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Murali Srinivas and Rami
In Arivaali, I think even Kalaivaanar and TA Madhuram were there .... I think TAM will suspect Kalaivaanar and all these scenes will be quite funny ....
Also, Banumathy's fun filled acting is always a joy to watch......
its a reflection of supreme self confidence in her !
Thanks Balaji!Quote:
Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas
I hope this handsom NT makes you more happy!
Hello all Nadigar Thilagam fans,
There was a common preception and misunderstanding among young generation on Nadigar Thilagam's Box office records ..They thought NT was just a class actor who belongs to non-mass category .They didn't know NT was a box office king as well as a performer .NT had a track record of releasing max no of movies in a year and made most of them box office blockbusters .NT is the only hero balanced critical excellence as well as box office success .
In another thread I happened to give a glance of nadigar thilagam's box office mark and I am reproducing some of them here.
NT's Parasakthi had 1 year run
NT's vasantha Maaligai had almost one year run in Srilanka.
NT's Pilot Prem nath had almost 1 year run in Srilanka.
NT is the only hero released 2 of his movies on the same day and both crossed 100 days (not just one time)
In 1961 -in one year Nadigar Thilagam gave 3 silver Jublee movies Paalum Pazhamum ,Paasa Malar and Paava Mannipu ..Another movie though it was not a box office hit ,It was a master piece 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan'
In 1962 ..NT gave Aalayamani ,Bale Pandiya ,Padiththal mattum pothuma ,Paarththaal pasi theerum -all 100 days movies.
In 1964- Aaandavan kattalai ,Karnan ,Kai koduththa Deivam ,Nava rathiri ,Pachai Vilakku,Puthiya paravai ...
Totally 6 100 days movies in a year.
In just one year 1972 alone
Gnana Oli - 100 days
Thava Puthalvan - 100 days
Neethi -217 days
Pattikata Pattanama - 189 days
vasantha Maaligai - 287 days
As you know ,There was only one movie ran for 100 days on it's second release after many years of it's first release,none other than Veera Pandiya Kattabomman.
:clap: Vaazhga NT
Joe,
I believe Gouravam had a record run in SriLanka, almost one year. Somebody confirm this.
As per Ramkumar's speech during Chandramukhi function, NT's Thangapathakkam was the first Tamil Movie ran 100 days in South Africa and Chandramukhi was 2nd reached that record recently.
Tacinema,
Thanks for the info!
I heard ,Gowrawam was the first movie the Dialogue Disk ( Vasanam Gramaphone) was released before the release of the movie in srilanka ..Because of this ,a huge crowd gathered the theatre on the previous day of the release ..Police had tough time to control the crowd and forced the theatre to start the show previous night itself ..Gowrawan ran more days in srilanka than in TN.
Joe ....
I know the dialogue of your today's avatar ....
Daddd..... correct....naanum adhayethaan decide panitten....andha hotela close panna poren......
romba dharuma sangadathodu idhai solvarr.....( and it will be watched actively by the first shivaji behind bero with all the fondness )
வாவ்! வாவ்!Quote:
Originally Posted by S.Balaji
வேற எதாவது டயலாக்-க்கு அவதார் வேணும்னா சொல்லுங்க ..பிடிச்சு போட்டுடுவோம்!
Joe dear...
indha avatar yen ammavukku migavum piditha oru character....enavay...please atleast let it be there for a day
Anaal....anaal...my all time favourite avatar will be King Jeorge !
MANNANIN GAURAVAM...CHADURANGA NADUVILAY....MADHIKINRA SENAYO...PILLAYIN VADIVILAY.....
இன்று 'அன்னையின் ஆணை' -யை மதித்து ,நாளை மீண்டும் மன்னர் ஜார்ஜ் -ஐ அரியணை ஏற்றி வைப்போம்.Quote:
Originally Posted by S.Balaji
Balaji dear..
For you,I uploaded the image of the famous scene in Deiva magan (3 sivajis)
Check here
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b126/cdjm/deiva5.jpg
ONLY THREE GREAT ARTISTS REALLY CHALLENGED NADIGAR THILAGAM:.
•SAVITHRI – later got the famed certificate Nadigayar Thilagam , an apt name taken as an inspiration out of Nadigar thilagam….
•S.V.RANGA RAO – the veteran from our neighbourhood Andhra . who played character , comedy, villain roles with aplomb
•M.R.RADHA – Nadigavel , an extraordinary actor and infact was a senior to NT. Played hero , villain , comedy, character roles with consummate ease….
I wish to take up SAVITHRI first……
There are quite a number of movies the 2 great personalities had acted together :
a.PAASA MALAR – An affectionate brother and sister fondness and how they were together even at the end of their life . For them, it’s the blood relationship which is paramount….what comes later out of marital status is secondary
b.RATHA THILAGAM – Lovers coming out of college life , moving in different directions, NT serves for Indian army while Savithri gets into Chinese territory , plays a sensitive role which arouses suspicion to everyone about her intentions , finally scarifying her life for the sake of country and makes her lover NT realize the truth
c.PAARTHAAL PASI THEERUM – NT acts as a guardian and caretaker for Gemini’s first wife Savithri . A very low profile and matured play by both.. the transformation from a village girl to a blind mother of kamal will be fascinating to watch
d.Ofcourse NAVARATHRI
THE BEST OF THE LOT – KAI KODUTHA DEIVAM
I have seen many women and men getting emotional and serious even when you mention about the name of this movie ! you ask any person in the 50s , you will get the same reply ….such an exceptionally good movie…..
This movie featured a galaxy of stars , NT, SSR, KRV , SVRangarao , M.R.Radha , Pushpalatha and above all SAVITHRI…..
It’s a pure coincidence that all the 3 great stars also played their part in this movie but Savithri out performed, outscored, outwitted everyone including Nadigar thilagam !
Savithri plays the role of an innocent woman not knowing the harsh realities and the wicked men around …..for her life is something to enjoy, be good and do good …and you will get everything good …..
Every scene of Savithri will appear special as she sparkles with a splendid representation of innocence personified
One will not even realize that the best of Savithri, NT & SVR is yet to come as the first 1 hour of the movie will focus around NT, SSR & KRV and their friendship and marriage. Also KSG through few touchy and emotional scenes, builds the faith and understanding between SSR & NT.
An opportunistic villain M.R.Radha, trying to capitalize / maximize out of Savithri’s innocence, spreads rumours about her and blackmails her quite frequently …in the process, Savithri was forced to meet him at regular intervals which makes everyone suspicious about her character…and what follows is throwing abuse on her virginity and this disturbs her family members ….also makes SSR ( her brother ) move out of the house to Chandigarh where he comes across NT and both become thick friends….
As NT will be in pursuit of an alliance, he will come across Savithri accidentally , even before he could meet her formally and these scenes are excellently structured… As NT’s car gets impaired, Savithri, who passes by incidentally, gives him company and drops him at the place he wanted to ….while traveling, she exchanges with all the innocence about her life getting spoilt by MRR and others….Shivaji, listens to her with rapt attention and feels sympathetic …also develops a fondness….
And finally when he sees his alliance , much to his surprise , he finds Savithri there and decides instantly that if at all he marries someone, it will be Savithri only…..and conveys his acceptance to SVR , Savithri’s father….
Even before NT expresses his concern, he goes out of the house with his parents to convey the information. In these very few seconds one should see the reaction of SVR & Pushpalatha who start chiding Savithri for her ususal tantrums. And as usual, Savirthri not knowing what happened, would not care but wait for them to return.
Everybody has given then best in each and every frame of this movie.
Once accepting this proposal, NT will send out a letter to SSR with photograph of Savirthri. And as he walks in isolation , recollecting all the mini but interesting exchanges between him and Savithri, Kavignar Kannadasan steps in with another of his gem …
AAYIRATHIL ORUTHI AMMA NEE….Ulagam arinthidatha piravi amma nee, Paarvayile kumari amma, pazhakathile kuzhanthai amma, aayirathil oruthi amma nee..
Kavignar goes further to glorify the splendid character ….
Paalilum venmai…paniyilum menmai…. Pachai ilam kili mozhi nee solvadhu unmai…..
Paavigal nenjam uraithidum vanjam…unmai endru solvadharku deivamum anjum….
The character of Savirthri is brought out in these few lines..by
Pennodu thodree penoodu vaanzdhum….pen manadhu enna vendu puriya villayo…..
Kann enna kanno…nenjenna nenjo….kalangam solbavarku…ullam illayo !!
Those who had seen this movie will appreciate the precise wordings of Kavignar as each and every sentence precisely reflects the character of Nadigayar thilagam….
Shivaji , in a white dhothi, talking to himself, thinking about the innocence of Savithri, conveys his thoughts through this simple but nice song……
And just look at the body language from NT during this song…… He will be so swayed by Savithri’s innocence that when he sings PAZAKATHILAY KUZANDHAI AMMA….he will be give subtle change to his facial reaction ! great !! ….at the end of the song, he will virtually challenge everyone ….appadiyay veshtiyay varindhu katti kondu oru sandaikku varuvadhu pola !!
KSG also shows parallel shots showing the shocking reaction from SSR on seeing the letter and the photo of his sister Savithri ….becoming restless…trying to convey his opinion to his dear dear friend Shivaji but could not come out with any single word…..breaks his head and roams around in despair…….while his wife KRV , unaware of the background, innocently and worriedly watching the events happening around
Every scence that she plays, Savithri excels and sweeps away all those come across including Nadigar thilagam…..
I wonder if anyone could have out performed Nadigar thilagam like Nadigayar thilagam did in this movie….. Is it her extraordinary acting skills or the character or NT himself deliberately under played himself while allowing Savithri to excel ??!!
I COULD SEE NT ….THANNUDAYA KAYYAI KATTI KONDU SAVITHRIYIN OVVORU DIALOGUES KUM REACT PANNUVAAR………..
Those days, every song had a poetic meaning well supported by melodious music.....
I continue to wonder about this amazing characterization from the great KSGopalakrishnan ( KSG )
Joe/balaji
I think only NADIGAR THILAGAM released two movies at a time. one is UTTIVARAI URAVU and I forgot the name of other movie. Both are super hit . :clap:
ramesh
JoeQuote:
Originally Posted by joe
Thank you very much.... PROBABLY ITS ONE OF THE BEST SCENES OF NADIGAR THILAGAM
The way the first son thumping the bero in joy after seeing his brother will be terrific ! ADHU ORU SAGODHARAN THANNUDAYA SONDHA RATHATHAI PALA VARUSHANGALUKKU PINAALL PAARTHA ANDHA ORU SANDHOSHAM.....
NT AT HIS BEST
I am recollecting scene from PARTHAAL PASSI THEERUM.
Gemini was bed ridden and savithri helped him to recover .They started loving each other.
What a style from shivaji. With cigratte in his mouth/newspaper in his hand with hush tone he will ask gemini ENNADA KATHAL MANNA
ENGEYUM UNN VELLIYA KATTA AARAMBICHUTIYA. :lol:
I dont think any other actor would have given such a variety in casual scene.
Joe, tac & Ramesh,
My first posting in this thread itself was about NT's BO performance.There I had given the list of NT's 2 movies released on the same day and I think it is all there in Page 60. Not only that there are so many BO records of NT still intact and I can quote many, but while writing I have to compare with the other actors of that time and the next generation actors who could not measure up to that performance.So I hesitated.
I will give one record from my home town Madurai. There was one Theatre in Madurai by the name SriDevi ( now it is an apartment complex). There NT's movies were alone screened for more than 15 months.It was like this
1. Engiruntho Vanthal - 29.10.1970 to 05.02.1971
2. Thangaikkaga - 06.02.1971 to 25.03.1971
3. Kulama? Gunamma? - 26.03.1971 to 02.07.1971
4.Savalae Samalee - 03.07.1971 to 17.10.1971
5. Babu - 18.10.1971 to 14.01.1972.
Recently I saw in Asianet, a theatre in Ernakulam had celebrated in the above said manner the screening of Mammootty's films for a period of 1yr and above. Then I remembered the above mentioned fact and thought how NT had done this even 35 years ago but unfortunately no celebrations were there at the time.
Joe again in 1972 you missed out one important movie (ie) Raja. 1972 was like this for NT
1.Raja- 26.01.1972 -100 Days
2.Gnana Oli - 11.03.1972 -100 Days (If my memory serves me right Gnana Oli was the first Tamil movie that was released in 5 theatres in Chennai and it completed 100 days in all)
3. Pattikkada Pattanama -06.05.1972 - 182 Days
4. Dharmam Engay - 15.07.1972 -50 Days
5. Thava Puthalavan- 26.08.1972 -100 Days
6. Vasantha Maaligai -29.09.1972 -200 Days
7. Neethi- 07.12.1972 -100 Days.
Such a terrific run prompted Sridhar to announce a film "Hero-72" which later came as Vaira Nenjam.
Ramesh, the other movie along with O.V.Uravu was Iru Malargal and the release was on Deepavali day of 1967.
Regards
Joe,
Thanks again for the avatar and thanks for the still of Deiva Magan, the scene which I described in my post.
Balaji,
Kudos to you for bringing out the nuances of Kai Kodutha Deivam. As you were wondering whether Nadigayar Thilagam upstaged NT, it was NT who willingly played second fiddle so that the Savithri character and the movie come out well. That shows the broad mindedness of NT. You can give so many examples like Dharumi's role in Thiruvilayadal, Savithri's in KKD, Devika's in Neelavanam, JJ's in Padhukappu, Vanishree's in Punniya Bhoomi,so on. Kooda nadikira ISR ponravargal nandraka nadithal,antha chinna scene-i kooda editing-il cut pannivarkal iruntha antha kaalathil, thannudan nadikkira young hereos-irkku paatu kooda kodukathavargal iruntha antha kaalathil,thevaipattal Thengai Srinivasan-ikum paadal katchi amaivathai ethirkathavar NT. He never feared anybody.He had talent on his side and that's why he was able to lock horns with the likes of Savithri, SVR,MRR, TS Baalaiah,SV Subiah, Banumathi etc.
Regards
Dear Murali
Thanks fo the info and hats off to you. I think THIRUSOOLAM also made record colection during that time. Amazing that shivaji was end of his career able to achive record collection.
ramesh
:clap: Murali !
Murali Srinivas...
Atleast ippodhaavadhu oppukollungal ....neengal oru Encyclopaedia on NT
Because you are quoting yearwise with precision.....
You have given fresh lease of life to this great thread ....
pls drive the thread
Ramesh dear....Quote:
Originally Posted by umaramesh
Whatever may be the success of Thirusoolam...I find it IMPOSSIBLE TO DIGEST THIS MOVIE .......
The movies from 75 were to be forgotten except Mudhal mariyaadhai, Devar Magan and Anbulla Appa.......
Nadigar thilagam should have been choicy in his movies ...
movies like Lorry driver rajkannu, Patta kathi bhairavan, Karathy viran dharmaraja, Vetrikku oruvan etc etc...... REALLY SPOILT HIS REPUTATION AND IMAGE
U r right balaji !
Bingleguy,Ramesh
Thanks a lot.
Balaji,
Still I stick to my earlier statement,not because of humility but I really feel there are persons who know more than me.
Regarding movies after 75 and about Tirusoolam, I will come back later.
Regards
Thirisoolam is typical masala movie which was a blockbuster then..But now I don't like this movie much compare to NT's black and white movies.
Joe and Murali Srinivas
IMO, after Savaalay samaalee, very few movies are noteworthy....
I will not blame NT for this..... I have highlighted once about Mudhal mariyaadhai earlier.......
Again , on Thirusoolum ..... I think the movie ran well not because of NT's customary acting but because it WAS HIS 200TH MOVIE .....and some good songs......
I remember this movie ran well in Shanti Crown Buvaneswari in Chennai
NT's Thirisoolam ran everywhere. During this time, NT's other movies like thiyagam, sandhippu, neethipathi, theerpu, and so on did very well. These movies were BO successful, though they were very mediocre in NT's own standards.
Occassionally, even during 80s, he did good roles in vellai roja, andhaman kadhali, keelvaanam sivakkum, vaazhkai. NT's performance in these movies were good and made them BO successful. Another movie Bhandham with "baby" shalini was reasonably good. My uncle used to say that not a single NT movie ran less than 100 days in Central talkies in Madurai. This includes his movie "Thaikku Oru Thalattu", which is a very mediocre movie. BTW, this movie hall is pretty big, not like 200 seating capacity.
Dear members: Never question NT's BO performance. I believe, until late 60s, his BO performance was better than MGR's. One of Kamal's fans in other thread was saying that NT movies ran only in cities. That is simply not true. When I was very small, my family lived in then small town Pudukottai. We lived there for 7 years and the only movie during that time crossed 50 days was NT's Thirisoolam. So, my advice to everyone in the forum is read the history and only then comment about the legend Simma Kuralon NT.
I g2g. have fun
Friends
We all know films mentioned by balaji is medicore and by NT standard he should have avoided . I can recollect NT interview:
while answering about these films: THEY ARE MY BEST FRIENDS AND I CANNOT SAY NO TO THEM.
Balaji: I saw THIRUSOOLAM in shanthi theatre(first week). So much crowd and they gone mad during telephone scene where NT speak with Vijaya after a long time. I think this scene was talk of the town and one of the reason for success
You know police has to make lathi charge to disperse crowd.
ramesh
ramesh
Everybody knows Thirisoolam is a blockbuster which broke all previous records in collection.
It was also re-released many times .In my home town It was released almost every 2 years and got a huge crowd like a newly released movie..I too liked that movie when I was very young..But now I couldn't understand why this movie got so much success.
Tac,
You are right in saying that NT excelled in BO, better than MGR. It was true. NT was not only Nadippu Chakravarthy but also Vasool Chakravarthy. But unfortunately this fact was overlooked by media at that time and a general impression gained ground that MGR as the BO king. If you could see MGR's graph, after 1968, he had only few super hits like Adimai Penn, Nam Nadu, M.Velan, Rickshawkaran till 1971. Between 1971 & 1978, when his last movie M.M.S.Pandiyan was released, he had just 3 hits (ie) U.S.Vaaliban, Urimaikural & Idhyakani. In the same period as I had mentioned NT had a dream run starting from Deivamagan in 1969 to Tirusoolam in 1979. To just give one example of NT's BO power, in Madurai,
Ricksahwkaran - 1971- 161 Days- Rs 4,09,000
Pattikada Pattanama -1972 - 98 Days- Rs 4,10,000.
In 110 days,PP also broke Adimai Penn's 175 days collection (Rs 4.34 L) & M.Velan's 177 days gross (Rs 4.33L).
See the ticket rates were not hiked and the same rate was prevailing. PP went on to gross Rs 5,61,000 in it's 182 days run which is still the benchmark for any B/W Film. Only one MGR movie grossed more than this and it required a film of USV's magnitude to overcome this simple village story.
As for as Tirusoolam,One record in Madurai is suffice to indicate how big a hit it was. Released on 27th January,1979, in Chintamani Talkies, till May 25th 1979,all shows were housefull (i.e) for 120 days, all shows and that totalled 401 were housefull shows, a feat unmatched by any actor. It eventually went on to complete 200 day run and it totally grossed 10.28 L from that single theatre, which if converted in today's value should be 1 crore and above.
Tac, you were also mentioning that some fans in other thread had derided NT's BO performance. Let them check their own track record, which is to put it simply absymal. Their star cannot hold a candle in front of NT both in performance and in BO success.
Regards
PS: Friends thanks for making me remember Madurai and it's sweet memories, as I am away from it.
Balaji,
To a certain extent what you told about NT's films after 1975 is true and whatever good films happened could not be compared to the classics of 50's,60's & early 70's. The main reason behind this development was the remake culture that set into Tamil Filmdom. Earlier there were story writers and directors who were straining every nerve to write stories for NT and his acting talent. But during the mid 70's, the trend in Tamil began to change and NT accordingly had to do films which catered to the taste of the audience of that period. Even before this NT had a strategic change in the late 60's as for as his roles were concerned. Before going into this, let me tell that point also.
From 1952 to 1965/66, NT's fans were considered to be of soft nature consisting mainly of educated,middle class people. But slowely a group from the fans was emerging aggressively and they wanted NT to give a fitting reply to his detractors. That was about the criticism that NT can't fight,do action roles etc. The fight between the two Thilagams was growing and since both happened to be on the opposite side of each other in political camps too, the rivalry between the two fans' grew manifold. After a certain stage this group became vociferous and since it consisted of mainly youngsters, NT had to give in. There comes Balajee and his Sujatha cine arts.NT having not done stunt scenes till that time (barring a few),though he was 112 films old, tried his hand with "Thangai" (1967). Since there were not many writers to script an action film for NT, Balajee bought the rights of a Telugu movie and ACT (his first film with NT) directed the same. It went on to become a hit and with Balajee coming out with more action oriented films like En Thambi & Thirudan, other producer/directors also started making movies of NT in that genre.
So coming back to 1975, when again he needed continious hits to suit the changing trend, the writer/directors choose the safe path (ie) remake. So when you borrow something to suit the giant, there were many hitches and it showed in the quality.
Regards
Let us discuss films after 1975 yearwise.
Murali,
Many thanks for your valuable posts!
Dear Murali,
You are awesome. Your statistics about NT's performanace is simply mindblowing. I bet in this forum, no other actor fans can beat you in this respect. Please continue this work.
You forgot to add one nice NT's action-type movie Raja, made by Balajee. I simply love that movie.
More later
I happened to watch VCD of a function'Imayathirkku Inthiya Anjali' tribute to Nadigar Thilagam sivaji after his death ..Malayala superstar Mohanlal came to the stage and said "There are seven wonders in this world .Let us add one more to it and make it eight .Nadigar Thilagam sivaji is always the celluloid wonder"
1975
1. Picture: Manithanum Deivamagalam
Banner: Vijayavel Films
Director: P.Madhavan
MD : K.Vaidyanathan
Starring: NT(Double Role),UNandini,Sowcar,Nambiar etc
Release: 11.01.1975
Chinna Annamalai, nagaichuvai writer in journals and magazines eventually became the President of All-India Sivaji Ganeasan Rasikar Mandram and he was the producer of this movie. First it was named as “Itho Endhan Deivam” and then it was changed to “Thangathilae Vairam” and finally became “Manithanum Deivamagalam”.( A movie by the name of I.E.Deivam got released later *ing KRV &Major). The story plot had an interesting subject (ie) fight between belief and non-belief. The elder brother NT is a temple priest in a village & is a staunch believer in God and the younger brother educated in Chennai is an atheist. When the younger brother returns home, a clash starts between the two ideologies and the village big head, who wants to loot the temple property makes use of this split. UNandini the daughter of Nambiar is the lady in love with the younger NT. A novel plot, which was pregnant with interesting twists, unfortunately fell short of expectations. The introduction scene of younger NT, when he saves a child in the train from falling thro’ the open door itself will give a glimpse of his character.He will call the child’s father and scold him. Child’s father will look heavenwards and say “Murugan Kappathitan”. NT will turn furious and ask “ Murugan Kappathinana? Un kuzhathayai kizhe vizhame naan kappathinen. Murugan kappathinanmila, Murugan” endru munumunuthukonde povaar. In the same manner tension will mount when Palkudam oorvalam for Murugan will be coming , the younger NT with the batch of deprived kids will also march to the temple demanding milk for the children. Both the NTs will be singing and a wordy duel will take place in front of the temple. Such interesting scenes were few and far. KV used Sirkazhi for the elder and TMS for the younger NT. Though he again used some of his earlier Bakthi Paadal tunes (like he did in RRChozhan) like “Muthuvel Rathinavel—“ , two songs “ Vaazkaiye Bodhai Nadagam” and “Paal Pongum Paruvam” (meter-ikku adangatha pattu?) were hits. Overall a movie, which should have been good, became average, but cannot be said as mediocre.
2. Picture: Avanthan Manidhan
Banner: Rasi Enterprises
Director:ACT
MD : MSV
Starring: NT,JJ,Manjula,Muthuraman & Major.
Release: 11.04.1975
I have already posted many scenes regarding this movie, which happened to be the 175th movie of NT. A class act in both style wise and acting wise, this will remain in memory forever. One thing to be noted is the music of MSV. Songs like Oonjalukku Poochooti, Anbu Nadamadum Kalaikoodame, Engiruntho oru kural vanthathu, Attuvithal yaar oruvar, Manithan Ninaaipathundu ellame ondrai ondru minjakoodiyathu. Normally ACT prefers Vaali for his films right from Anbe Vaa.
When he could not demand like when Balajee or Sivaji productions were involved (see Thangai, En Thambi,Thirudan & Deiva Magan [Shanthi Films]) where Kannadasan ruled, otherwise he used Vaali for Babu, Bharatha Vilas &Dr.Siva (all produced by ACT’s Cine Bharath).He also used Vaali for Enga Mama & Anbe Aruyire. Why I am writing all these because, ACT wanted Vaali for AM, but KNSubbu, the producer of AM was the cousin of Panchu Arunachalam (Panchu was the dialogue writer for AM) and their proximity to Kannadasan decided the issue in favour of KD. And what gems did KD and MSV gave us.The songs will continue to be immortal. One example for the same is in Attuvithal song there will be a saranam
Panjali Unnidathil Selai Kettal; Andha
Parthanavan Unnidathil Geethai Kettan
Naan Irukkum Nilayil Unnai Enna Ketpen; Innum
Nanmai Seithu Thunbam Vaangum Ullam Ketpen.
Forget about this scene and NT’s acting. These 4 lines will be used in the film “Ponmanam” (1998), where Prabhu is forced to lie to the heroine that he is not in love with her. She will shout at him, accuse him and challenge him that she will find a better groom than him. When she leaves, these 4 lines will echo in the background and Prabhu will silently suffer. I saw this movie in Kerala and you will not believe the applause it drew from the audience. That shows the popularity of the song and it’s impact.
Overall, AM was an unforgettable movie. The only part that stood like a sore thumb was the comedy track.
3. Picture: Mannavan Vanthanadi
Banner: JR Movies
Director:P.Madhavan
MD : MSV
Starring : NT,Manjula,Nambiar etc
Release: 02.08.1975
JR movies had two partners PKV Sankaran &PKV Arumugam,who hailed from Tenkasi. Their first movie was Puthiya Bhoomi in 1968. ( People used to say that JR itself implied Janaki Ramachandran). Then they switched sides and produced Enga Mama in 1970 and Gnana Oli in 1972 with NT. With the success of both, they immediately announced Mannavan and Manjula was paired for the first time with NT. Though this was the first movie of Manjula started with NT, because of the delay happened in release, En Magan(1974) & AM(1975 April) came before this. Again a rich vs poor story which had shades of Taming of the shrewd, The Nadodi NT in the first half will come as the rich man in the second half and how he defeats the evil design of Nambiar formed the story. NT will have a sister who will be wronged and will give birth to a child. An entertainer that was targeted at the mass and it served its purpose by celebrating 100 days. Again another musical with hit songs like Kaadhal Rajjiyam Enathu , Sorgathil Kattapatta Thottil were chart busters. The first song in the film Naan Naatai Thirutha Poren andha Kottayai pidikka poren will probably be the only Kolgai Parappu song of NT, which came in handy when he founded Tamizhga Munnetra Munnani.
Overall a mass entertainer not up to NT’s standard, but still was watchable.
(To be contd)
1975 Review Contd
4. Picture: Anbe Aruyire
Banner: Amutham Pictures
Director:ACT
MD : MSV
Starring: NT, Manjula and a host of comedy actors.
Release: 27.09.1975
As I had mentioned in comedy films of NT post, an avoidable movie. We were unable to understand why NT gave his nod to such a story, probably because of ACT?, we are not sure. But ACT was in equal measures to be blamed for this fiasco. Some good songs like Malligai Mullai Poopanthal & Raja veedhi Bhavani vandhathu were the only saving graces.
Overall, one more movie added to the list of NT. Nothing else.
5. Picture:Dr.Siva
Banner:Cine Bharath
Director: ACT
MD : MSV
Starring: NT, Manjula, Jayamalini etc.
Release: 02.11.1975 ( Deepavali)
Again another NT-ACT combo which promised much, but somewhere in execution it failed to make the cash registers ring. NT will come as a Dr. who will want to devote his life to eradication of Leprosy. He will choose a village inhabited by Tribal people where leprosy will be prevalent. His wife Manjula will initially help him in all aspects. But slowely his 24 hour devotion will start driving a wedge between them and a suspicion about NT’s character will make her seek separation which will be fanned by Major (Father/Brother? Of Manju). Ofcourse it’s a happy ending and rather a timid climax (rather anticlimax) was rather responsible for people not appreciating the same. 1975 for NT can safely be said, as a musical year for his films and Dr.Siva was no exception. Malare Kurinji Malarae, Thaja Panninathan intha Roja, Nallavr Kuralukku, Kaadhal – were all hits at that time and Malarae (First time KJY sang for NT) is an all time hit.
As I had mentioned earlier, at this point of time (to be precise, Oct 2nd), Perunthalaivar Kamaraj had passed away and a pale of gloom set in the Congress camp. There were two opinions emerging. One group wanted to continue as Congress (Organisation) and another wanted to join Congress (Indira). The fans were anxiously waiting for NT to officially react and there were mixed signals. This was one of the outside factors that adversely affected the movie.
Overall, another that promised much but failed to deliver.
6. Picture: Vaira Nenjam
Banner: Chithralaya
Director: Sridhar
MD : MSV
Starring : NT, Padmapriya, Muthuraman etc.
Release: 02.11.1975 (Deepavali)
Sridhar seeing the Super success of NT in 1972 announced Hero-72 and the movie stared with much fun fare. Padmapriya was drafted as the heroine but for her also, her first movie that happened to release was Carotti Kannan with Thengai (a sequel to Kaliyuga Kannan but which bit the dust). A crime detective subject formed the story and NT came as a police officer. NT was as usual stylish, but a subject that was slightly alien to Tamil was a drawback. The movie itself was of a short duration (just 2hrs 15 mins) compared to the trend of that period and out of this NT will get introduced only after 35 mins and this was not liked by fans. Another factor that went against was, Sridhar supposed to be a NT camper switched sides and made Urimaikural with MGR that got released in 1974.He was supposed to have made some remarks regarding both Thilagams and this was not taken well by NT fans who felt that Sri deliberately downplayed VN. Here again MSV came out with great nos like Neeradum Neram Nalla Neram and En Priyathirkuriyavalae that were regulars in Pongum Poompunal of Radio Ceylon.
Overall, a movie (rather a stylish one) went unnoticed.
7. Picture: Pattum Bharathamum
Banner: Arun Prasad Movies
Director:P.Madhavan
MD : MSV
Starring: NT (double role),JJ, Sripriya, Vkumar &Major.
Release: 05.12.1975
A classical that was to be in the lines of Thillana was not to be. NT the rich business tycoon reluctantly agrees to preside over a dance performance of JJ ( a simple scene where he will establish his character is, on entering the auditorium, NT will ask his PA, VK” Ithukku evvalavu Vaadagai irukkum “ atharkku VK “En ketkeereeinga” , NT will reply “ Ille, ippadi oru 4 hall kattipottuta vadagai varumile” enbar. A typical business man) and after a series of meeting each other, both will fall in love and NT will start learning Bharatham and as usual opposition comes in the form of NT’s father (Major). With the help of VK, he will make NT believe that her character is suspicious. JJ will be asked to come to a hotel to meet NT and NT will be told that she is there with somebody. NT will shout at her and she will go away. She would be carrying NT’s child. NT meanwhile realizing his mistake will search for her. JJ will return with his grown up son (again NT) and finally all ends well. Though NT cannot be said to have mastered dance, did an earnest attempt at the age of 47, but too much of pathos had also gone against the movie. When this movie was hardly 15-20 days old, news came out on the political front that NT is going to join Congress (I) and for many hardcore Perunthalaivar loyalists cum NT fans, this was unacceptable and ultimately the movie suffered. Again MSV gave gems like Manthorana Veethiyil, Deivathin Ther eduthu etc. There was one Mayil dance in the movie that was worth mentioning.
Overall, an above average movie.
So that was the score card of NT in 1975. Expecting all your views
Regards
Murali,
Lot of info. One thing puzzling me, was NT forced to do these many movies in 1975 or after? In the movies listed here, except AM, I don't think I will be able to watch any other movies completely. I love NT so much that none of other movies can meet his own standards. I got a chance to watch Dr. Siva recently and I was not able to complete it because the movie completely lacked NT stamp. One cannot believe, ACT made an unbelievable movie Deivamagan with NT and a crappy movie Anbe Aruyire.
I want to ask you this: I always felt Sivaji-Sridhar combo lacked some substance and they did not make classics. Sridhar made hit movies like UVUravu and Sivandha Mann with Sivaji. Compare these movies with Sridhar classics such as Nenjam marappathillai, nenjil oor aalyam, Kadhalikka nermillai and NT-Sridhar combination do not stand in front of them. In fact, Sridhar-Gemini combination produced evergreen hits and classics such as Then Nilavu, sumaithangi and Kalyana Parisu. In my view, Sivaji and Sridhar were individually so talented, but their combination did not produce expected results. If it had worked out well, then we would have got classics in the grand scale of VPKattabomman and Uththama Puthiran. Any reason why NT-sridhar combo missed substance?
Thanks for info. Please continue your good work on this forum
tacinema,
I agree with you..I am not impressed with 'Sivantha man'..Such a great director sridhar was..But unlike balachandar who made movies without compromising for the actors ,I think Sridhar off late made movies for actors ,not just follow his own ..Eg :He did movies for MGR ,Urimai kural and Meenava nanban which are more MGR movies than shreedar movies ..Both are pakka commercial movies with political propaganda..I beleive sridhar also did 'Thudikkum karangal' for rajini and crap movie 'Naanum oru thozhilaali' to kamal.
The following is the remebrance of Manorama on Shivaji. This interview was taken 3 days after the death of Shivaji.
It was in 1955 that I first met 'Nadigar Thilakam' Sivaji Ganesan. I was acting in a drama company in Thindivanam, and Sivaji had come to watch a performance of ours.
The play was Neethipathi.
I can’t say how excited all of us were when we came to know that he would be coming to watch the play. We had seen his films like Parasakthi and were great fans of his. On that day, all I could think of was Anna’s visit. I could not even think of what I was going to say on stage.
I had a double role in the play; I was the heroine and also the villain. Anna watched the whole drama intently and then spoke.
He said, "The girl who played a double role in the drama acted superbly. She enacted both the roles so differently that it is difficult to find that it was the same person. I am amazed. It is not at all easy to do a double role in a drama. I can only compare her acting talent to that of Anjali Devi."
I was in the seventh heaven. Anjali Devi was the topmost heroine those days. When Anna compared me to her, I could not control my tears.
After the function, he came to me and said, “I am certain you will come up in life. You have a great future.”
That was my first meeting with Sivaji Ganesan -- an unforgettable one.
Later, I came to Madras and started acting in Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s dramas.
Anna would watch them and tell others that I acted very well. Not once did he tell me directly that I was good. Even when I gave a good shot, he would say, "It was good but you can do better."
He said so because he wanted me to excel.
But he would tell others, "There is no one who can beat Mano in emoting," and those people would come and tell me.
It was only after I did Thillana Mohanambal with Anna that people started accepting me as an actress. I was very frightened before the shoot began. The very thought of me acting opposite Sivaji made me a nervous wreck.
There was a scene in the film where I had to listen to him play the nadaswaram, and then play the same ragam. We had to compete with each other; it was a memorable experience.
Another scene will be etched in my mind always -- his line was: “We should be brother and sister not only in this birth but in all the other births too.” Then, I was to reply: “Anna, even now, I am your sister and that will never change.”
I can't forget these dialogues and the way he delivered them. You had to be there near him to enjoy his skill. I was one of those fortunate people.
Only once did he tell me that I acted well -- that was on May 26 this year. It was my birthday. And, as usual, I had gone to take blessings from my Anna. He blessed me and gave a Rs 100 note as a gift.
We started talking about various things, and his wife happened to comment about somebody else who made a mess while delivering dialogues in the Madurai dialect.
Immediately, Anna looked at me and said, "Come on, is there anybody else here who can talk in different dialects like Mano? She is the only person and she is an expert."
Those words still resonate in my ear; they transported me to heaven. That was the first time he directly praised me.
I don't want to say how good an actor he was -- everybody knows how good he was. All those who came after became famous because of his dialogues.
Even Kamal Haasan as a little boy got attention in Kalathoor Kannamma by repeating the dialogues that Anna said in Veerapandiya Katta Bomman. Why? Because Anna was the authority in acting.
He was an acting encyclopaedia.
Have you seen his introductory scene in Parasakthi?
S S Rajendran was trying to wake him up but he was not supposed to. When he did, you should see the way he threw away the sheet and looked at the camera! It was like a lion getting up from his sleep.
The lion which woke up from his sleep, nearly 50 years ago, never slept after that; he was roaring ever since.
Have you heard of any other actor who rose to such heights with one film? There is only one -- Sivaji Ganesan. No one else has such talent, ability and good luck.
God has given him such luck that it never left him till the last moment. I am witness to it.
After the day’s shooting at a casino in Kathmandu, we decided to try our luck out.
Anna put in a 50 paise coin and turned the knob. You should have seen the number of coins that poured out! He put one more coin. Again, there was a flood of coins.
That is why I say he was born with the luck of a king, and he remained a king even after his death.
One of my dreams was to act in a film directed by him. Unfortunately that was never fulfilled.
In real life too, he was my brother. I would enter his house and run upstairs, where he would be resting.
I shared everything, both happiness and sorrow, with Anna. He would console me whenever I was down.
He was not like my own brother; he was my own brother. When my mother passed away at 5:45 hrs one morning; Anna was at my home in fifteen minutes. He wanted me to inform my brothers and sisters. When I said, I had none, he pacified me by saying, ‘You have me, your Anna’. He immediately took charge just as my own brother would and sat outside till the body was taken to the crematorium.
How could I repay him?
He knew to act only before the camera; he never acted in front of people. He was genuine.
The moment I came to know of his death, I ran to his house and sat there near the body. I didn’t get up till his body was taken out. I refused to even to drink a drop of water.
Later on, I stood in the lorry for three hours and accompanied his body to the crematorium. The others told me to eat; but I refused. I wanted to punish my body and show my gratitude to my Anna. How else could I show my love for my own brother?
In October, he would complete 74. We wanted to have a huge celebration for his 75th birthday, but that was not to be.
I have lost my own brother. My only wish is to be born as his own sister in the next birth.
-- Source rediff
Joe dearQuote:
Originally Posted by joe
I think Nenjirukkum varai ( without make up for all ) was a Sridhar - NT combination other than Ooti varai ......
Also, he is one director who is very difficult to judge . we cant classify him under any particular type of director as he did all type of movies..
but in the 70s he lost direction and did movies for the sake of survival like :
1. Ilamai unjalaadugiradhu ( by no means a sridhar movie )
2. azagay unnai aaradhikiren
3. Urimai kural
4. Meenava nanban
5. Thenralay ennai thodu
6. Thandhu viten yennai ( vikram's first )
etc etc
any creative director, his creativity lasts for a maximum of 15 to 20 movies and after that he become stale... the only exception was KB