M.G.R: Matinee Idol, Star, Politician
A journey through some of M.G. Ramachandran’s significant films that defined his stardom, and made him the three-time Chief Minister of Tamilnadu.
UnknownRoja Muthiah Research Library
Born as Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran and popularly known as M.G.R is the most popular film icon of Tamil cinema who also dominated the political sphere in a state where the Gods, leaders and film stars are revered in the same way. Even three decades after his death, the digital re-releases of his films continue to receive the same kind of adulation and the claimants to his legacy continue to hold a sway in the electoral politics of the Tamil state.
ThirudatheRoja Muthiah Research Library
The Dravidian movement expanded its reach through cinema and M.G.R became its most popular on-screen hero, The Kolgai padal (songs espousing ideology) – a typical feature of his films – put through the vision of fair and just world that movement intended to create.
En AnnanRoja Muthiah Research Library
In his films, he was an incorruptible man of ideals who has descended to live among the commoners, fighting for their causes, organising them and leading them to a better world. In his roles as a farmer, a cow-herd, rickshaw man, a horse cart puller, or a fisherman, he gave expression to the socio-cultural struggles of the subaltern who would later catapult him to power.
Kaaval KaaranRoja Muthiah Research Library
M.G.R as a director has only three films to his credit but he had more control over the making of his films than his contemporary stars, and it increased over the years creating an image of adulation for himself.
RajakumariRoja Muthiah Research Library
'Rajakumari' turned out to be a breakthrough film for M.G.R. and the Director A.S.A. Samy.
The prince charming’s adventure to rescue the princess won the hearts of many and the film was a huge success declaring the arrival of the star-hero. It is also the first film of the 23-year-old Kalaingar M Karunanidhi as a dialogue writer; though he was not officially credited.
Manthiri Kumari (1950)Roja Muthiah Research Library
'Manthiri Kumari' is a film adaptation of a popular play of Karunanidhi and was directed by the legendary Ellis R Dungan.
The film is remembered for Karunanidhi’s fiery dialogues which reflected the anger of the subaltern and was a huge success, and M.G.R. became an important on-screen voice of the Dravidian movement.
SarvathikariRoja Muthiah Research Library
Sarvadhikari is an adaptation of the American swashbuckler film 'The Gallant Blade'. Manipuri's commander in chief of the army and his body guard together foil the corrupt minster's attempt to turn the country into a dictatorship after deposing the puppet ruler.
M.G.R.'s role as the personal bodyguard of the commander in chief is remembered for its anti-establishment dialogues and the final duel with the villain.
MarmayogiRoja Muthiah Research Library
Karikalan, the lead character was written for Ramachandan, taking inspiration from several films and plays.
The Robinhood like swashbuckler film was a great success and cemented Ramachandran as a matinee-idol.
Malaikallan (1954)Roja Muthiah Research Library
M. Karunanidhi adapting a short story of Ramalingam Pillai created one of the most celebrated swashbuckler films of M.G.R. with his powerful screen play and dialogues.
Ramalingam Pillai's short story itself was inspired by 'Robin Hood' and 'The Mask of Zorro'.
The song "Innum Yethanai Kaalam Dhaan Yemaatruvaar Indha Naatilae" emphatically declared the vision of the Dravidian movement and started the trend of Kolgai padal in M.G.R.'s films.
Alibaba and 40 ThievesRoja Muthiah Research Library
'Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum' is South India’s first color film and is an adaptation of 'Alibaba and 40 Thieves' from the Arabian Nights tales.
The film was praised for the performances of the lead characters M.G.R., Banumathi and P.S.Veerappa, and is remembered for his song and dance sequences.
Madhurai Veeran Song bookRoja Muthiah Research Library
Maduraiveeran is a medieval age warrior, whose heroism, romance and tragedy best preserved in Tamil folk theatre and various oral traditions.
Maduraiveeran was deified upon his tragic death and is worshipped as Maduraiveeran Swamy
(Lord Madurai Veeran) in Southern Tamil Nadu and many South Asian countries where Tamils settled during the early colonial period. M.G.R. played the lead role of Veeran.
The film was a huge success and ran for over 175 days in many centres in Tamilnadu. It's considered to be one of the most culturally significant films.
Nadodi MannanRoja Muthiah Research Library
The film, 'Nadodi Manan', is an adaptation of several pirate films. M.G.R. played the lead role of a physician who earns the wrath of the King and is enslaved for saving the life of a commoner-rebel. He reforms the slaves and organises them politically towards their freedom and the freedom of their homeland.
Aayirathil Oruvan (1965)Roja Muthiah Research Library
This highly successful film is one of the most popular colour films of M.G.R. with his political heir and three time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalitha and continues to bring people to the theatre upon its re-releases.
Enga Veettu PillaiRoja Muthiah Research Library
The film is a remake of the Telugu film 'Ramudu Bheemudu'. The social drama was well received critically and commercially.
Enga Veettu Pillai (1965)Roja Muthiah Research Library
M.G.R. played dual roles of a timid man, heir of a zamindary-capitalist and an unemployed day dreamer who lives a unprincipled life.
The song "Naan Aanaiyitaal" is one of the most popular songs of M.G.R. which won the hearts of the working class who would become his ardent supporters in his later years.
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