A. P. Nagarajan popularly known as 'Divine Director' made several successful films. Lay people celebrated his films as ‘Divine cinema. and for those with refined taste, his films were a musical extravaganza and offered a lot more than a costume drama of the earlier era.
A.P.N was born in a family owning large tracts of land. But after the sudden demise of his parents, he was put into a drama company at a very young age. He worked along with Sivaji Ganesan in the Madurai Jayarama Sangeetha Boys Company and Sakthi Nadaga Sabha.
His films were more than costume dramas, he had invented his own style of retelling the epics with songs and dialogues of semi-classical nature. The ensemble casting and grand cinema sets were characteristic elements that brought life to the epics in a grandeur never seen before
Thiruvilaiyadal(1965)
The milestone film is based on 'Thiruvilayadal Puranam' a 15th-century Tamil literary work on Lord Shiva’s divine plays. Nagarajan wrote the screenplay based on 4 selected stories and also produced and directed the film.
Sivaji Ganesan played multiple roles including that of Lord Shiva in disguise. Nagarajan himself played Nakeerar, the poet who defies and challenges Shiva on his erroneous Tamil poetry. The film was a stupendous success and continues to enjoy great popularity on television.
Saraswati Sabatham(1966)
This is the story of three goddesses Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Parvathi representing the three elements i.e. knowledge, wealth, and physical strength turn into rivals tricked by the celestial trickster Narada.
Savitri as Saraswathi, Padmini as Parvathi, and Devika as Lakshmi brought life into the characters. Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, and K R Vijaya played the roles of the humans affected by the play of the divine. The dialogues of Nagarajan added strength to the film.
Kandan Karunai (1967)
Kandan Karunai traces the life journey of Lord Murugan. Beginning with his birth as Karthikeya, the story revolves around his ascension as the commander of the Devas and war with the Asuras, and his marriage with his two consorts and Deivanai and Valli.
These stories form the core of the legends and myths associated with the six abodes of Lord Murugan, known as the "Arupadaiveedu" all located in Tamilnadu.
Rising star Sivakumar’s portrayal of the Lord Murugan was well received. Popular Tamil and Bollywood actress Sridevi made her debut as a child artist. Actors Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Ashokan, and Nagesh also played important roles in this highly successful venture.
Thirumal Perumai (1968)
Nagarajan’s next directorial venture Thirumal Perumai narrates the stories of three Alwars (Tamil poet-saints devoted to Lord Vishnu) Andal, Thirumangai Alwar, and Thondaradipodi Alwar. The film espoused Vaishnavite values of devotion and total surrender to Vishnu.
The film was well-received despite a slow-paced screenplay. Sivaji Ganesan’s three different roles and Sivakumar’s portrayal of Lord Vishnu were appreciated and the film was successful.
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