar’s sister (Raghini). MGR comes to know about his wife’s illness and sends doctor to look after. Meanwhile on his investigation MGR comes face to face with the thief and killer Nambiyar in old man get up. He escapes cunningly but both his sister and Rajasulochana came to know Nambiyar is the person who is the criminal. Raghini tries to convey this message to MGR but was locked in her room by her sister in law. MGR fells sick and he is treated by a servant who knows everything about him, Ponni comes to know about the sacrifice done by MGR during the treatment.
Nambiyar plans to change his location and tries to transfer the amazed wealth. Ponni on returning from MGR’s house hears the meeting between her uncle and Nambiyar. Ponni then through the help of Jimmy (Nagesh) asks MGR to visit her secretly, MGR comes to the location but was taken custody by M.R.Radha, MGR was locked in Nambiyar’s hideout.
Meanwhile Raghini somehow escapes from her house and get in touch with Ponni she gives the revolver to her so that her husband escapes from the clutches of Nambiyar, on the way she is killed by M.R.Radha. MGR gets the revolver through Savithri and does the fight and finally Nambiyar gets arrested in the end. After returning from his official duty MGR seeks the hand of Savithri with a present.
The movie has memorable six tunes sung by TMS and P.Sushila.
1. Aalai Parthu Azhagai parthu – solo song for Savithri
2. Pattu Vanna chittu – solo song for MGR
3. Enna Enna inikkithu – duet song
4. Koonthal karuppu – the famous duet song
5. Ponnulagam nooki – solo song for Raghini
6. Kalamennum Nathinele – solo and sad song for Savithri
The highlight of the movie is the performance of MGR and Savithri, the songs and the climax fight, gun slinging new to Tamil movie of those days. After MGR getting married Savithri gives a present to MGR and Raghini, a locket (having the photo of MGR and Savithri) which MGR already gave as a present to Savithri, the change in MGR’s reaction on seeing the locket in the hand of Raghini, lasts only for a fraction of a second, MGR beautifully conveys his reaction, we have to watch carefully the reaction comes and goes in a flash.
In my childhood I watched this movie in a theater I remember the stick fight were MGR gets hurt and the blood oozing out of his head, the investigation he does in the shore, MGR in the locked room picking up the revolver from the table and the revolver fight with Nambiyar along with Nagesh (the hilarious part of Nagesh in this movie). In one word Parisu (Present) is a crime thriller of the 1960s era.
Uploaded by RVV MGR in youtube but the picture is with less brightness.
Today is the Golden Jubilee year of Kanchi Thalaivan movie. MGR acted as Narasimhavarman I (Narasimha Pallavan) also known as Mamallan, S.S.Rajendran as the commander Paranjothi and Asokan as Pulikesi (Pulakesin II), the Chalukya King.
The story is about the rivalry between Pallavas and Chalukyas, MGR as the Pallava King rules Kanchipuram with peace, Asokan (Pulikesi) whose desire is to capture Kanchipuram, with a cunning plan sends Poovikraman (M.R.Radha) and Chola Kumari (Banumathy) to Kanchi. According to his plan Poovikraman works as a sculptor in Kanchi and Chola Kumari comes to Kanchi as unofficial. Paranjothi (S.S.Rajendran) arrests Chola Kumari and takes her to the court of Narasimha Pallavan, there MGR (Narasimha Pallavan) gives due respect and frees her. Meantime Narasimha Pallavan friend (King of Ceylon) Manavaraman loses his crown, with his family comes to Kanchi to get the help from his friend, unfortunately the ship wrecks and his family is separated. Poovikaraman had the opportunity to save the baby of Manavaraman and later his wife.
KAN KAVARUM SILAYAE Song from youtube.
Wrestling contest takes place in Kanchi and the contestant from Pallava gets defeated and Narasimha Pallavan takes up the challenge and defeats his contender and gets the title of Mamallan. Poovikaraman asks Chola Kumari to invite Narasimha Pallavan and asks her to give poison. But she is in love with Narasimhan, during the feast she provokes the anger of Narasimha Pallavan and makes him leave the party without taking the food. Later Narasimha Pallavan comes to know about her real self through one of his spies.
Poovikaraman sends another girl in place of Manavarman wife (G.Sakunthala) to Paranjothi, on the way she tries to seduce Paranjothi and gives an impression that Manavarman wife is adulterous. Paranjothi mention this to Narasimha Pallavan in front of his friend Manavarman, Paranjothi gets slapped by his king. Paranjothi loyalty stays same after this incident. Manavarman tries to kill his wife but Narasimha Pallavan plays a drama and finds out that the girl Paranjothi took with him is not the wife of Manavarman. Their friendship is renewed.
Though Chola Kumari is against the wish of Pulikesi, her love to Leader of Kanchi creates a problem in the kingdom. Narasimha Pallavan allies turn against him, when he mentions that he is going to marry Chola Kumari. The time was now ripe for Pulikesi to attack and hold Kanchi forever. Commander of Kanchi, Paranjothi resigns from his post due to the love between Narasimha Pallavan and Chola Kumari. The king appoints Manavarman as his commander, due to this his baby was slaughtered by Pulikesi. Initially Kanchi loses some of its forts to Pulikesi.
Song uploaded by Thravida Selvam in youtube.
Narasimha Pallavan’s sister (Vijayakumari) who is attached to Paranjothi asks his help, he turns down. She goes to temple to pray where Poovikaraman plans to kill Narasimha Pallavan, before the explosives (tendered from the disciple of Hieun Tsang a Chinese traveler) goes off, Narasimha Pallavan comes out of the temple but his sister dies. Chola Kumari speaks with Narasimha Pallavan allies and consents to their wish that she will not marry the Kanchi King. Now Paranjothi volunteers for the war and takes up the commanding position with Narasimha Pallavan, Manavarman in one side and the allies of Kanchi in another side destroys the force of Pulikesi and he was later killed in the battle.
Finally Kanchi’s allies changes their wish and ask Chola Kumari to marry Kanchi Thalaivan. Thus ends the story.
In my opinion when you read the story you can feel that the least used character of this movie is none other than the Hero. MGR had less importance and the producers found out through the release of the movie. Later they rectified their mistake by producing a colour movie with MGR titled Engal Thangam.
They used very little of MGR’s charisma and gave importance to S.S.Rajendran, Banumathy, M.R.Radha and Asokan. The highlight of the movie for MGR Fan and Devotees is the court scene where MGR gives justice to Senthamarai and the wrestling fight. In the contest MGR as the King watches his enemy country man winning, MGR does not show his contempt or anger but only the feelings of a fellow wrestler when his opponents uses breathtaking techniques to out wit Kanchi wrestler. In a instant MGR’s face changes when the wrestler mocks Kanchi’s subject, MGR takes up the challenge and wins easily. Another mention is the breast plate worn by MGR which was unique and captures our attention.
Another important factor we should be proud of is the character Narasimha Pallavan is claimed to be one of the nine Indian Kings who never lost on the battlefield to their enemies, the other Kings are Ajatashatru, Chandragupta Maurya, Karikala Chola, Kochengannan, Cheran Senguttuvan of the Sangam age, Samudragupta, Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola. In real life MGR is one and only who never lost in elections and always victorious whatever subject he ventures into.
The movie has 9 songs
1. Avaniellam Puzhgal – Song by people of Kanchi
2. Kan Kavarum silaiyae - (MGR song, shows him sculpturing a statue in Mamallapuram shore temple)
3. Ulagam Suthuthu - (M.R.Radha song)
4. Mayangatha Manam – a beautiful mesmerizing song performed by Banumathy
5. Vanathil Varuvathu – Duet song for S.S.Rajendran and Vijayakumari
6. Ninaithu Vantha – Sad song for MGR
7. Oru Kodiyil – another sad song for MGR
8. Ooiyirai tharukindran – Sad song for Vijayakumari
9. Velga Nadu – slow song for the climax!
Unprecedented two sad songs to MGR no duet song and no philosophy song. With less opportunity given, MGR has done his part well.
The title Kanchi Thalaivan is synonym to Peraringnar Anna the mentor of our beloved Leader Puratchi Thalaivar. MGR title was shown with M.G.Ramachandran, M.L.C., may be this is the first and last movie to show such a title.
Today 22.2.2013 is the 50th Anniversary or Golden Jubilee Year of Devar Films and our beloved Leader Puratchi Thalaivar MGR’s social movie Dharmam Thalai Kakkum.
MGR acted as a Doctor in this movie and the heroine is Sarojadevi. M.R.Radha, S.A.Asokan were supporting actors. But in this movie it was Asokan who is the villain.
Paper cuts for the release of Dharmam Thalai Kakum.
The above banner is from Mahalakshmi theater during the re-release of Dharmam Thalai Kakum.
Songs in this movie are:
1. Thotu vida thotu vida – Duet song
2. Dharmam Thalai Kakum – Philosophical song
3. Oruvan Manathu – Philosophical song
4. Hello Hello – Duet song
5. Paravaigala
6. Moodupani
Dharmam Thalai Kakum song (needless to say the proverb, dharma saved his life 2 times)
Final scene for the title.
This video is captured during the re-release of Dharmam Thalai Kakum in Mahalakshmi theater.
Aringnar Anna’s book title Panathottam was used for MGR starrer movie. The film was directed by K.Sankar later the same director went on to direct many MGR movies and became related by giving his daughter to M.G.Chakrapani.
(Image provided by B.S.Raju, Editor Olikirathu Urimaikural)
11th January 1963 Panathottam was released for the first time in South India. Today is the 50th year of Panathottam movie. The story is about fake currency being dispersed among public to destabilize Indian Economy.
The cast include:
MGR, B.Sarojadevi, S.V.Subbaiah, M.N.Nambiyar, S.A.Asokan, M.V.Rajamma, Nageh, Thirupathysamy and others.
Story by B.S.Ramaiah, lyrics penned by Kannadasan and music by Viswanathan and Ramamurthy.
Produced by G.N.Velumani and directed by K.Sankar.
The story of Panathottam, click the above images to read.
Above images are from the collection of Professor Selvakumar.
First I watched this movie in 1991 in Palaniappa theater. That was the transforming period of me from Kamal fan to MGR Fan. The movie is suspense thriller in the climax the real culprit is masked off.
Below are two philosophical songs from Panathottam.
And Manathottam Song:
The duet song “Pesuvathu Kiliya Illai Pen arasi mozhiyae”
The song goes like this Is MGR relative of Cheran or Moon of Tamil Community.
This video clip is uploaded by Raj Video Vision in HD format.
We srimgr.com team wishes all our beloved Revolutionary Leader MGR Fans and MGR Devotees and MGR blog readers a very Happy and Joyful New Year 2013.
Following MGR movies will be celebrating 50th year (or) Golden Jubilee this year.
S.No.
Date of Release
Movies
1
11.01.1963
Pana Thottam
2
09.02.1963
Koduthu Vaithaval
3
22.02.1963
Dharmam Thalaikakum
4
19.04.1963
Kalai Arasi
5
10.05.1963
Periya Idathu Penn
6
28.06.1963
Ananda Jothi
7
15.08.1963
Neethiku Pin Pasam
8
26.10.1963
Kanchi Thalaivan
9
15.11.1963
Parisu
The year 1963 saw 1 periodical movie and 8 social oriented movies. Of that Periya Idathu Penn, Dharmam Thalaikakum were super hit movies of 1963. As usual two Devar Films movies were released in 1963.
In this year, first MGR’s Science fiction movie “Kalai Arasi” (Queen of Arts) was released. The movie had scenes such as flying saucer, extra terrestrials etc. The theme is that aliens visiting earth in search of Queen of Arts and how our MGR saves his lover is the rest of the story. MGR does a dual role another MGR is an alien.
Devar Films 3rd successful production and MGR movie Thayai Katha Thanayan enters 50th year today. The movie was released on Tamil New Year, 13.4.1962 in 32 centres all over South.
MGR name in the movie was Sekar and his hobby is hunting. Kannamba was the protagonist Mother. Our beloved Leader MGR’s pair was Sarojadevi, and the supporting actors are M.R.Radha in dual role, S.A.Asokan and M.R.R.Vasu. Story and dialogues are by Arur Das and lyrics were penned by Kannadasan.
Video for the song Mudi thirantha uploaded by Rajshri video.
Video song Katti Thangam uploaded by Rajshri video.
The way MGR drives the Jeep in dense forest, his silambam fight and fight with the tiger are worth mentioning. When MGR tries to hide inside rock boulders from the tiger attack the camera work was awesome with a medium shot the frame is almost dark and MGR’s glittering face is the only visible part for the entire frame this scene lasts for some seconds.
The movie Thayai Katha Thanayan was the biggest grosser of 1962 with 32 centres crossing 50 days and 7 centres over 100 days. The 100 days theaters are:
Chennai:
Plaza – 105 days
Mahalakshmi – 105 days
Bharath – 105 days
Madurai – Kalpana – 105 days
Trichy – Palace – 126 days
Salem – Palace – 140 days
Coimbatore – Carnatic – 105 days
And one 100 days run in Srilanka
Gaiety – 110 days
The movie statistics is by MGR Devotee S.Vinod from Bangalore, Olikirathu Urimaikural Editor B.S.Raj and the images were forwarded by MGR Devotee from Madurai S.Kumar.
