Thanks Murali, idhukku thaan MS vEnumgradhu :D
yes. :cry: Not many undiscovered NT movies left. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas
kandippaa pannurEn murali.
Printable View
Thanks Murali, idhukku thaan MS vEnumgradhu :D
yes. :cry: Not many undiscovered NT movies left. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas
kandippaa pannurEn murali.
NT sonnaa kamal Eththukkura maadhiri thaan... avanga fansum :PQuote:
Originally Posted by Prabhu Ram
SIVAJI GANESAN A LEGEND IN HIS TIME
http://americatestprep.sulekha.com/b...e/comments.htmQuote:
Blessed with an eloquent face and a rich baritone voice coupled with clear diction Sivaji Ganesan ruled the Tamil film industry like a colossus during the 60s and the late 80s. Born to Villupuram Chinnaya Pillai and Rajamani Ammal in a small district in Tamil Nadu V C Ganesan (this is his official name) also suffered poverty and hunger like his contemporary M G R. Sivaji Ganesan even as a young boy evinced keen interest in the field of acting. At the age of 9, Ganesan was so interested in stage plays that he ran away from home to pursue a career in theater. His mother helped him get into a famous drama troupe. He was working in Sakthi Nadaga sabha for a long time.
Sivaji Ganesan's first film was Parasakthi, scripted by Kalaignar Karunanidhi released in the year 1952 opposite noted actress Pandari Bai who incidentally acted his mother in several films later on. The film went on to become a massive hit and the credit of the success of the film was shared equally by Kalaignar for his excellent dialogues and Sivaji Ganesan’s sterling performance. “Manohara” was yet another Sivaji – Kalaignar combination which created a stir in the box office. Sivaji Ganesan was an actor nonpareil and as an actor his unique selling proposition was he never got himself stuck in any image unlike his contemporary actor M G R who had a clear image and churned out formula films.
Sivaji Ganesan was noted more for mushy melodramas and one look at his filmography we would know that he had acted in a variety of roles. He had enormous courage in his talent and was willing to act as father of five daughters in “Motor Sundaram Pillai” and one of the daughters was played by Jayalalitha with whom he paired romantically and gave hits like “Galatta kalyanam”, “Sumathi En Sundari” and “ Pattikada Pattanama”, “Enga Mama” all great hits at the box office.
Sivaji Ganesan was a versatile actor and a professional to the core. His performance as aged “Appar” in “Thiruvarutchelvar” and ‘sikkal’ Shanmugasundaram in his mammoth hit “Thillana Mohanambal” opposite his hit pair Padmini, “Navarathiri” opposite Savithri in 9 different roles and he essayed each role with such élan and ease that the film still remains evergreen in people’s memory. “Deivamagan” was another hit in which he played three roles and Sivaji Ganesan can distinguish characters simply with his body language. His 200th film was “Trisoolam” where again he played three roles. “Pasamalar” is one film which no Tamilian can forget and especially the last scene where blind Sivaji will recite “kai veesamma kai veesu” and dies for his sister – you find the entire audience coming out of the theatres literally weeping thoroughly moved by this scene. Recently the film was telecast in the TV and after four decades when the last scene came I knew every foot of the scene but I could not control my tears. The tears were out of joy to see the moving performance of a great actor. His fiery dialogues with “Jackson durai” in “Veera Pandiya Katta Bomman” (a rebel king against the British Raj) and his altercation with Nagesh in “Thiruvilaiadal” came out as audio cassettes and are still popular. His expressive face coupled with his body language enabled him to fit into any role whether a play boy in “Iruvar Ullam” or a leper in “Navarathiri”
The name 'Sivaji' was given to him by great rationalist Thanthai Periyar E.V.R. Ramasamy after his excellent stage performance as Emperor Sivaji. He made his reputation as an actor in C.N. Annadurai’s “Sivaji Kanda Indhu Rajyam”, a historical play on the Maratha Emperor Shivaji. He was asked to play the role at the last moment when the lead actor backed out. It is said he memorized the entire 95 pages of dialogues in a day! Such was his impact that the play also gave him his screen name. He is also known as Nadigar Thilagam, meaning considered being one the most influential and greatest actors of all time, and Nadippu Chakravarthy (translated as "the King of Kings of acting”). He has been awarded the title of Chevalier, the Order of Arts and Literature by the Ministry of Culture, Government of France. This is one of the main decorations of the French Republic which is conferred to honor the most original and talented personalities, for their remarkable contributions in the field of Arts and Literature in France and all over the world. On 22nd April 1995, at a glittering ceremony held at the MCA stadium, Madras, Dr.Sivaji Ganesan was presented the Chevalier Title and Medallion by the French Ambassador to India Mr. Philip Petit. Ms.Jayalalitha, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the function. The entire Tamil film industry and representatives of all other Regional and National film industries were present at this function.
Sivaji Ganesan’s career can be divided into two halves. The first half was from 1952 to 1980 and the second phase where he successfully paired with K R Vijaya as old couples and the story centered on them. “Rishimoolam” “Pilot Premnath”, “Vazhkai” belong to the second half of his career. Among the second generation of Directors Bharathiraja utilized his talent in “Mudhal Mariyadhai” excellently where he played an old man who is married to a shrew and falls in love with a poor young girl. Sivaji Ganesan portrayed that role so beautifully and especially the climax scene conceived artistically by Bharathi Raja was elevated by Sivaji’s stunning performance without speaking a word. Again in “Devarmagan” Sivaji adopted a totally new style of performance totally under played. Sivaji Ganesan was criticized for “over acting” but through these two roles he proved that if he wants he can underplay too.
In spite of being the industry for more than four decades Sivaji Ganesan remained a complete “director’s actor”. Even if the Director is new and is hesitatent to explain the scene Sivaji will give his “director due respect”. It is indeed great irony that such a great actor like Sivaji Ganesan was never honored with national award. Actually that is not a loss for a stalwart like Sivaji Ganesan because he was beyond these awards and he had entered into the hearts of millions of Tamilians all over the world.
Sivaji is not with us anymore but his films will be there forever. He was a legend even when he was alive.
சிம்மக்குரலோன் சிவாஜி பேட்டி
சி்ம்மக்குரலோன் சிவாஜி தனது ஐம்பது வயதுகளில் இலங்கை வானொலிக்கு அளித்த பேட்டி இது.
நடிகர் திலகம் நடிப்பைப் பற்றி கர்ஜிப்பதை கேளுங்கள்.
அவருடைய குரலின் ஏற்ற இறக்கங்களில் ஒப்புதலையும் மறுத்தலையும் காணலாம்.
கேள்விகளை அவர் எதிர்கொள்ளும் விதமும், தகாத கேள்வியை தள்ளி வைப்பதிலும் அவருடைய முதிர்ச்சி தெரிகிறது.
கேட்டு ரசியுங்கள்.
http://www.tamilvanan.com/content/20...san-chronicle/
Thanks Nov for the links.
The title is dubious. I believe NT is a legend for all times, need not necessarily his time.
நடிகர் திலகத்தின் தீவிர ரசிகரும் நமது ஹப்பின் ஒரு சைலன்ட் ரீடருமான திரு பம்மல் சுவாமிநாதன் சிறிது காலம் முன்பு வரை நடிகர் திலகத்திற்காகவே ஒரு மாத இதழை "வசந்த மாளிகை" என்ற பெயரில் நடத்திக் கொண்டிருந்தார். அந்த இதழ்களை காணும் வாய்ப்பு அண்மையில் கிடைத்தது. பல அருமையான விஷயங்கள் அதில் இருந்தன. குறிப்பாக 01.10.2003 அன்று நடிகர் திலகத்தின் 75வது பிறந்த நாள் விழா சென்னை மியூசிக் அகாடமி அரங்கில் நடைபெற்றது. அதில் கலந்து கொண்டு பேசிய கமலின் பேச்சு மிகவும் ரசிக்கத்தக்கதாய் இருந்தது. நான் உள்பட பலரும் இதை முன்பே படித்திருப்போம் என்ற போதிலும் அதை படிக்காதவர்களுக்காக இதோ.
"சிவாஜி வாழ்க என் உங்களோடு நானும் உரக்க கூவி மகிழ்வதில் பெருமிதம் கொள்கிறேன்.சிவாஜி ரசிகன் எனும் அடிப்படை தகுதி தான் என்னை இந்த விழா மேடையில் வீற்றிருக்கும் அளவு உயர்த்தியுள்ளது.உலகத்தின் எந்தவொரு மூலையிலும் இப்படி ஒரு விழா நடக்குமா என்பது சந்தேகமே. ஒரு நடிகனின் திரைப்படம் தோல்வியடைந்து விட்டாலே அவனை விட்டு விலகி வேறு நடிகர்களுக்கு மன்றம் அமைக்கும் இந்நாளில், அவர் மறைவிற்கு பிறகும் அவர் வாழ்ந்த போது எத்துனை வேகத்தோடும் உற்சாகத்தோடும் கூடுவார்களோ அதற்கு சற்றும் குறையாமல் ஏன் அதைக் காட்டிலும் அதிக அளவில் இங்கு கூடியிருக்கும் ரசிகர்களை வைத்தே சிவாஜி எப்பேர்ப்பட்ட மாபெரும் கலைஞன் என்று விளங்கும்.இனி வரும் ஆண்டுகளில் நானும் ரசிகர்களோடு ரசிகராக ஒரு பார்வையாளனாகவோ அல்லது ராம்குமார்,பிரபு,கிரி ஷண்முகம் போன்று விழாவை சிறப்பாக நடத்திக் கொடுக்கும் பொறுப்பாளராகவோ இருக்க ஆசைப்படுகிறேன். ஏனெனில் விழா மேடைகளில் வீற்றிருப்பது எனக்கு சலித்து விட்டது.
சிவாஜி விருது பெற்ற சாதனையாளர்களை திரு ANR அவர்கள் மிகச் சிறப்பாக பாராட்டி பேசினார்.அவரை விட புதிதாகவோ சுவையாகவோ நான் எதுவும் கூறுவதற்கில்லை.ஒன்றை மட்டும் கூறி உங்களிடமிருந்து விடை பெற எண்ணுகிறேன்.
உயர்ந்த ஜாதி இந்துக்கள் கோத்திரம் என்ற பிரிவின் மீது நம்பிக்கை உடையவர்கள்.எனக்கு அது போன்ற பிரிவுகளில் உடன்பாடில்லை. ஆயினும் என்னைப் போன்ற நடிகர்கள் மட்டுமல்லாது திரைப்படத் துறையின் அனைத்துப் பிரிவுகளைச் சார்ந்தவர்களும் ஒரே ஒரு கோத்திரத்தில் பிறந்தவர்கள்.அது தான் சிவாஜி கோத்திரம். அந்த சிவாஜி கோத்திரத்தை சார்ந்தவர்கள் நாங்கள் என்பதே எங்களுக்கு பெருமையாகும். வாய்ப்பளித்த ராம்குமார்,பிரபு அவர்களுக்கு நன்றி."
அன்புடன்
From Rajini's thread. There are mentions of NT in here, though its about Rajini. This is an interview with YG Mahendran, more can be seen on Rajini's News thread.
A2A thanks for the link.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avadi to America
A reproduction from the following blog:
RV's CREATIVE NEST
A place to share thoughts on life,people,place,profession and relationships
http://tisham-creativenest.blogspot....sivaji-vc.html
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Padmabushan Chevalier Dr.'Sivaji' V.C. Ganesan
Dr.'Sivaji' V.C. Ganesan was born at Villupuram, South Arcot District, Madras State, India, on October 1, 1928, in a middle class family. His father Mr. CHINNIAH PILLAI and mother MRS. RAJAMANI AMMAL had two more sons, one elder and the other younger to Sivaji Ganesan, and also a daughter. Mr. Chinniah Pillai was working in the South Indian Railway. On the day Mr.Sivaji Ganesan was born, his father was arrested for anti British activities and suffered a term of imprisonment.
From his early age Mr.Sivaji Ganesan showed a great aptitude towards the stage and exhibited a spirit of independence. At the age of six he left his family, which was then settled in Tiruchirapalli, and joined a drama troupe. His first appearance was as Sita in the play “RAMAYANA”, which was highly appreciated, and through sheer histrionic talents, step by step he established a great reputation as an actor.
His outstanding portrayal of the character of CHATRAPATHI SIVAJI, the great Maratha warrior, in the stage play “Shivaji Kanda Hindu Rajyam”, has earned him the title “SIVAJI” which was conferred on him at a public function presided over by the later MR. “PERIYAR” E.V.RAMASAMY NAICKAR, the great social reformer of modern times.
In 1950, at the age of 22, because of his great name on stage, MR.P.A.PERUMAL of M/s. National Pictures gave him the lead role in “PARASAKTHI”, a Tamil picture under production then. This picture, which was released in 1952 (Diwali) became one of the great Box Office hits.
Since 1952, he has acted in the main role in 282 successful movies. It is worthwhile to mention that besides these 282 movies, he has acted important roles as guest artiste in about nineteen Hindu, Telugu, Kanarese and Malayalam Pictures. If we include guest roles in movies in all other Indian languages it will come up to about 301 films.
More than a dozen pictures has received recognition from the President of India. Some patriotic pictures like “VEERA PANDIA KATTABOMMAN”, KAPPALOTIA TAMIZHAN”, “RAKTHA THILAGAM”, “BHARATHA VILAS”, ETC., deserve special mention.
His taking part in police Centenary Documentary “UNGAL NANBAN” (Your Friend) and the National Defense Documentary “THAI NADU” (Mother Land), “SINGA NATHAM KETKUTHU” (Lion's Roar is heard) deserve praise.
He has also appeared in short films made by Doordarshan and Tamil Nadu Films Division, subjects being “The Freedom Struggle” and “Soldiers Welfare”.
The movie ”VEERA PANDIYA KATTABOMMAN” got him the Best Actor Award at the AFRO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL held in CAIRO IN 1960.
Since1952, he has contributed huge amounts to various charitable institutions. He was the first person to give a Lakh of rupees to our beloved Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, the late Prime Minister, towards “MID – DAY MEALS” to the poor school children. During the year 1962, Madras City was affected by floods and he supplied food packets and cash to a few thousands of hut dwellers. The famous Drama, “VEERA PANDIYA KATTABOMMAN” was enacted free of cost, and collected funds around Rs.32 lakhs, at various places like
Rabhindranath Tagore Centenary Hall, Bangalore ,
Sarabhoji College , Tanjore,
Victoria Institute, Bodinayakkanur,
Municipal College , Salem ,
Ramakrishna Mission, Madras .
Every year, for more than ten years, from 1962 a series of Dramas were performed at Bombay in aid of Bharathi Kala Mandram Building and Library funds which earned them an average of a lakh of rupees every year. Mention must be made in this connection that during those dramas, high personalities such as the Governors of Maharashtra like Shri. Prakasha and Smt. Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Chief Minister Shri. Chavan, Late Shri Kannamwar and other Ministers of Maharashtra as well as the Central Ministers like Late Dr.P.Subbarayan and Shri Humayun Kabir have presided.
Big amounts for Flood relief, National Defense Fund, Construction of Schools, Hospitals, Water facilities in Rural areas and various other deserving causes like giving aid for a number of students in schools, Colleges and Technical Institutions are well known in South India .
SRI SIVAJI GANESAN has bought the piece of land where our early freedom fighter and revolutionary KATTABOMMAN was executed by the British at KAYATHARU, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, and has erected a statue in his memory, at his personal expense. The Statue was opened by Shri SANJEEVA REDDY.
Shri Sivaji Ganesan, at his own cost has erected a statue for the famous Tamil Poet a THIRUVALLUVAR, in the Chennai Marina Beach Road .
He also gave Rupees 25,000/-, as the first man, to the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Y.B. CHAVAN, for the erection of the statue of “SHIVAJI MAHARAJA” in Bombay . In the year 1969-70, during the trouble with Pakistan , Sri Sivaji Ganesan took a group of artistes to the front to entertain our Jawans. He visited along with his group Halwara, Adampur, and Jullundur . The Jawans and Officers were very happy and enjoyed the entertainment programs. On his way back from the front, he paid a personal contribution of Rs.50,000/- towards the Defense Fund to the then Vice President
Dr. Zakir Hussain, Coming back home, he took a group of over 70 artistes, putting up shows at various district head quarters and collected around Rs.17 Lakhs towards Defense.
Fund. In November 1965, he and his troupe staged a Drama at Madras for the welfare of Indian Airforce Men and contributed around Rs.1 lakh.
During the visit of our beloved Prime Minister Late Shri.Lal Bhahadur Sastri to Madras Sri Sivaji Ganesan was responsible again for taking a number of film personalities along with their families and donated a huge amount of God, for Defense Fund.
Out of many contributions to Charity and public Welfare a few are mentioned here. He gave Rs.25,000/- to the Kashmir Chief Minister Shri Mir Kasim in 1972 for the education of the poor and backward in that province.
During the draught in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu he spontaneously contributed a lakh of rupees for the relief of the suffering people there. In 1977 he toured all over the State with other artistes and collected huge amounts for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. He also gave an amount of Rs.1,10,000/- to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund fir the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees.
He gave a Rs.2 lakhs donation, personally to the then Prime Minister Ms.Indira Gandhi, to build houses to the homeless Tamil workers in New Delhi . He gave Rs.1,00,000/- to the Maharashtra Earthquake Relief Fund' through ‘Round Table India ' during 1993.
It is worthwhile to note that Sri Sivaji Ganesan started his first picture as a Hero, and except for about ten pictures out of the 282 pictures released so far, he has been acting in the leading role. This may be a Phenomenon which no other artiste in the world has achieved so far in any language.
Perhaps there is only one artiste in the whole of India who has finished 282 films in a span of 45 years and has been honoured by a large number of public bodies and organizations, and be revered by a vast majority of film fans.
When His Excellency the Late President Nasser of Egypt visited India , Sri SIVAJI GANESAN was the only individual person, granted permission by Shri Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to host a party to the visiting V.V.I.P. The spectacularly arranged function at Madras , was attended by all dignitaries of various walks of life. President Nasser was given a number of valuable Mementos depicting the civilization and culture of this part of India .
Sri Sivaji Ganesan was the first artist from India to visit the United States of America , in the Cultural Exchange programme of the US Government, in 1962, where he established a good impression as Indian Cultural Ambassador. During his visit there, he was honoured by being made the “HONORARY MAYOR” of NIAGARA FALLS CITY for one day and was presented the GOLDEN KEY to the city. The only other Indian who has had this honour before Mr. Ganesan was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
On the 12 th of March 1976 he went over to Mauritius on an invitation from the Prime Minister Shri Ramagoolam and took part in their Independence Day Celebration and stayed as their Government guest for four days.
He was the president of the South Indian Artistes Association, Madras for a period of eight years. During his period of presidentship, he constructed a big Auditorium for playing public dramas and a Mini Cinema projection. Theater for a value of Rs.25,00,000/-. From this income he arranged to give some amount to the helpless poor artistes, permanently, through this Association.
During the 1966 Republic Day Awards our esteemed president of Indian Union was pleased to confirm the Title of “PADMASHREE” on Sri Sivaji Ganesan.
The Maharashtra Government has instituted a State Award, in the name of Dr.Sivaji Ganesan, to be given to the Best Actor every year, as SIVAJI GANESAN AWARD.
On the 10 th March 1983 Sri Sivaji V.C. Ganesan was nominated to the
Rajya Sabha by His Excellency the President of India, and was a Member of Parliament until 2 nd April 1986 .
In the New year awards of 1984, Sri Sivaji Ganesan was honored by the conferment of “PADMABHUSHAN” by the President of India as a recognition of his multivarious charitable as well as National activities and his very outstanding contribution to the stage and screen of South India .
He was conferred with an HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE by the ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY , Chidambaram, in December 1986.
In 1992, he was honoured with the National Award – the SPECIAL JURY AWARD for his performance in his 280 th movie.
“DEVAR MAGAN”
On April 14, 1993 , the Adithanar Muthamizh Peravai, pointing out his period to be the Golden Age of Tamil Cinema, honoured him with the ADITHANAR GOLD MEDAL AWARD, for bringing honour and prestige to the Tamils in general.
On April 24, 1993 , the Dinanath Mangeshkar Pratishthan of Poona , named after the popular Musical Drama personality of yesteryears, Dinanath Masterji, the father of our Nightingale of Indian Screen Ms.Lata Mangeshkar, honoured Mr.Sivaji Ganesan with DINANATH MANGESHKAR PURASHKAR, for his outstanding contribution towards the art and cultural tradition of India .
On August 27, 1993, the SANTHOME SPECIAL AWARD was given by Santhome Communication Centre, the cultural wing of the Tamil Nadu Bishop's Council, to honour him for the great service he has rendered to the Tamil Culture in his own inimitable way, by way of kindling the hearts and minds of the masses with a true sense of history patriotism, devotion to God and high moral integrity, to enhance and strengthen the foundation of Tamil Culture.
He has been awarded “FOR THE SAKE OF HONOUR” award by ROTARY CLUBS in Madras , Coimbatore & Trichy cities.
He was honoured by being invited as the Chief Guest to inaugurate the 26 th International Film Festival of India, which was held at Bombay , in January 1995, the Centenary Year of Cinema.
He has been awarded the title of CHEVALIER, the Order of Arts and Literature by the Ministry of Culture, Government of France. This is one of the main decorations of the French Republic which is conferred to honour the most original and talented personalities, for their remarkable contributions in the field of Arts and Literature in France and all over the world.
On 22 nd April 1995 , at a glittering ceremony held at the MCA stadium, Madras , Dr.Sivaji Ganesan was presented the Chevalier title and medallion by the French Ambassador to India Mr. Philip Petit. Ms.Jayalalitha, the then Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the function.
The entire Tamil film industry and representatives of all other Regional and National film industries were present at this function.
At the function Dr.Sivaji Ganesan presented a cheques for Rs.1,00,000/- to the Tamilnadu Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and other Rupees One Hundred thousands to the Film Employees Federation of South India.
The balance money after all expenses (which was collected by the film industry for this function) was used to form the “Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Educational trust”. The money accruing from this Trust funds are being given towards education of children of poor film artistes.
During his visit to the USA in June 1995, he visited Columbus city, the capital of the Ohio State . Participating in the dinner hosted to honour Dr.Sivaji Ganesan, the Mayor of the city, Mr.Greg Lashutka, honoured him by announcing him as a “Honorary Citizen” of Columbus City . On the same occasion the Mayor of Mount Vernon, another city in the USA , read out and gave him a Special Welcome Citation. The “Columbus Tamil Sangam was formulated on that day, and Dr.Sivaji Ganesan was made the Honorary President of that association.
In September 1996 “SIVAJI – PRABHU CHARITIES TRUST” has been started by Mr.Sivaji Ganesan and his sons Mr.Prabhu and Mr.Ramkuamar to help and uplift the needy and the down trodden.
On July 15, 1997, the then Honorable President of India Dr.Shankar Dayal Sharma conferred on him the highest and the most prestigious of awards given to eminent personalities in the field of Indian cinema, the DADHA SAHEB PALKHE AWARD, in appreciation of his contribution to the Indian Cinema.
On July 20, 1997 , the famous Tamil Daily DINAKARAN honoured him by giving the LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMNT AWARD for him.
Posted by RV - Ramasethu Venkataramanan at Sunday, June 14, 2009
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Followers
Blog Archive
▼ 2009 (82)
▼ June (10)
Padmabushan Chevalier Dr.'Sivaji' V.C. Ganesan
TITAN EYE+
RV delivering lecture on "Practice Management Stan...
RV with Prof Jay M Enoch
RV with Lovie,one of the inventors of the famous B...
RV at Asia Pacific Optometric Congress,Goa,India
RV distributing certificates at SN-Essilor DLP Pro...
RV at NSHM,Knowledge Campus,Durgapur,West Bengal
RV at 8th Dr EV Memorial Scientific Session,New Au...
Sam Kannappan at Sankara Nethralaya
► May (9)
► April (2)
► March (5)
► February (21)
► January (35)
► 2008 (5)
About Me
RAMASETHU VENKATARAMANAN
KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
A highly motivated individual with an Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management,with effective managerial skills and efficient organizational capabilities,systematic and committed with a panache for details and perfection with a steadfast belief in continual learning, proactive participation and contribution towards efficient knowledge management and sharing. Empowered with strong analytical, quantitative and splendid communication skills is keen to provide innovative solutions in the areas concerned.His long-term dreams include integrating creative writing passions in exploring the intricate nature of human relationships and emotions.Currently with Sankara Nethralaya,Kolkata as Senior Optometrist and actively involved in full time Clinical Teaching and Optometric Education.
View my complete profile
RV's Creative Nest
UTHAMA PUTHIRAN
A movie review by Balaji Balasubramaniam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cast: 'Sivaji' Ganesan, Padmini, Nambiar, Thangavelu, Ragini, Kannaambaal
Music: G.Ramanathan
Direction: T.Prakash Rao
Old, black and white movies contain a certain charm. Especially the historicals. With strong storylines, grand settings, swordplays and lots of double and triple crossings, they rarely fail to entertain. Uthama Puthiran, released in 1958, is one of my favorite movies from those times. Adapted from Alexander Dumas' The Man in the Iron Mask, it combines the best elements of historicals in a delightful mixture. It has good performances, melodious music, an engaging screenplay and is hugely entertaining.
It is a joyous time for everyone in Malarpuri when the queen of the land becomes pregnant. Everyone except her brother(and commander of the army) Naganathan(Nambiar) who has his eye on the throne. So he pays one of the maids to deliver the newborn to him. He then proceeds to hand it over to his henchman Somu, ordering it to be killed. But the queen gives birth to twins and the king, ever suspicious of Naganathan, passes an order that forces Naganathan to take care of this baby. But he decides to raise it as his hand puppet. Meanwhile, Somu desists from killing the baby and instead, raises it in another town. So the twins grow up separately - Parthiban(Sivaji), a good, honest and brave man and Vikraman(Sivaji), a drunkard and womaniser who is dependent on his uncle for everything. Parthiban falls in love with Amuthavalli(Padmini), the daughter of the minister at the palace and on one of his nocturnal visits, runs into his brother and his mother. Vikraman, his mind poisoned by his uncle, clamps an iron mask on his face and locks him up.
The movie moves at a fairly fast clip to keep us engrossed throughout. It is just a little slow-paced during the initial portions with the song sequence that details the growing up of the two princes not being particularly catchy. But it is necessary for the setup and the movie is not lacking in intrigue or emotions even during these portions as the king's clever plan to ensure the safety of his second son and Nambiar's heartless acts demonstrate. The Sivaji-Padmini romance is quick and low-key and Thangavelu's comedy is not funny. But the movie moves into top gear once the two Sivajis meet. From here, one is kept on the edge of the seat with the twists and turns in the screenplay.
The scene in the dungeon is very well handled. Both the queen's (as she implores Vikraman to spare his brother's life) and Nambiar's(as he poisons Vikraman's mind with the threat to his throne) dialogs are strong and convincing. The path the movie takes after this, with first one Sivaji and then the other trapped inside the mask, is captivating. The scene where Parthiban scares Thangavelu by pretending to be Vikraman is one of the few genuinely funny scenes in the movies.
The technical skill evident during the first scene the two Sivajis meet, as one appraises the other while moving in a circle around him, is admirable, especially considering how old the movie is. Infact, any of the scenes involving both Sivajis would stand up to those in most movies involving a double role today. There are also a couple of nicely-handled fights between the two Sivajis, a task that is by no means easy and is mostly clumsily done even today.
One thing that keeps me away from older movies is the multiplicity of songs. Even Yaar Nee, though not as old as this movie, suffered from this phenomenon, with too many songs at inappropriate places sapping away the interest in the movie. Surprisingly, inspite of being a historical, Uthama Puthiran does not have that many songs and so, the songs appear at reasonable intervals. Most of them are also very good with Mullaimalar Mele... taking the top spot. Anbe Amudhe... and Unnazhagai Kanniyargal... are the other good songs. As far as song sequences go, the exuberant Yaaradi Nee Mohini... has little competition. With its fast beats, well-choreographed dance and Sivaji's stylish gestures, it is a treat to watch.
There is not a single wrong step in Sivaji's performance. Inspite of no visual differences, the distinction between the two characters is beautifully brought out with just body language and style of talking. Vikraman is easily the more interesting of the two and offers more scope for acting. Sivaji very obviously enjoys himself immensely in the role. He is charming and his scenes with Nambiar, where he takes his advice on all matters(with a beautifully delivered "Mama") are very enjoyable. No wonder he manages to earn our sympathy when pleading with Parthiban to not make him wear the iron mask, inspite of being wicked. Padmini looks almost divinely beautiful and her dancing prowess is on full display during the Kaathiruppaan Kamalakkannan... sequence. Nambiar shows why he was one of the most enduring and longlosting villains on the silver screen. Kannaambaal plays the fiery, emoting mother role she is so familiar with while Thangavelu and Ragini provide comic relief.
PARASAKTHI
A movie review by Balaji Balasubramaniam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cast: Sivaji Ganesan, Sriranjini, S.V.Sahasranamam, S.S.Rajendran, Pandaribai, V.K.Ramaswamy
Music: Sudarsanam
Direction: Krishnan Panju
Parasakthi truly marked the beginning of an era in tamil cinema. Sivaji Ganesan entered Tamil cinema with a bang and never looked back as he laid down the rules for acting. His confident performance here gives strong signs of his success thereafter. In a role that established actors who like a challenge would give their right hand for, he proves that he is a born actor for whom emotions come naturally. His transition from stage to screen is smooth and there are no signs of the over acting that made its appearance once he was established.
Chandrasekharan(S.V.Sahasranamam), Gnanasekharan(SSR) and Gunasekharan(Sivaji) are three brothers earning a living in Rangoon in the midst of World War II. Their sister Kalyani(Sriranjini) is getting married in Madurai but since only one person from each family is allowed to travel on the ship, Gunasekharan travels back to India. A few years have passed since Kalyani's marriage but then tragedy strikes their entire family. Kalyani is orphaned and loses both her husband and father on the same day. Gunasekharan is cheated of all his money by a woman. Chandrasekharan and Gnanasekharan decide to get back to India by land but are separated in a bomb blast with Gnanasekharan assumed to be dead.
Most heroes in Tamil cinema, including MGR, Rajnikanth and Kamalhassan, have worked their way up from small roles, taking time to establish themselves. Other heroes saddled with strong roles in their debuts have faltered and disappeared from the scene. But Sivaji is unique in this respect. He is burdened with a strong role that requires lots of emoting, spouting of long dialogs and even a little bit of uninhibited dancing. And he passes the test with flying colors. He is phenomenal in the role, conveying all emotions with ease. He is unfettered in the sequences where he poses as a madman and displays no nervousness whatsoever.
While the movie made history with Sivaji's introduction, another aspect of it that makes it enjoyable even today is the strong dialogs from the pen of M.Karunanidhi (infact his name appears on the credits first and much before the names of the actors). He takes shots at several ills prevalent in society and while he doesn't go so far as to suggest remedies, he looks at all sides of the situation. There are several clever lines and wordplays that make us smile. The scene where Pandaribai asks Sivaji to look at himself and points out that he is to blame too is one of the standout scenes with her comment about his situation in the world of beggars being superb.
Ofcourse the courtroom scene is legendary with Sivaji's 5-minute, non-stop tirade against the people who made life a living hell for his sister (Vivek had a very nice spoof of the same in Paalayathu Amman that managed to be funny without making fun of it). Both the dialogs and the actor take equal credit for making the scene as effective as it turns out to be. Sivaji's pointed questions at the lawyer who tries to interrupt him and his description of the bad guys are excellent lines delivered with skill.
As the story suggests, most of the movie is rather pessimistic with the family lurching from one tragedy to the next. There are also a few contrivances like Sivaji's hiding of his identity from his sister. There is some genuine suspense as the paths of the different members cross without them realising it or being too late to make use of it. The screenplay(also by M.Karunanidhi) has some nice twists towards the end to bring about a nice climax. Highlighting the strong link between movies and politics even then, the final sequence shows people like EVR, Anna and Karunanidhi himself at meetings.
Though none of the remaining cast members have the chance for a consistently strong performance throughout the movie, they do have their moments. SSR gives a hint of his famous diction and dialog delivery during his argument with the guard at the refugee camp. Respected senior actor S.V.Sahasranamam is impressive when he cries over his sister's plight. But Sriranjini is rather wooden with her monologue in the courtroom not delivered with the strong emotions it deserves. V.K.Ramaswamy makes a believable corrupt businessman. Barring a couple, none of the songs are memorable. Consequently some of them, like the duet between Sriranjini and her husband, test our patience.