Originally Posted by
mahendra raj
Contrary to popular belief Ellis R. Dungan, the American film director who directed MGR"s first film 'Sathi Leelavathy' was prejudiced against MGR. During the shooting of Manthiri Kumari Ellis Dungan behaved like a sadist towards MGR. He deliberately re-shot several takes of the fighting scene on the hill on a very hot weather. He gave the impression that MGR was not up to mark in the fight scene. Poor MGR! The scenes where his back is pressing the hot boulder of the hill whilst fighting with the villain was too much to bear. Only After many re-takes the scene was okayed by the director. The gilm crew too noticed this apparent behavior of the director towards MGR but they could only sigh in silence. That evening when MGR was changing into his own clothes after the shooting he found that his whole back was heavily sun-burnt and it took a few days for the skin to change back into its original unique wheat color.
It seems that Ellis Dungan wanted someone else to play this role originally but his proposal was not considered by the producers. Hence this sadistic behavior towards MGR. I am not sure whether it is Sathy Leelavathy or Manthiri Kumari.
Many decades later when MGR became the CM of Tamil Nadu he had one unexpected visitor paying him a courtesy call at his office. It was none other than the aging Ellis R, Dungan. After exchanging pleasantries, out of courtesy MGR asked him whether he wanted any assistance from him. To his surprise Ellis R. Dungan replied in the affirmative. While he was working in Tamil Nadu as a director he purchased one building but he was having difficulty in selling it off due to many legal and ownership issues being a foreigner. After listening to his problems MGR called one of his aides to attend to it immediately. Within a matter of two days Ellis R. Duncan's problem was resolved and he returned to the US a happy man.
MGR did this favour as a matter of principle and sentiments since this was the man who directed his first film. Although he was hurt by his sadistic attitude towards him in his budding days nevertheless did not hold a grudge. That is MGR. Forever a friend to those in need even if they were to be his enemies.
For some unknown reasons Nagesh had bad blood with MGR and that was one of the reasons where Thengai Srinivasan and Iseri Velan were the comedians in his films during his last years in films. After a long gap he acted in Urimaikkural and that too because it was Sridhar's film. Both Sridhar and Nagesh were close friends.
Nagesh had a cinema theatre in T. Nagar, Chennai which was facing a government school. The authorities gave notice to close the theatre as the patrons were a hindrance to the school's functioning especially when the classes are in session. Nagesh, putting aside his pride and enmity approached MGR who was now the CM. After listening to his problems MGR asked the authorities to shift the entrance of the school to the other side. Thus Nagesh's problems were solved immediately. MGR did not at all give a second thought about his strained relationship with Nagesh. Had he bore a grudge against Nagesh he would have insisted that the government's priority is the school and not an entertainment outlet. He did not do that but was generous in his decision.
This was stated by Nagesh himself sometimes back in one of the weeklies.
