Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan

[quote="groucho070"]
I was never an NT fan during my younger (meaning in Teens) days. I was into MGR. Then, I stepped out into the real world and started to be interested in Hollywood. I started reading about filmmaking, both the technical side and philosophical side.

Then...slowly...interest in MGR waned (zero, except I am fascinated with him as a person, the intelligence, the shrewdness, the way he built himself). /quote]

Dear Groucho070

Makkal thilagam is a true legend . Infact I love & admire him more of late than during my school days

The reasons are what you have mentioned above !

During his cinema days, MGR commanded equal respect from the audience & he never fell short of fan following .
He chose a path which was suitable to him . the greatness of MGR lies from the fact that he knew his shortcomings & hence focussed on other finer aspects of a movie & excelled in them
Today, the Makkal thilagam songs are being heard widely because of his focus on the composition & the great interest he showed in music.

Like NT, one can write an essay about MGR ! :D

Dear Balaji,

You are right. Every NT fan would have been guided by a fan of previous generation or by a senior of his own generation. For me it was my cousin (ie) my uncle's son who is 6 years elder than me. Now a big shot in TVS Group, manning an entire state, he was the person who BAPTISED me into the RELIGION CALLED SHIVAJI. For 7-8 years we used to go together to NT movies (ie) till the end of my school days. He was,(why was), even now an unabashed fan of NT ! He used to see any NT movie twice on the releasing day itself (ie) he will see the opening show* and the same day night show. Minimum he will see 10 times. His record was Vasantha Maaligai which he saw around 30 times. Through this forum, I am thanking him.

Regards

PS: * Normally in Chennai and some other places, people use the term First Day First Show. But for people like us from down south it is a misnomer. In our areas, first show means evening show and second show indicates night show. So when you say First Day First Show, it means First day evening show, atleast for us. So in Madurai side, the term Opening show is used. It can be at any time but that will be the first show thrown open to public. When I say anytime,I remember seeing(me and my cousin) Sivakamiyin Selvan opening show at 7 am on 26th January, 1974 at SriDevi Talkies. It is another interesting tidbit that to escape from our grand father's fury, I said being Republic day,I am attending the flag hoisting ceremony in our school and that's why we are leaving early

Murali ,Balaji,groucho070 and all NT fans,
I think we no need to worry about existance of this thread ,as this is the best thread in Tamil films section .I feel like NT being a role model for many actors ,this thread is a role model for other fans to learn how to discuss and share info on their favourite actors.

This thread was started on the date NT left us and this thread belongs to old Hub format ..After the new Hub format ,I personally requested moderators to reactivate this thread here..Thanks to moderators ,especially NOV.

Nice to know groucho070 and me are in the same age group .But the difference is ,from my childwood ,I have been a NT fan and nobody made me so .

Born and brought up in a fishing village ,where most of the people are stunch MGR fans ,I wonder what made me NT fan from my childwood .Even in my family no body interseted in movies at all. Infact others used to make fun on me for being crazy with NT .

In my village in various occasions ,MGR and sivaji movies used to be screened (35 MM screen) for free on open beach sand .Thus I watched almost 100 MGR movies and more than 100 sivaji movies ,without even go to theatres .

Though I am huge fan of NT ,I love MGR movie songs (thanks to Ilangai Vaanoli)

The first MGR movie I watched in theatre is 'Ulagam sutrum Vaaliban' in 1992 at trichy ,when I did my college studies ..But before that I have watched almost 100 MGR movies out of 135 ..for free..he he

For youths like me...we only know NT as the best actor in India but his movies..his poignance and extravagant performances were never seen by us before. Thanks to the details and analysis of his performances in this thread we could actually visualise the impact of NT's acting. Can the experts here clarify if NT has done mass movies like MGR did and what were the impact of those films on the audience?

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Originally Posted by Hulkster

Can the experts here clarify if NT has done mass movies like MGR did and what were the impact of those films on the audience?

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This is a question for experts.

But let this amatuer ponder at it.

I think NT would have been great as well. Remember some of the action flicks he did late sixties early seventies? Raja and Vaira Nenjam comes to my mind. I'd say that, not only they were great entertainment, they were classy entertainment.

I'd equate NTs action flicks with the works of Steve McQueen or Burt Lancaster. This is because, not only they can fill in an action genre, but they are both great actors as well. So, when you look back at those films, you don't only see an entertainer, you also see a classic.

I don't want to do comparison with MGR. They are great flicks for the time.

MGR did only one type of films. MGR films. Nothing wrong with that. There were great hunger for MGR flicks and MGR fed them well.

But NT's did not have NT films. No, they were films. They were films of variety of genre. There were dramas, action, thrillers, mythology, etc. NT's responsibility was too many, for him to just to fill in the action genre. The directors who were not doing MGR films needed him. There were not many actors that can do that. Hell, the emergence of Ravichandran and Jai Shankar were merely to fill in the MGR type of flicks (though, with all due respect, they, especially JS, have done good story oriented films).


If there were other great actors, then NT would have got comfortable in his chosen genre and worked on that. But who am I kidding. There were nobody of that calibre, and NT would have been restless as hell if he were to be caged in one type of genre.

I am going off track. If NT were to do MGR type films, yes, they would have been a great success. And if you had followed Murali sar's articles, you'd note that NT's success/box office performance, depended very much on the demand of the audience - meaning that they want him to give his best. If he were to continue to do MGR type films, the audience would have ditched him at some point. Because this happened to MGR at some point.


Joe,

Glad to note that you too did not have anyone to inspire.

In my case, my dad was a hardcore MGR fans. Of course, he did watch NTs film. Mom was more interested in smaller heroes like Jai Shanker (for looks) and Muthuraman (for performance).

My fascination grew when I stepped out and looked at other industries. But I am glad that I was a fan way before he became an immortal. Though I am a Rajini fan, I watched Padaiyappa so many times for NT - even though he was not energetic in that movie (still that scene - the avatar Mr. Mohanram uses - rocks, and shows whose the real boss [The real Sivaji The Boss]).

Now, lets see what the real expert says about your query.

Balaji sar,

I think I fall into the fourth category. The best. That period will never happen, sigh.

during my teens(ie during 1970's) I was a great fan of MGR. I never seen NTSG movies in my teens. Even my brother called, i refused to see NT movies. During Galatta Kalyanam shooting at Sathanur Dam (my brothers whent there to see the shooting) my brothers called me, but I refused. When I studying in 8th std. in TV Malai (my native place - at present settled in B'lore) one of my school friend his name is Shivaji called me to see NT's Deiva Magan. Since I was not intested to see Nt movies, he was a great fan of NT, he bought ticket for me also. So i went to see DM. After seeing this movie, I felt some thing changed within me. then slowly i stoped seeing MGR movies and only go to NT movies. Now I have NT VCD movies collection of more than 10 (selected one). Age grows, maturity also grows, I used watch kamal and Rajini movies. After 1991 I stopped seeing movies of other actors. After seeing NT acting and MGR way of picturisation and Kamal acting and Rajini style, I don't like other actors. exception vijay. Now days I used to see only NT and MGR and Telugu Comdey (particularly Rajendra Prasad movies).

Hi everyone

I would like to share my experience on getting attracted to NT in my childhood days. During my school days my friend( even I remember his name.Santhanam) use to see lot of NT movies as his uncle is ardent fan of NT. We group of five will assemble separately in the interval to know about movie and actors name. He will tell the story and elaborate how NT acted in particular scene/song sequence etc. Even he use to show the poster in the street corner and all these things made us to visit the theatre.We decided to see the movie and made all the arrangements in the school(for attendence) and made it. Yes the movie we saw together is GAURAVAM . That's it.

Immediate impact is we decided to start RASIGAR MANDRAM FOR NT.
We found a place in back side of our house . Luckily our house owner son also in our group and we did all the cleaning and painting by ourselves. We bought star/small lamps/posters etc from our big brothers who were running NT RASIGAR MANDRAM in big way. OH GOD. After doing all these things we came to know that our house owner is DMK follower and fan of MGR.

Our dream of opening RASIGAR MANDRAM ended abruptly but he is still in our heart. Thanks for reading/sorry if it is boring

ramesh

Thanks for the memory.

Its nice to have some lighthearted memory such as yours. He doesn't need rasigar mandram. Rasigars will do.

Joe dear

True what you said ! I could sense that this thread is being viewed by so many but as most of the dfers may be very young of the next generation, they might be having little idea on NT and his movies & hence this thread will serve them a lot :D

Unga oorla naanum pirakaama poitenay :D 100 padama paartheenga ! Thirandha velila padam paarpathu oru thani experience dhaane !
You know in Chennai, there is an open air theatre in Mamallapuram road called as ECR now ! I saw Devar magan there in 92 !
Jayaliyaa kayula tiffin ellam vachikittu saapittukonde padam paarkalam !

Joe . Ungallukaaga oru interesting link below :

http://www.geocities.com/thirunallar/sivaji.html

Lots of interesting photos of NT but dont go up to the bottom :cry:

You know what my brother commented on that fateful day ?

Indha manushan ippa irukura kolatha paartha ippa kooda edho oru cinemavukkaga nadipadhu pola irukkudaa :cry:


Ramesh,

Oho ! neenga mandram start pannum alavukku oru NT veriyaro ! Appo en vaaya kilari vitukondu irukeenga on his songs picturisation :D

Groucho070

To be honest , I was proud & arrogant once that I am the one who knew a lot about NT but on reading the posts of Murali Anna & Saradhaji, I admit my ignorance :oops:


Murali Srinivas Anna,

Ungulladuya adutha veliyeedu epozudhu ? Looking forward !

Mr.Mohanram

Eagerly expecting your weekly visit to our all time favourite thread

Abklabhi !

Enakkum Thiruvannamali dhaan sondha ooru but brought up in Chennai. I have also been to Sathanoor dam several times ! it was once a popular shooting spot ! now without water :cry:

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Originally Posted by Joe

I think we no need to worry about existance of this thread ,as this is the best thread in Tamil films section .........this thread is a role model for other fans to learn how to discuss and share info on their favourite actors.

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I completely agree. I just visit this thread to read and read and have absolutely nothing to add to the discussion. And I'm sure I'm not alone.

I belong to the generation that has heard a lot about Sivaji from parents and uncles and went about disciovering in reverse from Thevar Magan,Mudhal Mariyaadhai to Andha Naal. So to read this thread helps appreciate him much better. Thanks Joe, S.Balaji and all the contributors who enrich this thread. A special note of apprecaiation is due to Murali Srinivas, for his extremely well written chronicle series which puts events in perspective beautifully.

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Originally Posted by Prabhu Ram

I just visit this thread to read and read and have absolutely nothing to add to the discussion. And I'm sure I'm not alone.

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PR, you certainly aren't. One of the first things I look in this section is for updates to this thread. This thread re-introduces many to NT in a whole new way. I don't think I'll ever go looking for a biography of NT, having read it all here.

Dear Ramesh,

I can feel the excitement that you must have been in while you were doing the preparatory works. It was a small but nice writeup.

Abkhlabhi,

Your friend has pulled you to the side of NT at the right time with a right movie.

It is good to see many persons from the next generation coming up and putting their thoughts here. Welcome to all.

Hulkster,

MGR type of mass movies- NT had only few. Other than what Groucho070 had stated, films like Thanga Surangam, Engal Thanga Raja,En Magan & Thirudan will come under that category. But even there it was not an out and out masala and an undercurrent of family sentiments were there.

Prabhu Ram,

Thanks for your kind words. Whenever I see your name ( even in other threads), I am reminded of NT (obviously!). Other than Sivaji Productions and Sivaji Films, there were quite a few production banners from "Annai Illam". They are, Rajamani Pictures (Paasa Malar), Kamala Pictures(Paaladai), Ramkumar Films (G.Kalyanam & S.E.Sundari), Shanthi Films (Deiva Magan & Dharmam Engae) and Prabhu Movies(Ele my friend). They floated a banner called Prabhu Ram Pictures and produced Vidivelli ( NT & Saroja Devi - directed by Sridhar). NT had a own spinning mill in the name of Prabhu Ram Mills that was functioning from Chengannur, Kerala. So your name is special. ( The only member of NT's family in whose name a banner was not floated is NT's youngest Daughter Thenmozhi).

Kannannn,

Thanks and welcome.

Balaji,

I am yet to start the next phase. Work pressure. Will make it soon.

Regards

Sorry for the acquisition but i actually feel masala films also meant sentiments so in that case some of these films can be considered as an out and out masala film. But knowing NT and how he chooses his films even those out and out masala films will have some story and logic in them instead of the usuall good bashing evil story in those days. I enjoyed NT's role in thiruvilayaadal. He gave a royal poignance to the role of sivan when he asks the poet questions and also Nagesh. I can safely conclude that it was the style he answered Nagesh that lead to a trend in certain films whether comedy tracks or not to have such scenes. You can also add that NT is a trend starter of his dialogue delivery and body language.

NT naditha padangalil ungalukku viruppamaana 10 padangalai countdown-aaga ezuthungal.let's se how a legend of his own time owns a own position in u all.

The NT thread is getting longer and longer. Good to see people ppreciating a genius actor. The nuances he had brought to his various roles are innumerable.

NT has also acted as villain quite early in his career like in Andha Naal, a traitor of the country who lets out secrets to the Jaoanese during world war two - directed by veenai s balachander, thuli visham (can anyone throw light on this movie), thirumbi paar (i think the story and dialoges were by kalaignar) and Rangoon Radha.

I believe when Kumduam kept a contest inviting readers to give their views about their favourite Sivaji Ganesan movies, the one mentioning Rangoon Radha got the prize. The story is by Arignar anna, who also wrote Velaikaari and Ore Iravu (after seeing which the great Kalki hailed annadurai as the tamil Bernard Shaw).

What many people forget is the comic roles this giant has donned, like in Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari (co stars T R Ramachandran - those popping eyes make people laugh, Padmini and Ragini), Sabash Meena (with BS Saroja Devi and Chandrababu) and later on in some Sridhar movies notably Ooty Varai Uravu and Galatta Kalyanam directed by sridhar's relative CV Rajendran). NT was superb in all of these.

I particularly remember his antics behind the great Balaiya, who is his father in Ooty varai Uravu, when the latter gets a telephone call from VKR, with Muthuraman also in the scene. It was simply hilarious.

Sivaji and Nagesh, Sivaji and Thangavelu. Sivaji and Chandrababu - have provided great combos, not to speak of another fine comedian T R Ramachandran. In Ooty Varai Uravu Nagesh is left dangling from the coat hanger by Sivaj and cooly folds his knees and starts reading a newspaper lying on the shelf nearby. A laugh riot.

As writer Sujata had written when NT passed away, he can be compared with the best in Hollywood like Robert De Nero and Al Pacino.

The NT thread is getting longer and longer. Good to see people ppreciating a genius actor. The nuances he had brought to his various roles are innumerable.

NT has also acted as villain quite early in his career like in Andha Naal, a traitor of the country who lets out secrets to the Jaoanese during world war two - directed by veenai s balachander, thuli visham (can anyone throw light on this movie), thirumbi paar (i think the story and dialoges were by kalaignar) and Rangoon Radha.

I believe when Kumudam ran a contest inviting readers to give their views about their favourite Sivaji Ganesan movies, the one mentioning Rangoon Radha got the prize. The story is by Arignar anna, who also wrote Velaikaari and Ore Iravu (after seeing which the great Kalki hailed annadurai as the tamil Bernard Shaw).

What many people forget is the comic roles this giant has donned, like in Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari (co stars T R Ramachandran - those popping eyes make people laugh, Padmini and Ragini), Sabash Meena (with BS Saroja Devi and Chandrababu) and later on in some Sridhar movies notably Ooty Varai Uravu and Galatta Kalyanam directed by sridhar's relative CV Rajendran). NT was superb in all of these.

I particularly remember his antics behind the great Balaiya, who is his father in Ooty varai Uravu, when the latter gets a telephone call from VKR, with Muthuraman also in the scene. It was simply hilarious.

Sivaji and Nagesh, Sivaji and Thangavelu. Sivaji and Chandrababu - have provided great combos, not to speak of another fine comedian T R Ramachandran. In Ooty Varai Uravu Nagesh is left dangling from the coat hanger by Sivaj and cooly folds his knees and starts reading a newspaper lying on the shelf nearby. A laugh riot.

As writer Sujata had written when NT passed away, he can be compared with the best in Hollywood like Robert De Nero and Al Pacino.

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Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas

They floated a banner called Prabhu Ram Pictures and produced Vidivelli ( NT & Saroja Devi - directed by Sridhar). NT had a own spinning mill in the name of Prabhu Ram Mills that was functioning from Chengannur, Kerala.So your name is special.

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:-) Vidivelli is the movie that opens with the theft of the necklace isn't it ? I don't remember it too well. Till recently I was confusing it with Irumbuthirai which got cleared after KTV telecast Irumbuthirai last week.

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Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas

Prabhu Movies(Ele my friend).

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What movie is this ? I don't think I got the name of the movie.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Prabhu Ram

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas

They floated a banner called Prabhu Ram Pictures and produced Vidivelli ( NT & Saroja Devi - directed by Sridhar). NT had a own spinning mill in the name of Prabhu Ram Mills that was functioning from Chengannur, Kerala.So your name is special.

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:-) Vidivelli is the movie that opens with the theft of the necklace isn't it ? I don't remember it too well. Till recently I was confusing it with Irumbuthirai which got cleared after KTV telecast Irumbuthirai last week..

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Yes. That is Vidivelli. Its has Sridhar's trademark camera movement (Who did the camerawork, anyone?). In one scene, the camera dollies through the swinging door, goes up slightly and swoops over Ranggarao over his working desk. Absoloutely brilliant for its time...kinda like taking audience along and looking over the desk in unauthorised way.

I am not sure about others, but I remember in one Barathiraja interview who claimed that Sridhar was the first to dolly (on a movable platform with/without track/wheels; if track it is called tracking shot).

But I'm going off track.

Coming back to NT, I wonder why Sridhar abandoned the early story-heavy films to action heavy films like Sivantha Man and Vaira Nenjam?

I guess as Murali sar said, the period was audience abandoning heavy story-ladden flicks to those with action in it. Then again, Sivantha man had a strong patriotric story underneath (that, I believe, suited NT the Congress man).

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Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas

Prabhu Movies(Ele my friend).What movie is this ? I don't think I got the name of the movie.

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This is an English language movie, I believe. Never seen it. About Prabhu, an Elephant and a white kid. Someone here seen the movie? Do share with us. But I did not know that NTs production company was involved.

Does anyone here remember there was a serial by NTs company called Mendum Gauvaram? Both NT and Prabhu, I believe, appeared in few episodes. It will be nice if someone can talk about NTs venture in TV.

As for Venkiraja's suggestion for top ten....are you kidding me. Its going to be bloody tough. Just ten? Oru muppathu, aimbathu koodathaa?

Even in my overall top ten (http://rakeshkumar7.tripod.com/id199.html) I had problem figuring out the best. In fact, I had to restrain myself many times over from putting in NTs film. Still a few made it. In fact, I have to revise my list and safely remove NT films from there. It does not deserve to be there...its needs a top ten of its own. But that was written four years ago.

I bet the other regular NT forum-ers are scratching their head trying to figure out NTs best ten. This is tougher than figuring out nuclear science.[/url]

What many people forget is the comic roles this giant has donned, like in Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari (co stars T R Ramachandran - those popping eyes make people laugh, Padmini and Ragini),


This film NT was so casual and he acted like supporting actor.
Nice movie. I still remember NT was chasing KUPPA LORRI to find his lover letter. :lol: so hilarious.

Balaji: Those days we use to celebrate in grand manner for NT &Kamarajar birthday. We use to tie flgas across the street in the night and and wake up with songs from NT films in the early morning (Sorgam/Gauravam/sivantha mann etc). Happy childhood days.

ramesh

Sathyaraj will be playing Periyar soon. Hope this works out, as I had always believed that Sathyaraj is a good actor. I just hope that he does not end up just mimicking Periyar.

He should take note from NT who played Va. U. Si on his own. Of course, NT did his homework, research, but he conveyed it in his own manner. The emotion was real. If he had done mimic job, it would not been real.

Incidentally, NT always wanted to play Periyar. Apart from getting the name (Sivaji, bestowed by Periyar) can anyone tell in what way NT appreciated Periyar enough to wanting to play him?

Dear Ramaswamy,

Welcome to NT's thread. I have seen your posts in POW section and song picturisation thread. We have discussed about comedy roles played by NT. I remember tacinema asking me about the same and what are all movies you had mentioned were discussed but of course not very much in detail. You can find the same in earlier pages.

NT as villain, yes as you mentioned quite a few were there. Other than Andha Naal, Thirumbi Paar, Tuli visham(KR Ramasamy as hero, I have heard NT did a great job, though I have not seen it myself) and Rangoon Radha, there was Pennin Perumai and you can also include Vikraman character of Uthama Puthiran in this category.

Prabhu Ram,

Ele my friend is a English movie which was directed by NT's younger brother VC Shanmugam's son Murali. His full name is Muralidharan and he and his elder brother Giri (married to a US girl (Linda?) are settled in US. Murali married into NT's close friend's family in Vettaikaranpudhur near Pollachi, changed his name as Dharan Mandrayar (just like Rathinam Subramanian became Manirathinam) and did this movie. It was shown in festivals. About it's theatrical release, I don't think it got released in India. He (Dharan) also recently completed a feature film about the plight of young widows of Varanasi, who are affected by child marriage and the name of the film is something like "White -- " ( I am not sure). Read a good opinion/preview in TOI/ET.

Ramesh,

Your post also takes me to my school days.

Regards

Dear Groucho070,

NT was always fond of doing real life heroes on the screen. Probably the stage experience made him like that. Till the early 60s', he did such roles. Later when the trend changed, he had only a few opportunities. Still whatever came his way, he grabbed it.

Chatrapathi Shivaji in R.E.Ramanadi, Bhagat Singh & Tiruppur Kumaran in Rajapart Rangadurai, Gautama Buddha in Anbai Thedi, Samrat Ashokan in Rojavin Raja and Vanchinathan in Cinema Paithiyam etc are some of the examples that readily spring to mind. As for as Periyar is concerned, I think the role he did in Petra Manam(1960) resembled Periyar it seems. Again I have not seen the movie but read NT's own comment that it was a chance to enact Periyar in the film. Anybody who has seen can please update.

Regards

Here’s my NT thought for the day:

I guess all praises aside, it would be nice if we analyse his career. We have analysed his greatest moments (my favourite would be late 60s and early 70s) but…

What happened in late 70s and 80s?

While Murali sar will gladly reveal the socio/political background that had influenced NTs decision on roles, let me look at the artistic side.

While it is undeniable that NT undertook some good assignments (Thiyagam, Andhaman Kathali) during those period, there were some that looked out of place for him. More on that later.

That era was welcoming an onslaught of young heroes. There were some who had been around and are making their marks, like Siva Kumar and Vijaya Kumar. There were those who were new and hungry, like Kamalahaasan (now Kamal Haasan) and Rajinikanth. The latter duo was too hungry and if you look at the number of films they were making those years…its staggering. Plus, with fine tutelage of K. Balachander and their own talents, they were also making good story oriented films.

For every Kali and Billa, there was a Mullum Malarum and Buvana Oru Kelvikuri. For every Shankarlal and Guru, there was 16 Vayathinile and Mundram Pirai. Both are not interested in filling up MGRs shoe, they are indeed filling up NTs shoe. Both are, at that time, and even now, NTs heir.

NTs peers are beginning to compete with newer talents as well. MSV had to face Shankar Ganesh and later Ilayaraja. Kannadhasan was safe, but if he was alive after 1981, he would have found a rival in Vairamuthu. And then, the directors. All the old guards…where are they? What happened to Banthulu, AP Nagarajan, Bhim Singh, K.S. Gopalakrishnan?

Even if they do make films, they were quickly getting outdated. K. Balachander and Barathiraja brought new kind of realism (not entirely realism as per Westerners view) and the old guards were not in sync with them. Exceptions can be made. Sridhar, who left behind his serious story-oriented flicks, made entertainers like Ilamai Unjaladughiradhu and Thudikkum Karanggal.

In 1977, NT was fifty years old. Its not an easy age for actors in this part of hemisphere. But that is not true as well. Let’s see what happened to the great actor in Hollywood, with whom he is always compared with.

Marlon Brando, at the age of 50 (1974) had just finished The Godfather and Last Tango in Paris. It has been downhill ever since, with occasional shots of brilliance (Apocalypse Now, A Dry White Season). Nobody knew what to do with him. There were brave, new young actors (Al Pacino, De Niro, Hoffman) who could do what he did in his younger years. There were choices for the filmmakers. With Brando, you would have a lots of expectation, and times has changed.

Likewise, with NT, there were many types of expectation. This is both blessing and a curse. There was audience for strong story-oriented flicks. There were also audience for action oriented films. NT can and have delivered both. At the same time, the other heroes were doing the same. Audiences were split. Worse, his rival, MGR has left the field and NT was left alone in the court. All this may have turned his enthusiasm down.

Late seventies saw the beginning of writer/director oriented films. Audiences can expect certain types of films with Barathiraja, Balachander, later T. Rajendar, K. Bagyaraj, Visu and Manivannan. Also, beginning the eighties, NT’s own son was entering the hero market.

If NT were to compete with the younger heroes, he would inadvertently be competing with his own son. Hence, the many films he worked with his own son. While he may have done some youthful roles in some of them, he took on patriarchal roles in many. Doing such roles is not a big transition, he had already done that long time ago.

All that, plus the quality of story telling were going down. As mentioned earlier, it became writer/directors decade. They usually impose their own stories, some good and some bad and they don’t want someone too strong like NT, whose strong performance may or not override their own story telling credits. Exception, of course, occasionally when they have used NT and turned out that NT serviced their stories and serviced them too well (Muthal Mariyathai, Thavanik Kanavugal, Jallikattu).

The biggest accusation would be against NT himself. He had done too many roles, and too many times. They simply ran out of idea what to give him. It was back to patriarchal role for him…easy way out. Tamil film industry was simply not ready for matured roles taking the lead. Still in the mentality that 50 years old are usually dads or grandads.

And, of course, the fact that he had put on weight. But that is nonsense. They could have drawn great characters. The truth is, the audiences has changed. Blame it on the Hindi flicks, which, at that time, were turning out many action-oriented flicks (some called curry-westerns like Sholay). Everyone was eager to have Tamil films the same way. Audiences were shying away from story oriented films.

Okay, I am running out of ideas for further analysis. I will continue on this. I would like responses first. Please do not hesitate disagree with me…it will give rise to healthy argument. Unlike some other hub users, NT fans are very civilised, polite and diplomatic. Still, don’t hesitate.

(Please bear in mind that this does not mean that nothing happened from late eighties onward. There were flashes of brilliance here and there, but most of the films were bad. NT can only do so much with his acting.)

Hi,

My sincere apologies that I am coming to the thread after a very long time. It is nice to see that this thread has grown to an unbelievable level and has become very informative. I have not gone thru all missing posts and just glanced few pages from backwards.

I am amazed with the information that this thread has and importantly, I would like to congratulate one very important Sivaji rasigar: Murali Srinivas. Murali: You have a very sharp memory power and giving us exact date of releases of different NT movies. BTW, are you a scientist by profession?

I have seen different hubbers narrated about how they became NT fans. For me, I am not from Sivaji prime time era. I am 30 years old and my mom and uncles are Sivaji fans. Especially, my second uncle, who was running NT rasigar mandram while he was in college. I am always fascinated by different on-screen qualities of NT, especially the follwing:

1. dedication to the roles he performed
2. strive to acheive excellence for different roles
3. versatility

These qualities made me his fan. Additionally, when you are growing in Madurai, you get to see most of NT old films, where they are always in demand and running in different movie halls. This provided me an opportunity to see some of NT evergreen hits, which made me realize that NT is the finest actor that TN has ever produced and he is in fact, comparable to any best actor in the world.

Sometimes back, I read some actor fans narrating how they celebrated their idol movie in the opening show. Can some NT fans describe how was their celebration for his movie opening show? Here it is better to elaborate NT's prime time movies. I would like to hear how NT's veriyar celebrated his movie in the opening show.

I will read the rest of the posts soon.

Those living in North America, any one attending Tamil sangam festival that is going be held this weekend in New York?

Best regards.

Dear tac,

Welcome back and thanks for your kind words. I am not a scientist by profession though I am a Science graduate (Chemistry). You have thrown up a nice option of asking us to describe an opening show of NT film. This was in my mind sometime back and I will do it soon. Before that, the task of finishing what I have started (NT's politcal innings) looms large and let me finish it. Venky Raja also had suggested to nominate 10 Top Ten movies of NT and this is sure to throw up different choices. ( I remember Top 10 of NT was discussed in this thread when someone wanted it for buying VCDs/DVDs). BTW, tac did your uncle reside somewhere in and around Meenakshi Amman Kovil ?

Regards

Thanks to Raj TV celebrating 75 years of Tamil cinema by telecasting movies daily at 9 pm(for 75 days), I could watch some great films of NT within a short span. They were

Aalaya Mani
Karnan
Vasantha Maaligai
Annan Oru Koil
Paasa Malar (yesterday).

If it was Aalaya Mani hang over 10 days back, today it is Paasa MAlar. If I start to write about all the above mentioned movies or Paasa Malar, my job at hand will be affected. Just a few vignettes here.

4 or 5 scenes that I would point out

The scene at NT's house where NT brings in Gemini for the first time. Introduces Savithiri and says "Ava Siricha Naanum Siripen; Ava Azhutha Ayyayo Ennalo Thaangave Mudiyathu" a very casual NT neverthless putting forth his powerful expression of affection.

The scene at Factory office where GG comes and argues for the dismissed employees. Before the final parting,GG will ask "Kadaiseeyaga Unnai Ketkiren! Ivargalai Velaikku thirumba edukka mudiyuma? mudiyatha?" NT out of frame till then enters and point blankedly says" No.I say No." and again gos out of the frame.

NT with anger and fury rushing to the garden with a revolver in hand on hearing that GG is talking with Savithiri will stand still and after listening to Savithiri putting him(NT) ahead of GG in her argumements will wipe the tears with the revolver from his left eye.

Vaarayo en Thozhi song; Sukumari will sing

Malaratha Penmai Malarum:Munpu
Puriyatha Unmai Puriyum
Mayangatha Kannum Mayangum:Munpu
Vilangatha Kelvi Vilangum
Iravodu Nenjam Urukatho;
Irandodu Moondru Valaratho

When the final words are sung, NT-in mugathil oru mandagasa punnagai udithu,piraku geli cheyyapaduvathi than Thangai enbathai unarthavudan thalyai lesaga kuninthukondu antha punnagaiyodu manamedaikku pakkathil povar.

(It is another story that censor officer Mr.Sasthri initially objected to these lines but on pesuasion by Bhimsingh and Kannadasan agreed

Mayagugiral Oru Madhu song:

First Night scene. Savithri will sing and GG will be with sitar. MN Rajam all shy and nervous, NT as usual with a cigarette in hand and stylish to the core. Savithri sings

Thozhigal Kathai Solli Tharavillaiya;
Thunivillaya, Bayam Vidavillaiya
Naazhigai Selvathum Ninaivillaya?

NT will be looking at MNR and on hearing the song will move away with a puff and a smile on his face.

Second saranam Savithri will sing

Paarvayil Ayiram Kathai Solluvar.
Padithavalthan Athai Maranthu vittal;
Kaadahalai Naanathil Maraithu vittal;

NT standing near the balcony will throw off the cigarette, pakkathil irukkum table-irku poyi Savithri-GG photo-vai thiruppi vaithuvittu vanthu bed-il MNR pakkam utkaruvar, antha punnagai maaramal.

Paatondru Ketten song.

NT's fingers playing on the piano like a seasoned artist while MNR sings. Of course for him it is another day at office and we have seen this in Unnai Ondru Ketpen and Ellorum Nalam Vazha songs.

Sollikonde pogalam. Normally people talk about Malarnthum Malaratha song and Kai Veesamma Kai Veesu scene when the topic is Paasa Malar and so I thought of putting up scenes where NT would have shown us the nuances of acting.

Intha scenai patri ellam ezhuthumpothu meendum paarka vendum pol irukirathu.

Regards

Murali

You have mentioned outstanding scene(s) from PAASA MALAR.
ANNA: MSV-KANNADASAN contribution MARANTHUINGALEEEEEEE.

KANNIN MANI POOLA MANIYIN NIZHAL POOLA KALANTHU PIRANTHOOMAADA

Ever green lyrics/ever green composistion.

Why no one willing to appreciate TMS(even NT never appreciated him openly. I felt too bad about NT on this issue.)gave heart and soul to NT and MGR songs. Too bad. :(

regards
ramesh

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by umaramesh

Murali

You have mentioned outstanding scene(s) from PAASA MALAR.
ANNA: MSV-KANNADASAN contribution MARANTHUINGALEEEEEEE.

KANNIN MANI POOLA MANIYIN NIZHAL POOLA KALANTHU PIRANTHOOMAADA

Ever green lyrics/ever green composistion.

Why no one willing to appreciate TMS(even NT never appreciated him openly. I felt too bad about NT on this issue.)gave heart and soul to NT and MGR songs. Too bad. :(

regards
ramesh

---

Enakkum andha varutham undu Ramesh on whether NT or MG had openly acknowledged the unparelleled contributions from TMS but Saradhaji somewhere mentioned that NT appreciated once , highlighting Enge nimmadhi & Andha naal nyabagam !

Coming back to Kannin mani pola shot - NT will be lying flat on the floor looking at the top while that poor kid will be playing by his side !

Nadigayar thilagam scores during the stage when she will quickly change her reaction from cheer to tears - Kanavil nilayadha kadhal thirai vandhu piritha kadhai sollavaa !

Dear Ramesh,

Enna ippadi sollivittirgal?. MSV/ Ramamoorthy/Kannadasan/TMS/PS pondravargalai marakka mudiyuma? Neengal sonna varigalukku adthu varigalukku varungal

Indha Mannum Kadal Vanum Marainthu Mudhinthalum
Marakka Mudiyathada:

Indha Varigal mersonnavargalukkummattumalla indha padathirkkum 100% porunthum.

But you have not noticed what I have written; I said when people discuss Paasa Malar all the songs(not the scene of the song and NT's reaction) especially Malarnthum Malaratha and climax Kai Veesamma Kai veesu will find a prominent place.So I wanted to highlight other scenes and NT's reaction in those song sequences which are my favourites.

1 or 2 pages back, I had quoted a kelvi- badhil from Filmalaya regarding MSV/KD/TMS/NT. Ennuduya karuthum athu than.

Regards

Groucho070

Seems you are in peak form now ! :D great. Your share of thoughts gives a new dimension to this thread ! nice

Murali Anna,

You have almost covered a splendid song - Mayanguriraal oru madhu ! Pls add more and post it in APP thread :D
One thing I wonder in this song, rather NT's make up. The eye brows will be dark & big !

The innocent NT during the song - Engallukkum kalam varum , I mean the jumping NT with Savithri .... .will be diametrically opposite during the scene which you described with GG .....
while GG will be furious, NT will be casually sitting on his seat & reacting to all bullets DEPICTING THE MANNERISM OF A RICH BUSINESS MAN !
Vow, subtle change in behavioural pattern !

ofcourse, the most perfect portrayal of a rich businessman was Paar magale paar !

Murali Srinivas, thanks for the info on Ele. I googled up for Dharan Mandrayar and even managed to see the trailer of Ele.

I was in Vellore for the last couple of days and the local cable TV channel played "Thiruvilayadal","Navarathiri",Gouravam","Paar MagaLE Paar" in the last 48 hours (not to mention Paasamalar on RajTV). Didn't have the time to catch any of them fully. Caught parts of each. (So I didn't catch the parts you are quoting Murali Srinivas, but they are noted for future reference !)

I did manage to catch my favourite part in Navarthiri: the Satyavan-Savitri Therukkoothu. Two of the best talents dishing it out. Sivaji playing the typical actor delivering the awful lines/songs with the involvement becoming of the character, while Savitri playing out the lines and dance with the studied gracelessness of a novice. The misplaced pauses, the tunes that don't match up to the epic scenario and amateurish excalmations are priceless. Together they take the sequence to be among the funniest ten minutes of all time.

My favourite is Savitri describing about how Satyavan slew the lion:
"Avar Ninru...adhai Konru, pin Senru...............vittArE" :lol:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tacinema

Additionally, when you are growing in Madurai, you get to see most of NT old films, where they are always in demand and running in different movie halls.

---

I'll exploit this opportunity to quote an example of a Kamal movie where this culture is registered.
Remember Gandhimathi telling Kamal and Abhirami in Virumaandi.
"Naan innikku rendaavathu aattam Vasantha Maaligai paaka pOren...neenga saaliya irunga" (in the background you see a Vasantha Maaligai poster with a line "Putham puthiya Copy".

yes both Shivaji and Savithiri and the singer counterparts tms & ps have done a awesome job

[quote="Prabhu Ram"]

Quote:

---

I completely agree. I just visit this thread to read and read and have absolutely nothing to add to the discussion. And I'm sure I'm not alone. I belong to the generation that has heard a lot about Sivaji from parents and uncles and went about disciovering in reverse from Thevar Magan,Mudhal Mariyaadhai to Andha Naal. So to read this thread helps appreciate him much better.

---

You are very right Prabhu Ram, you are not alone I too am from the same predicament....the first time i saw Shivaji's acting was in "Engal Thanga Raja" I must have watched that and "Ooti Varai Uravu" countless times...my mom would always be puzzled why if i was bored i'd pick only those two movies...it was only after getting access to the net that I realized what I was missing, even though all my relatives and parents were fans of him they never thought that I too would find interest in their old movies and old actors...now I am ever on the search for a good copy...only recently did i watch "Veerapandian Kattabomman" and the more endearing "Karnan".

Dear Murali,

My uncle family lives in Panthadi area; I hope you are familiar with this area, somewhere closer to Keezhavaasal.

Querida: Welcome to this great post. Try to get and see some of NT's b/w classics: uththama puthiran, baaga privinai, deiva magan, raman ethanai ramanadi, and so on. Great movies and you will have great time.

Somehow, I like NT's b/w movies over his color
movies.

G2g.. best regards

Like it or not, the b/w cinematography of that era is much more beautiful. NTs films do not need colour. You get all kinds of colours from performance alone. You don't need colour, elaborate set, distant location or even varieties of costume. I agree, I like B/W too. Even when colour was emerging, he did many B/W films, and the best of the later years B/W is certainly Theiva Magan. Beautiful cinematography.

Friends,
NT's statue work is almost completed ..kalainjar took spl attention on this .He has selected a very important place in Merina beach .

When sivaji family met kalainjar to thank him ....
'எங்கள் குடும்பத்தின் சார்பில் தனிப்பட்ட முறையில் நன்றி" என்று ராம்குமாரும் பிரபுவும் சொல்லும் போதே இடை மறித்த கலைஞர் " எனக்கு எதற்கு நன்றி ? நான் வாழும் காலத்தில் கணேசனுக்கு நான் சிலை வைக்காமல் வேறு யார் வைப்பது ? அவருடன் நான் கொண்டிருந்த நட்பு தான் உங்களுக்கு தெரியுமே.." என்று சொல்லி உடைந்து அழுதிருக்கிறார் .

பிரபு கூறுகையில் "இப்போது டி.வி யில் கணேசனைப் பார்க்கும் போது ,திரையிலேயே அவர் கன்னத்தை கிள்ளத்தோன்றுகின்றது" என்று கூறி கலைஞர் கண்ணீர் வடித்ததாக கூறினார்

More details

http://www.kumudam.com/magazine/Repo...-07-02/pg2.php

Dear tac,

I know Panthadi which has many streets starting from Panthadi Mudhal Theru to Panthadi 10 vathu Theru. In and around Alankar Theatre this area is a fort of NT. The area diagonally opposite Alankar theatre ( on your left when you go to Munichalai ) is called Gandhi Pottal and the Sivaji Mandram there is still alive, vibrant and aggressive. Even now if a NT movie (old) is released, you can see this people printing welcome posters that would be pasted around the theatre that runs the movie and for the Sunday evening show they would come in large numbers and it will be a festival inside the theatre. Why I asked you about Meenakshi Amman Kovil was there was a person known to me(my cousin's senior friend) who was heading the student wing of NT fans during 69-75 and he lived in Therku Chithirai Street.

Welcome Querida.

Dear Prabhu Ram,

It was good to read your way of expressing Navarathiri song sequence. I am sure more will come.

Regards

It is very diffcult to give top 10 of NT. I tried and my favorite top 15 of NT instead of 10 (may not be in that order)

1) Vitenam Veedu – It is always my 1st favorite. Since NT makeup and walking style resembles my father. After retirement, when NT came to his house and given splendid reaction, acting, both laughing and cyring and then cried in front of his mother’s photo – Amma, Un Kuzanthaikku 55 vayasu aayiduthu. Retire aayitan. He is counting his days to the grave endru soli azumbothu - kallum karaiyum.
2) Gowravam - I prepare to face anybody challenge.
3) Pattikada Pattanama – Excellent Songs, Acting, Dance-
NT : Panchayathualla Ennakku kidacha varaverppa paartha purichipooripay.
An old lady ( I don’t know her name) – Appadiya, Nan varama poyitene. Then immediately NT replied, (vigathiyoodu , emmarthoodu,) Nan vanthirukene Uyiroodu.

4) Savale Samali - Both these two films are more or less same story.
In SS – NT is very simple, less makeup, no dream songs, no duet, no constumes, only shirt and white dothi.. Remember it is his 150th movie
5) Deiva Magan – what to tell
6) Navarathiri – no comments
7) Thiruvilaiyadal – my son used to see this movie (CD)ONLY whenever he is free from studies.
8) Thillana Mohanambal – One my friend seen this movie more than 50 times. His mother tongue is Marathi
9) Padikatha Medai – No one discuss. An excellent movie, particularly one scene, where SVRR asked NT and NT replied / refused. A treat to watch.
I have seen this movie first time in B’lore only during 80’s with my friends
10) Paasa Malar – what to tell
11) Gallata Kalyanam – Whenever I feel boring /woories and not in mood , I watch this CD to forget all my worries.
12) Uyarntha Manithan – no comments
13) Pudiya Paravi – excellent acting, songs, music
14) Babu
15) Gnana Oli


Some other movies I consider best is :
1) Enga Oor Raja
2) Raja
3) Needhi
4) Engirutho Vandal
5) Paar Magale Paar
6) Bale Pandiya
7) Thanga Padakkam
8) Vasantha Maligai
9) Kulama Gunama
10) Karnan
11) Aalaya Mani
12) Uthama Puthiran
13) Thirmal Perumai
14) Pallum Pazamum
15) Rajapat Rangadurai



Following are my collection of NT movies cds:
1) Thirvilaiyadal
2) Gallata Kalyanam
3) Raja
4) Sumathi En sundai
5) Pudiya Paravi
6) Bale Pandiya
7) Rajapat Rangadoori
8) Thirumal Perumai
9) Gowravam
10) Sivantha Man

There is general opinion among us that NT has not given any hit during 1980s – 1990s. I am giving the list of hit from 1975 to 1986. ( not included Dhavani Kanavugal, Padikadavan, Viduthali, etc.) I consider NT as hero and not as 2nd hero and side role here.

1975 - Avanthan Manithan (175), Pattum Bharathamum
1976 - Uthaman
1977 - Avan Oru Charithiram, Deepam, Annan Oru Kovil
1978 - Andaman Kadali, Thiygam
1979 - Thirisoolam, Iamayam, Naan Vazavaippen
1980 - Rishimoolam
1981 - Satya Sundaram, Kal Thoon, Keezhvanam Sivakkum
1982 - Vaa Kanna Vaa, Sangili, Thunai
1983 - Neethipati, Sandippu, Sumangali, Mirudanga Chakarvarthi, Vellai Roja
1984 - Vazhkai
1985 - Bandham, Mudhal Mariyadai, Raja Rishi
1986 - Sadhanai, Marumagal, Lakshmi Vandachu

During 1987, out of 10 release including two Telugu, two with Sathyaraj (Jallikattu and Muthukal Moondru), others are average hit.

In 1988, Due to political crisis, he has given only two films, ie, En tamil En Makkal, Pudiya Vanam with satyaraj. After this he slowly stopped acting in films

From 1990 to 1999 till Padayappa he acted only 12 films. Rest is the history

During 1980s directors and producers were selected only light stories and screenplay, with some good music and dance and given least importance to Acting. Naturally film goers also slowly changed according to the circumstances. Thus, scope of NT acting during 1980s is very less. Though his films boomed at BO, his acting never fails.

abkhlabhi,

I must congratulate you for being brave enough to list the favourites. Still, you have to add another five and further lists. You are really brave.

As for me...no way. I cannot. I will be editing the list every day. But let me tell you that whatever I had thought of putting is there in your list. I see that you do favour the late sixties/early seventies films. This is a terribly daunting task. I have no guts to do it. I am scared.

But I am very sure of my numer one: Gauvaram. Best of NTs and the best of any Tamil films. Karnan will be my number one in the historical/costume/mythology list.


And thanks for the list on his later hit films. Again, we are enlightened.