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Iam a NT fan and not writing in this thread. But I used to read everyday about NT (both F& P matters) in this thread. I am collecting all these information in order. In fact if any one come forward to publish book on NT this NT thread is very useful and more imformative one. Thanks a lots everyone discussing.
abkhlabhi
Not only BRP, APN, Sridhar suffered when they swiched over to MGR, the great star chandrabau and Ashokan also incurred huge loss. Chandrababu invested huge money in Madi Veetu Ezasi with MGR, but this film never seen the screen. And Ashokan lost his money in NEN with MGR. afther this film he started acting as cheap Comdian roles in tamil films. what a fall for a great villain. When we talking out BOs our NT always ahead of MGR and NT producers never lost money. Only after 1980 only he was giving flop movies.
There are so many reasons for hs death. But to my knowledge the main and ONLY reason is JJ Amma. She written the story and directed it. if she don't like any one she go to any extent t finish them. Here is the list of victims.
Our NT
Jayendra Sarawathi
Thirunavukarasu alongwith other 3 policians
Sudarakan
KK
and more
Pls refrain from dragging political names here. We wish to hear more from veterans here. Its a big learning experience for me to know about NT .Quote:
Originally Posted by abkhlabhi
JJ has no role in this thread pls understand
Murali
Your statement is true on media hype. people are discussing now itself about kamal movie and his makeup related things . Those days even after releasing the movie people will not get to know how much pain that particular artist has undergone.This is applicable to not only heroes but right from cameraman/music directors and other technicians also. They have done thankless job. Things have become so commercial now and one has to
take care of media hype also to survive :)
I think kamal use to have close contact with NT and I dont think it is neccessary for him to convince people in this manner. Anyway he is also ardent follower of NT and use to speak about NT acting quiet often.
Vikram just started his career and he is putting that extra effort and pain . too much hype will kill you.
ramesh
I think today, making a movie has become a commercial investment ( no longer an art or to convey contributions of great freedom fighters like VOC, Veera pandiya KB )Quote:
Originally Posted by umaramesh
Its more of a business venture and that could be the reason why all pre release shows are being done with hype
Nakeeran & Joe
Thanks.
Ramesh,
Just as you had mentioned, Kamal who boasts of having sat on NT's lap more than Ram & Prabhu says some absurd things like this about NT, then it hurts you more. That's why I mentioned that.
Rajesh,
No issues.I took your request only in the right manner,but I wrote that clarification because even in future somebody should not mistake us.
akhlb---(Sorry I didn't get the full name)
You are welcome to the thread and some info that you have posted like that of Chandrababu & Asokan are true also, but I avoided that in my post because NT was not involved in that and we need not critisise MGR when it does not concern our NT. In the same manner just as Nakeeran had pointed out it is better not to drag JJ into all these things as present day politics has no relevance as for as NT is concerned.
Nakeeran and others,
It is not just today that a movie making has become a commercial investment. It has been always like that and a movie producer definitely wants to make money. There has always been a thought that only action-oriented movies can be BO hits. Some producers wanted to make a difference, not action movies, but still they wanted to be very successful, both in quality and in commercial sense. Thats where NT was phenomenal. NT defied the theory that only action or sterotype movies can be successful. He proved that both quality and quanity can coexist, and can still produce BO miracles. I am proud to say that till today, only NT achieved this feat. I am also very sure that in tamil cinema, in future, no other actor can beat NT in this respect.
I am sure that NT's Uththama Puthiran should have been a hit movie. I remember my grandfather used to say that he was a huge fan of Sivaji-Padmini pair that he saw this movie over 10 times. Somewhere I read that UPuthiran was the first tamil movie that ran 100 days in all 4 southern states. Murali can confirm this news. I am not sure why Kamal contradicts these facts, by saying UPuthiran was a flop movie. As Murali said, no tamil actor, including Kamal, can put him on par with NT. Common tamil people have agreed with the fact that NT has always in different league, when it comes to acting.
I always believe NT's BO record was better than MGR's. Even re-release of NT's films made better money than any other actors film. It has always been a norm that old movies run for only one week. Here again, NT proved otherwise and made history. Let me put some facts here. In my home town Madurai, in late 80s, some of NT's old films spectacular run: VPKattabomman ran over 50 days in Alankar theater, Avan thaan manithan ran over couple of weeks in Meenkshi theater, Raja ran couple of weeks in Chintamani and Vasantha maaligai in New cinema. In fact, Alankar theater was almost broken and it got a new lease of life after VPKattabomman run and this shows that they made tons of money with this re-released film. Till today, no other tamil actors, including MGR, re-released movies made this achievement. As Murali said, the tamil media distorted the history by saying MGR's BO record is better than NT's.
Murali: please continue your narration about NT's history.
Regards.
Dear Murali and all,
Can you provide a source on what kamal said about Uththama puthiran ..There was a old movie 'uththama puthiran' before NT's uththama puthiran .I think old 'Uthama puthiran' was started by K.A.ramasamy ,If I am not wrong .Is anything mistaken? .I couldn't beleive kamal ,such a NT devote could do this mistake.
Joe,
Kamal mentioned about Sivaji's Uthamaputhiran(UP) that it did not do well during its release. He said that in a function (I cannot remember which function it was) when he was talking about why some of his good/different films were not doing well and this happens for all the actors. Then he said that NT's UP, a great film too was not received well by Tamil fans. I do not know whether he was correct or not, but I was in doubt because till now that film is talked for its many of its kind - NT's first dual role. His dance for 'Yaaradi Nee Mogini' song. All the songs from the film were hits. G.Ramanathan's western music for that song.
NT, Padmini pair -vow. What a great film it is! Dir. Sridhar written the dialog. Can any other actor on this earth perform like our NT's - Majestic walk, a King like beauty, Villanous smile etc. etc. Yaarum avaroda Kaal thusikku samamaagamattanga! I would like to watch this film again and again in Theatres. I happened to watch this film very lately 2 or 3 times - but enjoyed watching. Prabhu also mentioned UP as his favourite movie (for his father's different dual role- Hero, Villain, Hero acts as villain in some scenes, Villain acts as hero in some scenes). The mask, jail scenes were fantastic.
My friends and all used to say that there are heros who do not even have acted in number of films as many as NT's additional roles (Dual or more) in his films.
Once my mother told me that P.U.Chinnappa's Uthamaputhiran was a hit with the same story, but I don't know much about it. P.U.Chinnapa was the first actor to do a dual role for a Tamil film (don't know whether his UP was that one).
kalnayak,
Thanks for clarification ..If kamal said so ,he was wrong ,since I know for sure NT's Uththama puththiran was a massive hit.I think Kamal should have mistaken Uththama puthiran for Karnan.
Even if kamal did the mistake ,he will have no objection to regret ,since he is a die-hard NT fan like us.
Joe, I think Kalnayak is right. I don't remember which interview it was but I do remember Kamal saying that he expressed his wish to Shivaji to produce a commercial hit as different and entertaining as Uthama Puthiran. But Shivaji reportedly laughed away his idea asking him where he got the impression that Uthama Puthiran was a hit. That was when Kamal himself knew that it was not a hit. But whatever the outcome was, I for one feel that the movie is a lesson in script writing and dialogue delivery. Even today's mass movies can't stand up to the classic entertainer that was Uthama Puthiran.
www.maalaimalar.com
(visit Kaalachuvadugal->cinema varalaru ->Chevalie Sivaji)
website says Uthama Puthiran was hit and ran for 21 weeks in Chennai.
A review of Uthama Puthiran:
http://www.thenisai.com/tamil/movies/uputhiran.htm
I am not dragging JJ in NT thread. Ennudaiya Idyaya kumaral. Avar 100 varusham vaazavendiyavar. Avar thanudaiya Grand Daughter JJ foster sonku marriage, foster son arrest athan mulam NT patta avasthai, athanal avarudaiya health spoil ananthu. Lastly he last his breath. entha vedanaiyai enal till today thangamudiyavilai.
உங்கள் வேதனையில் நானும் பங்கு கொள்கிறேன் .ஆனால் என்ன செய்வது .அதைப்பற்றி பேசுவதை விடுத்து நடிகர் திலகத்தின் நல்ல நினைவுகளை அசை போட்டு மனத் திருப்தி அடைந்து கொள்வது தான் நல்லது.Quote:
Originally Posted by abkhlabhi
NT’s political career II Phase-1967-1975 Continuation
(Oct 1972- Oct 1975)
When the news spread that MGR had been suspended, tension mounted and MGR himself was in a shooting. When informed about the developments and asked about his reaction, he replied “ Indru Paayaasam Kudithen”, again a clear indication that he wanted the suspension to happen. The MGR fans clearly came out in large numbers and in every city/town/village there were rallies, which culminated in violence. Law & Order completely broke down and it was free for all. All educational institutions were closed indefinitely and protests were happening everywhere. MGR launched his ADMK (later to change as AIADMK) on Oct 17th and some leaders from DMK like KAKrishnaswami, Nanjil Manoharan joined him. DMK unleashed violence on MGR’s supporters and they retaliated back. Within 3 days of his launching ADMK, MGR released his Idhya Veenai on Oct 20th. The movie not a great one was caught in a trap. Because of the Law & Order situation the crowds were less and secondly fans were more eager on the political arena. The expulsion and subsequent launching of the new party helped the movie to sustain for 100 days. At this time any act by both the sides sparked off violent clashes. Madurai Muthu, the Madurai Dist Secretary and the most vocal critic of MGR had wantonly conducted a meeting in Madurai Thilagar Thidal also known as Sandhai on the 3rd day of Iveenai’s release (i.e.) 22nd Oct and the movie was playing in the nearby Sri Devi Theatre. The people coming out of the theatre and going to the theatre had to go through the side street of the meeting ground and police diverted all the crowds through another way. Still violence erupted and spilled over for a week. Nanjil Manoharan had planned a trip to Delhi and he was attacked at the Chennai airport itself. At this point of time the entire Chennai city was in the hands of the fans and it became an unwritten rule that all vehicles should carry a pasted notice proclaiming “MGR Vazhga”. It is rumoured that once even MuKa’s vehicle was stopped in the beach road and when the security police accompanying him tried to disperse the crowd, it seems that MuKa prevented them and the protesters pasted the notice on the car without knowing that MuKa was inside. All these things helped MGR to the maximum. The public was turning against the government and years of toil by PT & Congress workers were beginning to bear fruit when MGR came and simply reaped the harvest. To put it simply, he hi-jacked the agenda of Congress. Here it must be said that Congress in TN, caught unexpectedly in the midst failed to take charge and except Kannadasan’s remark about ADMK “Ithu verum oru 100 naal padam”, Congress did not even officially respond to the situation and MGR the clever strategist he always was, made use of the situation to the hilt. Only after a month or so when a media correspondent asked about the new party did PT gave his, ever-famous quote, “Rendum Ore Kuttaiyle Oorina Mattainen”. After this clarification Congress circles caught in a dilemna whether to support MGR or not, came out against both Dravidian parties.
Meanwhile NT’s dream run was continuing and in spite of the troubled times NT came to Madurai on 29th Oct for the 177th day celebrations of Pattikkada Pattanama and that Sunday witnessed overwhelming crowds in the Central Cinema, which was screening the movie. Another proof that NT’s films were doing excellent business even in that troubled times was the continuous 100 Housefull shows in Madurai New Cinema that Vasantha Maaligai had completed on the previous day (i.e.) 28th Oct. When the Central theatre could not entertain the huge crowd that had come for Morning and Matinee shows, NT along with other artists were taken on a procession in an open jeep that started from the Theatre to Pandiyan Hotel where he was staying. Though this was not in the agenda, the crowds thronged the entire route and I was an eyewitness to the procession and reception. In December NT had another release Neethi and again it was a hit (100 days run in Devi Paradise & Salem).
In the political arena, hot things were happening and DMK was committing mistake after mistake. They tried to put down all protests by force and that was complicating matters. Just because a College Professor in Palayamkottai by the name Srinivasan supposed to have supported MGR in the class, he was attacked inside his house and his house ransacked. The students again erupted all over TN. Worst was to follow. In Tiruchy, there is a hostel called Clive Hostel and the inmates of the Hostel were brutally attacked. Reason was the students had allegedly eve teased the daughter of DMK minister Anbil Dharmalingam. But insiders had another story (i.e.) students supported MGR. (Probably Tiruchy people will remember this incident). Mathialagan (brother of KAK) who was earlier a minister in MuKa’s cabinet was now the Speaker of TN Assembly. He had switched over to ADMK and in this atmosphere the assembly was convened. MuKa the manipulator he is decided on another course when he saw Mathialagan would support MGR. The Deputy Speaker at that time was Virudhunagar P.Srinivasan (the same person who defeated PT and who is now a major contributor to AIADMK’s official organ Namadhu MGR) and MuKa brought in a motion, which expressed no confidence in Mathi & made PS as the Speaker. Mathi refused to budge from the Speaker’s seat and PS also went and started conducting proceedings. Mathi asked MGR to speak on the no confidence motion that he had moved and MGR began to speak. PS asked a ruling party MLA to speak. There was pandemonium all around. MGR was hurling corruption charges from one side and the DMK members were shouting at him. MuKa made a signal to the Assembly staff and MGR’s mike was switched off. MGR continued to speak without mike and Chappals and mikes were thrown at him. At that point MGR stopped and proclaimed the famous quote “ Sattasabai Sethuvittathu” and walked out. He was to return to the same assembly only as CM of TN in 1977. Since assembly forum was not available to him, MGR along with M.Kalayanasundaram (the veteran CPI leader) prepared the corruption charges and went to Delhi and gave it to the then President V.V.Giri. The President sent the same to Union cabinet, which sent it to the TN Ministry for its comments. When enquired about this MuKa remarked “ Paarthen, Padithen, Rasithen” in his own style, but of course it is another story that the Sarkaria Commission that probed the corruption charges against the DMK ministers in 1976, took MGR’s memorandum as the basis.
As all these things were happening, normalcy slowly returned to TN and all the three major parties were charting out their own course. At that time the Parliament member of Dindigul (if my memory serves me right it was Rajangam of DMK) passed away and by-election was announced. MGR announced that ADMK will contest the election and rumours were doing round that Mrs.Rani Annadurai was going to be its candidate but MGR announced the name of Maya Thevar. Congress put up NSVChithan and DMK’s candidate was Pon.Muthuramalingam. Indira Congress also decided to put up its own person and Karu.Seemaichamy filed his papers on behalf of IC. It was a no holds barred campaign as stakes were high. MGR had another duty to fulfill and that was the release of Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban, which he had put on the cold storage. Starting from January
1973, he was totally involved in the shooting and post production works of the film. He wanted the film to get released before the election. Simultaneously he was doing both the film’s work and election campaign. DMK leaders had ridiculed the movie and said it will never see the light of the day. Madurai Muthu went one step further and declared he will wear a sari, if at all the movie released. So it became a prestige issue for MGR. He finished the movie and got it censored. At that time MuKa put up another hurdle. His Government raised the tax on posters in Chennai and the amount was huge. MGR decided not to put up posters. Another factor was the largest circulated daily Dina Thanthi was against MGR as SiPa Adhithanar was a minister in MuKa’s cabinet and MGR decided to give the release ads only in Dinamani & Dinamalar. That was unheard of because a cinema release without Thanthi ad could not be thought of in those days. The movie was released on 11th May 1973 and that went on to become the biggest hit of MGR’s career. That also immensely helped ADMK in Dindigul by-election. Coming to NT and congress, both PT & NT put their heart and soul in the campaign for NSVChithan. The election took place on May 20th and the results were declared on the next day. ADMK won by a huge margin and the votes were like this.
Total Votes Polled –5,05,000
ADMK - 2,60,000
Congress - 1,19,500
DMK - 93,000
Indira Congress - 11,000
ADMK polled more than 50% votes and it became certain that ADMK is here to stay. Though disappointed PT said that he would continue to serve the people. MuKa on his part said “ Oru Paanai Sotrukku Oru Soru Patham endra pazhamozhi itharkku porunthathu” and went on to add that the candidate selection was not right and the District Secretary (M Muthu) should realize this. That started the sidelining of Muthu in DMK, which eventually culminated in his exit.
Before this, starting March 1973, TN experienced a severe draught and Load shedding for hours together was the order of the day. The situation was so worse that Kanji Thottis were opened in Ramnad District. This also worked against the Government. Before May NT had two releases. NT’s Raja Raja Chozhan was slated to release on March 31st and the producer Anand Theatre Umapathy had charted Theatres all over TN. At this time ACT announced that his Bharatha Vilas would release on 24th March. Fans were taken aback. RRC was the much-expected film and another NT film just 1 week before that was suicidal, they felt. At that point of time they had no hopes on BV. But NT and VCShanmugam gave the go ahead to ACT and how wrong the fans were. ACT proved that a good film could withstand any competition and BO wise BV collected more than RRC. RRC also had a decent run (97 Days in Madurai). After this the Dindigul election came and days after the Dindigul election, the Union Minister Mohan Kumaramangalam representing Coimbatore Parliament constituency died in a plane crash. So another by-election was on the cards. But in those days the State Government can decide on the dates and MuKa fresh from the defeat postponed the by election.
So TN politics progressed without any dramatic incidents except for the murder of two ADMK workers Poolavari Sugumaran & Vathlagundu Arumugam. In the former Veerapandi Arumugam was the prime accused and of course after a long drawn out legal battle he was acquitted. Of course Press was under constant attack and during this period Makkal Kural & Alai Osai offices were brutally attacked and in fact Vellore Narayanan the editor of Alai Osai had suffered multiple injuries. The reason was they wrote against DMK. So the terror, which started in 1971, continued unabated.
In June, July NT had 2 releases. Ponnoonjal was released on 15th June, but since it was in production for long and had a weak story line, it failed to hit it big. The songs were the high points and that helped the film to a certain extent. Engal Thanga Raja hit the screens on 14th July. Produced by Telugu Producer/Director VBRajendra Prasad this was a hit from day 1.It was in this movie that NT extensively used the name of PT & his photo and the fans/congress workers were delighted. In fact the song Kodiyil Oruvan Piranthu Vandhan in the film was very much used when PT passed away. The movie ran up to Deepavali. MGR’s USV was cruising, but his Pattikattu Ponniah (last MGR-JJ film) released on 31st August bombed at the BO. NT for Deepavali had Gowravam (no need to explain) and in December 1973, NT again had two releases. Dec 7th saw the release of Manitharil Manickam (guest role for NT) and on 22nd Rajapart Rangadurai hit the screens. RR did well but again it was not so big. Here again the movie for a major part projected Congress and PT in good light. The song Inquilab Zindabad done by emotionally charged NT drew a great applause and it was a regular in Congress meetings.
On the political side Periyar EVR passed away on Dec 24th, coinciding with the death of Rajaji who breathed his last on Dec 25th, a year before.
The dawn of New Year 1974 saw the arrival of Sivakamiyin Selvan on Jan 26th. A remake of Aradhana, the most popular Hindi movie of that period, SS still was nice and the songs by MSV were simply superb. The movie, which had a great opening, faltered after 60-70 days mainly due to the negative word of mouth regarding some song sequences, which people felt were sexy. Considering that the director was CVR, it was to be expected, but still the scenes were not accepted.
By this time the by election to Coimbatore Parliament & Coimbatore West Assembly seat were announced and it was to coincide with Pondicherry Assembly election. For the first time after the Congress split good sense prevailed in both Congress camps and an alliance between Congress (O) & Congress ® came up. By this Congress (O) would contest in TN and both the parties would contest equally in Pondicherry. People were very happy and it was widely believed that this might lead to the merger of Congress factions at least in TN. Cho’s Thuglak was in the forefront in advocating such a course. ADMK along with CPI was on one side and again DMK was the third front. CPM, which had supported ADMK in the Dindigul by election, had wanted to contest Coimbatore but MGR gave it to CPI’s Parvathy Krishnan. So CPM put up its own candidate Ramani there. Congress had put up S.V.Lakshmanan (who was later the President of Janata in the name of SVElakuvanar). The contest was tough and again NT campaigned hard. Indira Gandhi came up for campaigning and a joint meeting was addressed by her and PT in which our NT also participated. (Some people may remember the famous photograph in which NT is seen walking behind IG & PT). Unlike Dindigul, which predominantly was rural, this was urban area and that showed. Though Parvathy Krishnan won, the margin between her and SVL was barely 2000 votes. In Coimbatore West, ADMK’s C.Aranganayakam (who was later to become a minister in both MGR’s & JJ’s cabinet) scrapped through a slender margin of 500 votes. In Pondicherry, ADMK won 12 seats, Congress –12 (IC-7 + OC –5), CPI-2, DMK-2 & Independents –2. The results showed that with a little hard work Congress could make a successful comeback. ADMK staked its claim to form a ministry in Pondicherry with the support of Independent. Ramasamy became the CM. But MGR’s political in experience showed. He had nominated his own man as Speaker. That reduced ADMK’s strength by 1. Within 21 days of swearing in, there was a big uproar in the assembly when the opposition leaders waved a copy of Budget papers before it was presented by the Government and in the subsequent no confidence motion the Government was defeated by 15-14. Even if the Speaker in a total strength of 30 members were to cast his vote still the votes would have been just equal and thus the Government fell and President’s rule was proclaimed. It was a bitter lesson for ADMK & MGR. But for Congress, there were reasons to be optimistic regarding the future. DMK was nowhere in the scheme of things.
NT’s Thai (last B/W film of NT) was released in March 1974 with JJ as heroine. A dance drama song in the movie was all praise for PT and that was the only worth remembering from that movie. On April 12th, Vani-Rani (remake of Seetha Aur Geetha) was released. Though a heroine oriented film, NT did a sort of comical role but the film was loaded heavily in favour of Vanishree. Still it ran 100 days in Madurai-New Cinema. Come June 1st, Thangapathakkam hit the screen. A top-notch quality movie, which rewrote BO records. At this time TN politics again became hot but for different reasons. Sathiyavani Muthu, Minister for Backward Classes had remarked that Gandhiji didn’t do anything great for Dalits and this sparked a furore. Congress strongly condemned this and MGR also joined the bandwagon. If you remember an entire saranam in Naan Padichen Kanchiyele Netru was devoted to this controversy. The saranam starting with the line
“Indhyavin Thanthai Endru Gandhi Irunthar” will end with the line
“Indru Esuvorgal Avaralthan Padhavi Adainthar.”
Another controversy that broke out was the DMK’s allegation that MGR had spoken ill of womenfolk. Of course it didn’t cut ice with the public. The DMK wanted to be in the limelight, as it clearly knew that the fight was between ADMK & Congress. Even in Thangapathakkam, the second Cho character (Vyyapuri aka Vaigai Valavan) was entirely used to make fun of MGR’s Annaism & DMK’s populist schemes. As the above-mentioned controversies were happening, MGR asked Vaalee to write the song Naan Padichen and it was immediately composed and picturised for Netru Indru Naalai. The song came out and there was widespread talk that a lot of political digs were there in the film. There were reasons too. The Madras Corporation under DMK had indulged in a big corruption, which was popularly known as Muster Roll Oozhal and this also found mention in that song. (Veetukellam Velicham Poda Kudtha Panathile, thangal Velicham Pottu Vazhunthu Vittar Nagarasabhaiyile). All these made DMK panic and again the DMK threatened to disrupt the screening of the film. The film was slated for release on 12th July 1974 and two days before, in Madurai, DMK people led by Pazhakadai Pandi (who later became the Madurai District Secretary of ADMK) climbed the wall of Chinthamani Talkies, where the movie was charted, after the night show and tore the screen. But the movie managed to get released on the release day itself and theatres all over TN had to put up additional police protection. The DMK’s panic gave publicity to the movie and this helped to stretch it for 100 days. Left to itself the movie would have hardly made an impression because the songs were the only saving grace. Having lost face, the DMK government again came out with a draconian announcement and that was the hiking of Entertainment Tax to nearly 70% in TN. The whole industry revolted against the move and first time in the annals of TN, all the cinema halls were closed for 5 days from 15.08.1974 to 19.08.1974. Never before or Never after had the theatres remained closed for 5 consecutive days. NT was the President of Nadigar Sangam at that time and a delegation of film people under NT went and met MuKa. After a long negotiation MuKa agreed to bring down the Tax. It was clear that MuKa was targeting the whole film industry because of his personal clash with one individual. In fact NT’s own En Magan was scheduled to release on 15th August, but that was postponed and it released on Aug 21st. A remake of Hindi Be-Imman, this Balajee movie went on to complete 100 days in our Madurai- New Cinema. MuKa’s Government smarting under its own failure then sent a circular to all theatres which had requested and got the police protection for NEN, to pay the entire cost incurred to the Government for giving police protection. It is the duty of the Government to give protection and for that it demanded the reimbursement of expenses incurred. Such was the attitude.
After this there was not much political activity and Deepavali came. Both NT & MGR had releases though there was a week’s gap between Urimaikural & Anbai Thedi. After a long time NT’s Deepavali film didn’t do well and UK became a Super Hit. Surprise of surprises MGR had another release in the same month, Sirithu Vaazha Vendum, a remake of Amithab’s Zanjeer. It did average business and in Madurai it ran for 100 days. On the film front, in the months that followed, MGR had Ninaithathai Mudippavan (a remake of Saccha Jutha and took a long time in the making) in May 1975(average), Naalai Namadhe (remake of Yaadon Ki Baarat) in July 1975(Flop), Idhyakani in August 1975 (the last Super Hit of MGR) & Pallandu Vaazgha (remake of Shantaram’s Do Ankhein Baara hath) in Oct 75(Deepavali- Average). NT on the other hand had Manithanun Deivamaagalam for Pongal 1975 (Flop), Avanthan Manidhan (175th movie) in April 75 (Hit), Mannavan Vanthanadi in Aug 75 (Hit) & Anbe Aruyire in Sep 75 (Flop).
On the political arena, TN was again facing hardships and a severe draught was sweeping TN. Again Kanji Thottis were opened and Madras city was experiencing its worst summer. That was the time the MuKa government was involved in wasteful expenditures like sprinkling Silver Iodide from helicopters to bring artificial rain. Its much-publicized Veeranam scheme became synonymous with corruption and the pipes were just lying on the outskirts of Madras. People’s ire was uncontrollable. At this time braving the hot and humid weather and defying his age, PT took a whirlwind campaign across the state and people simply thronged his meetings. Such was the response that Kalki began serializing the tour under the caption Vaadiya Payirukku Vanmukil Kamaraj. Meanwhile all of a sudden Delhi politics turned topsy-turvy on a singe day. Rajnarain the Socialist party candidate against Indira Gandhi in Rae Barielly way back in 1971 had filed a case against her and suddenly the Judgement by Justice Sinha of Allahabad High Court was pronounced on June 12th 1975, which set aside the election of Indira. All hell broke loose and the entire opposition had come together under JP (Jayaprakash Narayan). JP in the previous year (74) had successfully organized an agitation in Bihar against the Congress ministry headed by Jagannath Mishra. In 1975, Gujarat was continuously placed under President’s role and for conducting an election Morarjee Desai had undertaken a fast. The Central Government had to give in at last and elections were held and it threw up a hung assembly and this was in May-June. As usual Indira tried to put up her party in power there in Gujarat. So when the Judgement too came up, the entire opposition joined together. Indira took the unprecedented step of proclaiming Emergency on the night of June 25th and all opposition leaders were arrested in a midnight operation. Only PT was spared. Meanwhile PT who had undertaken a tour in May-June fell ill and he had to cancel all his programmes. If an intensive tour affected his health, the proclamation of Emergency and arrest of his long time associates broke his heart. NT had not conducted the annual conference for 1973 & 1974 and so the fans had arranged a function to celebrate his 175th movie. That was to be held along with PT’s birthday on July 15th. But the sudden turn of events and PT’s ill health forced the organizers to cancel the celebrations. Slowly central Government had assumed ominous roles and Press censorships were introduced. It was so authoritarian that Thuglak suspended its publication for 2 months (4 issues). PT was slowly regaining health. Come October 1st, NT celebrated his birthday and PT even with his failing health turned up at Annai Illam to wish NT. NT was overwhelmed with emotion and little did he realize (or for that matter all of us) that this would be one last time that he will be seeing his leader in flesh and blood. That ominous October 2nd dawned and Congress workers under the TNCC President PaaRaa (P.Ramachandran) paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi & LB Sasthri. PT who had a normal day till the forenoon ate his lunch of Thayir Satham with Keerai and retired to bed. He asked his assistant “ Lightai off paanitu po”. The servant obediently did what his master ordered without realizing that the Light of TN is going to get switched off forever. After an hour or so when he came back to the room, he found something uneasy and called up the Dr. immediately. The Dr. came rushing in and found that the Light had indeed gone off. PT had suffered a low BP, wherein the pressure comes down to Zero which in turn will stop the function of the heart. Yes PT the Ezhai Pangalar passed away without any pain or discomfort. For NT this was more than anything he could stand and his grief knew no bounds and he swooned repeatedly. Thus a great chapter in TN history came to an end on that black Thursday and it also brought to end the most active part of NT’s political career.
We will see the remaining phases in NT’s political life in the coming days.
Regards
Murali,
Again an excellent summary.
// He asked his assistant “ Lightai off paanitu po”. The servant obediently did what his master ordered without realizing that the Light of TN is going to get switched off forever.//
This made me in to tears.
He asked his assistant “ Lightai off paanitu po”. The servant obediently did what his master ordered without realizing that the Light of TN is going to get switched off forever.//
I think shivaji used this dialgoue in AVANTHAN MANITHAN in the last scene.
PANNAJALI UNNIDATHIL SELAI KETTAL
ANTHA PAARTHAAN AVAN UNNITADTHIL KEETHAI KEETAN
NAAN IRUKKUM NELAILIYIL UNNAI ENNA KETTPAEEN
INNUM NANMAI SEIDHU THUNBAM VANGUM ULLAM KETTPEN
KAALIL VILANGUMITTOM
KADAMAI ENNA AZHAITHOOM
NAALU VILLANUGU GALIL THINNAM
NATTIYA MADUGIRUM
great acting /great song/great music/great voice.
SHIVAJI/KD/MSV/TMS :thumbsup:
Dear Ramesh,Quote:
Originally Posted by umaramesh
NT was always attached to Kamarajar . Infact , he slightly touched his name in 2 songs :
1. Barathamay en arumai barathame
Ingay oru Gandhi irukindrar avar vazga. Therkey oru Gandhi varuginrar avar vazga
2. Thangangalay , nalai thalaivargale
Palli chalai thandhavan ezai thalaivanai dhinamum ennungal
Murali Srinivas,
You know, I am taking copies of all your posts and showing it to my friends and family members ! so informative you are !
Pl continue your excellent work
Today ,through Governer's spech ,TN govt announced that NT's statue will be opened at Merina Beach on his Ninaivu Naal July 21.
http://epaper.tamilmurasu.in/2006/may/24/disp.asp?i=3_3
Thanks again kalainjar!
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe
:clap: Nice one .. Thanks to KaLaigNar.. !
But anyhow... I think someone have already opened the statue before (I think it is PANDICHERRY people) :roll: We are a bit late in this one. :evil:
Dear Joe,
When you read about PT's death you were moved to tears. While I recollected that part of history and typed it here, I felt a lump in my throat, the same feeling I had when I heard the news at around 3.30 PM on that Oct 2nd,1975 when I was a school student.
The second part is though I have a lot against MuKa, he deserves our heartiest thanks for putting up NT's statue in Beach road.
Dear abkhlabhi,
I too share your feelings and when I read your emotional outburst, I was moved. But we could not have helped much because if you start doing post mortem of all that happened, there will be some bitter unpleasent things that will come out which again will show our NT in poor light and for that matter, I said let us not talk.
Dear Ramesh,
NT used this dialogue in Deepam and not in Avanthan Manidhan. But still the two songs which you have mentioned (Aatuvithal & Manithan Ninaipathundu) are gems in all respects as you had mentioned.
Dear Balaji,
Long time no see. Thank you so much for being so nice to me by your deeds. Thanks a lot. In the song Inquilab zindabad, there is another line also which will say,
Ellorukkum Vazhvennum Karma Veerar Pinnalae;
Innatin Ilangargal Ezha Vendum
Even Naatai Pidikira Poren song from Mannavan Vanthandi and Nallavar Kuralukku Mathipirukkum Indha Naatilae from Dr.Siva will also have mention of PT.
Regards
Murali,
Thanks! Though I have a soft corner for Kalainjar for other various reasons ,the leader admire most is PT .It may be because I am from Nagercoil ,where PT was crowned as king twice .When PT dead ,I was 3 years old kid .so I had no chance to see his politics ..But from my childwood ,I heard a lot about PT and I love him for his love for people ..I watched the movie 'Kamaraj' many many times and each time I moved into tears ,especially when Ilayaraja sings "Naadu Paarthathunda ? Intha naadu Paarthathunda"..I felt angry with this TN people for defeating him ..I don't think we will have another leader equal to kamarajar ..Vazhga kamaraj pugazh!
Joe
True. Very simple man. Believe me I use to see THALIVAR sitting in normal chair gretting visitor by himself while passing Thirumalaipillai road with my father. He use to have only one security guard outside.Such a simple man.
People from village use to shout from outside AYYA UNGALE PARKANAM. He will immediately come out and meet them. He solved most of the problems immediately and even use to follow with the person regularly whether he got the help from officials.
He even ignored Non-veg meal due to cost factor. Use to travel by train and he will send his driver after 6.00 PM as he will not use car for personal use. I heard he was force to accept (gifted by someone) as he refuse to buy car for himself. GOLDEN ERA.
We cannot even dream of such things nowadays. VAZKHA KAMARAJAR.
ramesh
Let’s keep off NT politics some time. Let us talk about his acting. Every scene a great treat for his fans. But I admire, used to watch the following scenes very often.
1) Gowravam : On judgement day, NT told to Pandaribai. (in low voice) Enaikku Judgement day, judgement vasikaraneram, Kannana ? Barristar Rajinikanthannu Thirppu solaraneram, then in a soft voice he said a cat on the wall. Finally pandaribai told that Yanaikum (elephant) adi sarukum, then NT slowly raised his voice and said yanaikum adi sarukuma ? Yani keze vizhuntha ena agum theriyuma, athanale Ezuthirika mudiyathu. Athandi Enga eloorum ethirparkura. Nadakathadi nadakathu. Then in High pitch, I prepare to face anybody challenge I am Barrister RK. In this particular scene, you can see his voice variation, acting, style, etc
2) Vasantha Maligai : When NT and vanishri went to VM . NT described about VM. In a very low and soft (I don’t know how to express in words) “Ethu En Kathalikaga kattapatta Vasantha Maligai. Ethu Samadhi alla Sannathi. Enaku mattum parakum sakthi erunthal Agayathil irrukum nachathirangalai kondu vanthum ingu thoranagala thongavitturiupen..…………… …………………………………(I don’t know full dialogue)
3) Rajapat Rangadorai: In one particular scene, Sashikumar 2nd marriage scene. Entha sceneil no acting,/overacting, no dialogue, no body movements and no eye raising or rotation. NT sat in a chair in Kalayan Mantap. In front Shasikuamr ready to tie knot (thali). Here NT never move form his place, no words, just simply looking shashikumar. This scene run almost 5 minutes. Without moving his eye ball , NT expressed so many things and create a revolution in acting. (Ananda Vikatam in its review, particularly pointed out this scene and reviwed this scene fully).
4) Deiva Magan : This scene when Father NT meets Major . After a long time Father NT came to Major House to see his first son Kannan. NT sat in a Sofa and Major was standing at the top the staircase. When Major came down step by step in staircase, the Camera will not show Major walking from the staircase. Instead Both ACT and Cameraman used NT eyes as a Camera in this scene. NT slowly rotate his eyes in full circle (from top to bottom) (sorry I don’t know how to express ) If you watch this scene only you will know the impact and quality of NT eyes.
5) Vietnam Veedu : I don’t know which scene I have to tell. Whole movie itself a treat to watch. Particularly, after retirement, NT came to house and spoke in front of mother’s photo. Oh What a acting.
The NT film I hate most is after 1985 movies.
Joe dearQuote:
Originally Posted by joe
I was fortunate enough to meet Perumthalaivar . My distant relative was close to him a freedom fighter & PT attended my cousin's wedding also. At that time he was free from all politics and was resting back home....
You will be stunned by his simplicity. Anyone can see him without any formality !
I fondly recollect his famous moustache and Kadhi white shirt and dhoti
I think in a short span of time 3 personalities passed away in 70s... I mean PT, Rajaji and Periyar
Murali Srinivas & Joe
Have you met Nadigar thilagam ? & spoken to him ? How was the experience . Pl narrate .
Murali Srinivas,
Looking forward to the next phase of NT. Pls share with us
Another question ........... why NT didnt pursue with singing ? If you recollect the old days , I mean MKT, PUC etc, both male and female stars pre-requisites were singing and acting
Even TR Mahalingam followed that theory...
May be Gemini and NT changed the scenario.... not sure but......
or because he got TMS and hence never thought about singing...
Another question ........... why NT didnt pursue with singing ? If you recollect the old days , I mean MKT, PUC etc, both male and female stars pre-requisites were singing and acting
Even TR Mahalingam followed that theory...
May be Gemini and NT changed the scenario.... not sure but......
or because he got TMS and hence never thought about singing
Balaji
Good questin(vadivelu style). Leave alone TMS , NT prefer to accept SPB/KJY for some change, he not even think of using his voice.
After seeing ENGEY NIMMADHI/SATTI SOOTHADA/POOMALAYIL OOR MALLIGAI/MUTHUKALLO KANGAL/PAATUM NAANAY (I need more pages to write) no one would have dreamt to look for a option.
ramesh
True Ramesh ! Add one more : Andha naal nyabagam :DQuote:
Originally Posted by umaramesh
You know for Devanay ennai parungal, the sentence ....OH MY LORD PARDON ME .....
they tried various voices & it seems they first approached NT himself ... all along TMS was maintaining a studied silence!
finally they went to him and look at the impact !
Murali Srinivas,
Upon circulating your posts to my friends and relatives, I have received so many queries :
1. Pallandu vaazga , Naalai namadhey, netru indru naalai - Is it not commercially successful
2. MGR movies in general during the phase you have covered - probably his movies would have ran for 50 to 75 days across TN ( not necessarily 100 days ) which might have made the distributors happy
3. What was NT's reaction during the emergency. Did he oppose or because of his loyalty to Indira Gandhi, he kept quiet
PT opposed emergency & in that case , how NT reacted ?
4. Do you mean to say that MGR was forced to use his bramastra ( that of questioning Mukaa on finances & wealth of ministers etc etc
5. MGR , was he failing those days on Box office . Do you mean to say that he was not that successful commercially ?
6. You have not covered much of NT's political activity as compared what you have described about the overall scenario.... Indeed you have covered at the national level parallely and extensively covered TN politics in main focus but the detailed manner you have covered Mukaa and MGR , you havent covered much about NT
7. Simpson chennai - What happened to Gurumurthy, who was also a union leader ?
ABOVE ALL, THE GENERAL PERCEPTION IS , MGR WAS MORE POPULAR WITH THE MASSES WHEN COMPARED TO NT ...... WHY ?
Also, when MG was so popular with the masses, how come his movies failed as per you , because the fans & followers would have ensured that the movies ran well
Was it the losing grip over film industry made him to come out of DMK and look for other options ?
Awaiting your response
Hey Guys,
Hello all after a long time.Let us not compare and contrast MGR and NT. Each had his great qualities....without these qualities they could not have ruled cinema let alone the state and our hearts.....Let us keep this thread alive by dissecting the acting of NT and not the politics.I too admire Kamaraj but my political and religious views are purly personal and need not find an outlet through this forum.One more song that is attributed to kamaraj was written by kannadasan....purely as a personal appeal.....andha sivakami maganidam sethi solladi...serum naal paarka solladi...this was when kamaraj did not reply to kavignar's appeal to join the congress......so goes this apocryphal story...maybe murali and co can check if the dates tally.....could you also let us know of the date of release of "aalaya mani " and when kannadasan actually resigned from the dmk....then if there is some nearness in the dates I have another story to share....since it is supposed to have happened in my house I would like to be doubly sure of the contents....I was witness to one half of the story........but the poetry is something others told me had happened.
Dear Balaji,
Sorry.I saw your posts only today. Work pressure had kept me tied up. I will be definitely posting the remaining phases shortly. Regarding the questions that have come up, quite an interesting list. I will definitely try to provide answers. Give me some time.
Dear Mohanram Sir,
How are you? Not definitely comparing NT with MGR, but as I have aready pointed out it becomes ineveitable at times. Not airing our political leanings but just to find out why NT's political innings was not that much successful, we are reviewing the political scenario that prevailed in TN & India at that time. It will finish very quickly and we will be back to NT's movies.
Regarding the querries, Andha Sivakami Maganidam was from Pattanathil Bhootham released in 1967 and as you suggested, it was something to do with the merger of Tamizh Desiya Katchi with Congress. Alayaa Mani was the last movie of NT for the calender year 1962 and it was NT's 83rd movie. Kannadasan came out of DMK in 1961.
Regards
PS: Balaji, great still from PP ( I remember reading that it was your most favourite NT movie)
yesterday Raj Tv telecasted Karnan movie :) , it was really good to see that movie that too without any commercials in between.
acting wise i dont need to say about Shivaji. what a towering personality.
I wish the movie can be remade now or may be they use some digital technologies like what they have done for mughaal e azaam :D
Great,
In "KARNAN", everyone did well.. But NT was terrific :clap:
Apart from NT,
I liked
Asokan and NTR's acting.
Asokan's expressions during the "EDUKKAVOE KOERKAVOE" scene was truly amazing.
&
I loved NADIGAR THILAGAM's acting in which INDRA will be BEGGING his KAVASAM. Truly an amazing one
:clap:
&
Songs were mindblowing. I love "ULLATHIL UYARNTHA ULLAM KALANGAATHU, KARNAA... VALLAVAN VAGUTHATHADA" :clap:
Nice philosohical song. :D
Thats one of my favourite song !!!
I used to play this song continously .
Perfect starcast Muthuraman, ashokan ,saavithri :D
yup
Murali Srinivas Anna ( from now Anna only :D )Quote:
Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas
Yes, I love PP NT because of the Doctor etiquette that he maintains all through the movie ! even during the song Naan pesa ninaipathelaam !
We are lucky that we lived during his times :D
Apappa ! what a character study he must have made to come out with a precise presentation, especially with the hands inserted on the big Doctor's waist packets , casually browsing the patients' chart and giving instructions to the staff behind him !
That warmth and gentle approach to patients !
I believe when he went for a medical treatment , one Doctor wondered how did he do this role ? within few minutes, NT acted like that Doctor who queried him ! & the doctor was stunned !
100 pakkam ezudhalam MS Anna !!
Mr. Mohanram had already mentioned earlier that BARRISTER RAJINIKANTH IS AN INSPIRATION FROM HIS FATHER !
Looking forward to your next post on his political career and replies to my queries
Mr. Mohanram , pls visit once in 3 days and share your association with NT
Joe Anne, enge allai kanum ?
Dear Balaji,Quote:
Originally Posted by S.Balaji
Before answering the 7 questions that you have asked, let me answer the earlier question of yours (i.e) whether I have met NT & talked with him. I have seen him in person on numerous occasions but never had the opportunity to talk to him. And that will remain one of the bitterest disappointments of my Life.
Then coming to your questions
Naalai Namadhe: As you know it was a remake of the evergreen hit Yaadon Ki Baarat. YKB was making waves all over TN in 1973-74. Sethu Madhavan of Malayalam film world (A great director who had done some excellent films in Mal. Also directed some Tamil films, the last of which was Nammavar) got the remake rights and approached MGR. The initial plan was MGR will do Dharmendra’s role, Sivakumar will do Vijay Arora’s role & Kamal for Tariq’s role. But MGR again as his wont did not accept and he dictated his own terms and made it happen. Since the eldest did not have Jodi and songs, he took the second son’s role also and brought Chandramohan (Sankarabharanam fame- though it was released much later 1979) for Tariq’s role. This clearly affected the movie and moreover when it was released on 4th July 1975, YKB was still fresh in the minds of the people and if you remember NN had no such elements that would satisfy a MGR fan. The supposedly long run of MGR’s films in normal circumstances can be contributed to another factor. The Gap between two MGR films will be big and for hard-core MGR fans who used to repeatedly view the movie, they had no other go and this helped the movies to run for more days. Compared to this NT’s movies always had a short gap between them. In the case of NN, the MGR fans had nothing to cheer about and moreover on 22nd August 1975 (just after of 49 days of NN’s release), Idhyakani was released and so MGR fans dropped NN and it bit the dust at the BO. After it’ release (it was not announced before) the ad came out stating that NN is MGR’s 125th movie, but it did not help.
NIN: You should be aware that was produced by Asokan. It took unusually long time for even a MGR movie to complete. That was due to the serious differences that cropped between MGR and Asokan and Asokan was in big trouble. The Distributors used to lap up MGR’s movie even on Pooja day but the amount they paid was locked up due to the delay. When it was ready for release, the political problems also threatened it (which I have explained earlier). So though the movie ran for 100 days, the delay happened put the burden on the distributors. Moreover the MuKa government collected the charges for deploying the police for protection and for this the theatre owners wanted the Distributors to share the same. All this put together created problems for the Distributors. For Asokan it was a financial loss and for the Distributors, though it was not to the extent of NN, still it hurt them
PV: Again this was a remake of Shantaram’s Do Ankein Baara Hath (about which you have given a lucid analysis in MGR’s thread) and as you know it was not cut out for a MGR film as it lacked the BO elements. Another point was miscasting. Thengai & VKR as hardcore criminals was hard to digest (Here again because of NIN, MGR refused to take Asokan in). To make up for this, MGR went for glamour and all the three duets (Poi Vaa, Indru Sorgathin, Enna Sugam) had a heavy dose of glamour. But one advantage for PV was it was made in quick time. MGR always had a soft corner for Manian and the entire cast & crew camped near Mysore in March-April 1975 and completed the movie. But still the movie was released on 31st October 1975 (i.e.) 2 days before Deepavali. The movie didn’t do any wonders at the BO, but compared to the above-mentioned films, it did better.
2. Yeah, I do agree that no of days doesn’t matter and because of mass support it would have made profit. But the thing was in that period (especially after he founded ADMK) he had only 3 Super hits (i.e) USV in 1973, UK in 74 & IK in 75 and hits such as SVVendum, PV, IPEVazgha & Meenava Nanban. There were BO disasters like Pattikattu Ponniah, NN, Uzhaikkum karangal, Oorukku Uzhaipavan & Navaratnam. There was another category like N Mudipavan & MMSP, which because of high budget and shooting delays made distributors suffer. Another movie that scrapped through in this period was N Thalai Vanagu. The reasons for this were after entering active politics MGR didn’t get stories to his liking and most of them were remakes. Another factor was Emergency. After 1975 June, the censorship laws were tightened in such a way that fights in cinema was curbed to a great extent and showing of blood stained fights were totally prohibited. If you could see those films especially Oorukku Uzhaipavan you cannot watch usual MGR’s dishum dishum. He will simply rotate the villains with a screen or with his hands. NTV, where in the initial part, he will behave like a villain and this also didn’t go down well with the masses. So in general distributors did not have a field day like they used to have earlier.
3. When Emergency was proclaimed, NT had no connection with Indira. PT was alive at that time and unlike modern times, not everyone will comment on issues like that. The media persons too will ask for comments only from politicians and as for as I knew, NT didn’t say anything on this subject. But of course when he joined IC, he supported Emergency but that was in the later days to come.
The answers for questions 4 & 5 can be combined
4. I had written in my post that MGR was forced to use this asthra. But the reasons were manifold. His movies were not doing commercially well. If you look in detail, after Rickshawkaran (release date: 21.05.1971) his films were like this till his suspension from DMK that happened on 10.10.1972
a. Neerum Neruppum (RD: 18.10.1971)
b. Oru Thai Makkal (RD: 10.12.1971)
c. Sangae Muzhangu (RD: 04.02.1972)
d. Nalla Neram (RD: 10.03.1972)
e. Raman Thediya Seethai (14.04.1972)
f. Naan En Piranthen (RD: 09.06.1972)
g. Annamitta Kai (RD: 15.09.1972)
If you observe, Sollikollumpatiyana hit enbathae illai endru unaruveergal. Not only that except NN & RTS and to a lesser extent NEP, others were disasters. At the same time NT in the same period also had seven releases starting from Babu to Vasantha Maaligai and except Dharmam Engay all others were Hits/Super Hits. Another reason was MGR to make up for this, wanted ministerial berth to which MuKa refused to oblige. Moreover he was promoting his son MuKa Muthu in the film world and MGR saw sinister moves behind this. Then Indira wanting to break DMK and to teach MuKa a lesson put enormous pressure on MGR and for that she used IT Department & FERA authorities. MGR even after becoming CM never crossed Delhi Badhushaws in the wrong way whoever it may be like Indira, Morarjee, Charan Singh & Rajiv. Therefore it is no wonder that MGR succumbed to the pressure. He needed to break the party. What reason will he tell? It should be convincing and so he hi-jacked the agenda of PT & Congress.
Regarding the political activity of NT, I have covered whatever that had happened in those times. Plus he had been using his cinemas to convey messages like I said in Thangapathakkam & En Magan (Neengal Athanai Perum Uthamarthana). Shall I take the liberty to give a detailed reply for this and to another earlier question of yours (Why NT did not contest any election other than 1989 General election) at a later stage after all the phases are over?
Balaji, as I told you, whatever I had been narrating is from my memory alone and I don’t have any materials to fall back upon. So at times some incidents might skip my memory. For example when I wrote the first phase, Annadurai’s election to Rajya Sabha got skipped and I included that in the Second phase. Same way casting NT’s vote by bogus people came in the third post. There is also another extreme that even when I remember something that I forgot, like MGR’s election as MLC and his subsequent resignation in the mid 60’s, I choose not to narrate because I thought it became irrevalant. This long explanation is for Simpson Gurumoorthy. Though the name does ring a bell, I am unable to put my finger on the pie. If something comes across, I will definitely write that.
In the overall perspective, MGR was more popular than NT. The reasons are not hard to find. His films, the ways in which his character was presented, the messages he used to convey through his songs and dialogues, the valour that his characters showed, the designing of songs and fights to attract the youth, his ability to reach the hearts of women and plus his undeniable charisma contributed to his popularity. He always choose his characters in the same mould (i.e.) a good Samaritan role that will always stand by the poor. Any film you choose, you will find only MGR. On the other hand you could only remember Gunasekaran, Manoharan, Parthiban, Vikraman, Kattabomman, VOC, Karnan, Prestige Padmanabhan, Barrister Rajinikanth, SP Chowdry & Periya Thevar. That should be self-explanatory.
In spite of having this great mass, still MGR started losing commercially and this had happened to all matinee idols. You can look at Amithab, NTR, Rajini and all have suffered this at one time or another. This along with the reasons stated above did force MGR to take that decision.
Regards
Me too. Though I have seen him, it was one of my unfulfilled dreams :cry:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dear Balaji,
[quote
True, NN when compared to YB was a disaster only and the only redeeming feature were terrific songs . No remix and all originalsQuote:
Then coming to your questions
Naalai Namadhe: As you know it was a remake of the evergreen hit Yaadon Ki Baarat. YKB was making waves all over TN in 1973-74. Sethu Madhavan of Malayalam film world (A great director who had done some excellent films in Mal. Also directed some Tamil films, the last of which was Nammavar) got the remake rights and approached MGR. The initial plan was MGR will do Dharmendra’s role, Sivakumar will do Vijay Arora’s role & Kamal for Tariq’s role. But MGR again as his wont did not accept and he dictated his own terms and made it happen. Since the eldest did not have Jodi and songs, he took the second son’s role also and brought Chandramohan (Sankarabharanam fame- though it was released much later 1979) for Tariq’s role. This clearly affected the movie and moreover when it was released on 4th July 1975, YKB was still fresh in the minds of the people and if you remember NN had no such elements that would satisfy a MGR fan. The supposedly long run of MGR’s films in normal circumstances can be contributed to another factor. The Gap between two MGR films will be big and for hard-core MGR fans who used to repeatedly view the movie, they had no other go and this helped the movies to run for more days. Compared to this NT’s movies always had a short gap between them. In the case of NN, the MGR fans had nothing to cheer about and moreover on 22nd August 1975 (just after of 49 days of NN’s release), Idhyakani was released and so MGR fans dropped NN and it bit the dust at the BO. After it’ release (it was not announced before) the ad came out stating that NN is MGR’s 125th movie, but it did not help.
I too heard that Asokan lost heavily & later started playing roles which were really really unfortunate. From a hero, he was reduced to .............. Once again, the splendid songs came to the rescue .Quote:
NIN: You should be aware that was produced by Asokan. It took unusually long time for even a MGR movie to complete. That was due to the serious differences that cropped between MGR and Asokan and Asokan was in big trouble. The Distributors used to lap up MGR’s movie even on Pooja day but the amount they paid was locked up due to the delay. When it was ready for release, the political problems also threatened it (which I have explained earlier). So though the movie ran for 100 days, the delay happened put the burden on the distributors. Moreover the MuKa government collected the charges for deploying the police for protection and for this the theatre owners wanted the Distributors to share the same. All this put together created problems for the Distributors. For Asokan it was a financial loss and for the Distributors, though it was not to the extent of NN, still it hurt them
romba clinical analysis panni irukeenga Murali Anna ! Unmai dhaan. I think MG lost his image a bit by acting with heavy dose of glamourQuote:
PV: Again this was a remake of Shantaram’s Do Ankein Baara Hath (about which you have given a lucid analysis in MGR’s thread) and as you know it was not cut out for a MGR film as it lacked the BO elements. Another point was miscasting. Thengai & VKR as hardcore criminals was hard to digest (Here again because of NIN, MGR refused to take Asokan in). To make up for this, MGR went for glamour and all the three duets (Poi Vaa, Indru Sorgathin, Enna Sugam) had a heavy dose of glamour. But one advantage for PV was it was made in quick time. MGR always had a soft corner for Manian and the entire cast & crew camped near Mysore in March-April 1975 and completed the movie. But still the movie was released on 31st October 1975 (i.e.) 2 days before Deepavali. The movie didn’t do any wonders at the BO, but compared to the above-mentioned films, it did better.
You are right . Besides, some of the movies like Uzaikkum karangal were stereotype MG movies and no wonder they didnt succeed....Quote:
2.Yeah, I do agree that no of days doesn’t matter and because of mass support it would have made profit. But the thing was in that period (especially after he founded ADMK) he had only 3 Super hits (i.e) USV in 1973, UK in 74 & IK in 75 and hits such as SVVendum, PV, IPEVazgha & Meenava Nanban. There were BO disasters like Pattikattu Ponniah, NN, Uzhaikkum karangal, Oorukku Uzhaipavan & Navaratnam. There was another category like N Mudipavan & MMSP, which because of high budget and shooting delays made distributors suffer. Another movie that scrapped through in this period was N Thalai Vanagu. The reasons for this were after entering active politics MGR didn’t get stories to his liking and most of them were remakes. Another factor was Emergency. After 1975 June, the censorship laws were tightened in such a way that fights in cinema was curbed to a great extent and showing of blood stained fights were totally prohibited. If you could see those films especially Oorukku Uzhaipavan you cannot watch usual MGR’s dishum dishum. He will simply rotate the villains with a screen or with his hands. NTV, where in the initial part, he will behave like a villain and this also didn’t go down well with the masses. So in general distributors did not have a field day like they used to have earlier.
True. Probably only CHO came out openly & the Janata dhal group opposed staunchly.Quote:
3.When Emergency was proclaimed, NT had no connection with Indira. PT was alive at that time and unlike modern times, not everyone will comment on issues like that. The media persons too will ask for comments only from politicians and as for as I knew, NT didn’t say anything on this subject. But of course when he joined IC, he supported Emergency but that was in the later days to come.
True again ! Probably Makkal thilagam took the best decision which turned the political tables and the history of TN !even when his govt was dismissed, he appeared in TV with a sobre look and asked the public WHAT WRONG DID WE DO TO BE DISMISSED. Is it for having given a corruption free govt ??Quote:
The answers for questions 4 & 5 can be combined
4. I had written in my post that MGR was forced to use this asthra. But the reasons were manifold. His movies were not doing commercially well. If you look in detail, after Rickshawkaran (release date: 21.05.1971) his films were like this till his suspension from DMK that happened on 10.10.1972
a. Neerum Neruppum (RD: 18.10.1971)
b. Oru Thai Makkal (RD: 10.12.1971)
c. Sangae Muzhangu (RD: 04.02.1972)
d. Nalla Neram (RD: 10.03.1972)
e. Raman Thediya Seethai (14.04.1972)
f. Naan En Piranthen (RD: 09.06.1972)
g. Annamitta Kai (RD: 15.09.1972)
If you observe, Sollikollumpatiyana hit enbathae illai endru unaruveergal. Not only that except NN & RTS and to a lesser extent NEP, others were disasters. At the same time NT in the same period also had seven releases starting from Babu to Vasantha Maaligai and except Dharmam Engay all others were Hits/Super Hits. Another reason was MGR to make up for this, wanted ministerial berth to which MuKa refused to oblige. Moreover he was promoting his son MuKa Muthu in the film world and MGR saw sinister moves behind this. Then Indira wanting to break DMK and to teach MuKa a lesson put enormous pressure on MGR and for that she used IT Department & FERA authorities. MGR even after becoming CM never crossed Delhi Badhushaws in the wrong way whoever it may be like Indira, Morarjee, Charan Singh & Rajiv. Therefore it is no wonder that MGR succumbed to the pressure. He needed to break the party. What reason will he tell? It should be convincing and so he hi-jacked the agenda of PT & Congress.
I still remember that evening in Dhoordharshan when he made his party's political speech .
Yes, I will await .Quote:
Regarding the political activity of NT, I have covered whatever that had happened in those times. Plus he had been using his cinemas to convey messages like I said in Thangapathakkam & En Magan (Neengal Athanai Perum Uthamarthana). Shall I take the liberty to give a detailed reply for this and to another earlier question of yours (Why NT did not contest any election other than 1989 General election) at a later stage after all the phases are over?
Murali Anna, you have a splendid memory. Some of the incidents which you have narrated - mid 70s really come to me like a flash back !Quote:
Balaji, as I told you, whatever I had been narrating is from my memory alone and I don’t have any materials to fall back upon. So at times some incidents might skip my memory. For example when I wrote the first phase, Annadurai’s election to Rajya Sabha got skipped and I included that in the Second phase. Same way casting NT’s vote by bogus people came in the third post. There is also another extreme that even when I remember something that I forgot, like MGR’s election as MLC and his subsequent resignation in the mid 60’s, I choose not to narrate because I thought it became irrevalant. This long explanation is for Simpson Gurumoorthy. Though the name does ring a bell, I am unable to put my finger on the pie. If something comes across, I will definitely write that.
All the ones prior to that were all confirmed by my Uncles!
Absolutely true ! the way MG presented before audience was the deciding factor between his charisma and that of NT'sQuote:
In the overall perspective, MGR was more popular than NT. The reasons are not hard to find. His films, the ways in which his character was presented, the messages he used to convey through his songs and dialogues, the valour that his characters showed, the designing of songs and fights to attract the youth, his ability to reach the hearts of women and plus his undeniable charisma contributed to his popularity. He always choose his characters in the same mould (i.e.) a good Samaritan role that will always stand by the poor. Any film you choose, you will find only MGR. On the other hand you could only remember Gunasekaran, Manoharan, Parthiban, Vikraman, Kattabomman, VOC, Karnan, Prestige Padmanabhan, Barrister Rajinikanth, SP Chowdry & Periya Thevar. That should be self-explanatory.
I recollect what Mr. Mohanram mentioned earlier :
Pochuda , en padatha thaan papaanga , enna namba matanga polirukku !
Idhuvum mutrilum unmai unmai unmai :clap: :thumbsup:Quote:
In spite of having this great mass, still MGR started losing commercially and this had happened to all matinee idols. You can look at Amithab, NTR, Rajini and all have suffered this at one time or another. This along with the reasons stated above did force MGR to take that decision.
Thanks a lot for giving a clinical analysis and reply.
PL CONTINUE WITH YOUR NEXT PHASE