Makkal Thilagam MGR Part-3

[ujeetotei]

Part III

Jayalalitha character fells in love with MGR and follows him to the place were MGR cuts the wood. (I have to mention that cutting the tree by MGR – the full tree is set up, the cutting part is real wood, the axe used by MGR is very sharp and MGR acts as a real wood cutter even the chips from the cut flies out and seen in the shot) Out of MGR's vision the tree falls on her, but in the nick of time MGR dashes in and saves Jayalalitha, she let out a cry and all MGR's men comes out and with difficulty takes the tree from MGR's back. This incident makes to love him even more. She joins to give treatment to MGR. But MGR's men dislike it and they feel that she is trying to take MGR from them. But MGR is a different Leader. When Jayalalitha gives permission to him to enter all the places in the Island and ready to give him good place to dwell, then MGR say, if my friends are also allowed to do the same I too will enjoy. And continues what a Leader should be (typical MGR one liner) – they believe me as their Head and I consider them as my Body, what is the use when the Head is separated from the Body and what is the use without life. Unwillingly Jayalalitha leaves him.

The next shot establishes MGR's plan to escape from Kannitheevu. MGR tells his comrades to cut and roll the trees to the river, when asked by others tell them that it is easier to drag the trunk in water. The scene changes to Poongodi (Jayalalitha) as she plans an invasion to capture MGR's heart. She and her maid visit the hut of MGR. Nagesh inquires before seeing MGR, Jayalalitha enacts as her eyes are burning and she needs a Doctor. MGR comes out of the hut and examines her eyes and understands that Jayalalitha is playing with him, MGR orders Nagesh to clean her eyes with water and goes inside. She cannot take this foiled plan.

Now she plots another invasion by acting as she is very ill. Ramadoss orders MGR to take care and completely treat her illness. MGR holds Jayalalitha's hand to know the pulse. (MGR keeps three fingers, when I was a boy I thought that MGR doing a style, as Doctors keep only one finger to know the pulse rate. When I had a opportunity to talk with a Siddha Doctor, he told me about the nadi. Placing three fingers in Siddha medicine is to find the pulse type and not pulse rate as I once thought. There are three types of nadi – kapam, pitham and vatham. Three fingers are placed evenly over the pulsating region to feel the pulse, when the first finger feels the pulse then it is Pitha nadi, when the pulse is felt in two fingers it is kapa nadi and when it is felt in all the three fingers it is termed as Vatha nadi then the doctor will find out that the body is having some problem when they observe the pulse in three fingers, and accordingly they will give treatment. This is a minute detail, MGR has observed and used it in Ayirathil Oruvan. The shot can be focused on MGR and Jayalalitha alone but importance was given in the fingers, MGR keeps his fingers then again with doubt places two fingers and then the third finger and conclude that nothing wrong with her, who said MGR is not a Good Actor)

When the maids leave the princess room, and then slowly Poongodi (Jayalalitha) tell her love and affection to MGR. There is no camera movement, a tight close up shot of both in one frame MGR on the floor and she on the bed with dominating gesture (keep note no eye movement of MGR, he is staring and the movement is by Jayalalitha) she is trying to dominate and at the same time convince him with her words. The next shot MGR gets up and says to marry someone equal to her rank and not a slave. MGR character loves the princess but he did not want to express his feeling, another body language scene continues, that can be noticed in MGR's acting, he tries to hide both hands when talking to Jayalalitha about her Love.

The song “Odum Megangala” continues, MGR reaches the seashore with her, their conversation abruptly stops when they hear horns from the pirate ship nearing the unguarded Sea shore. MGR takes Jayalalitha to the castle and he joins his men. As most of the Soldiers have gone to other side of the Island there was little force left to guard the sea shore as well as the castle. Ramadoss with a plan meets MGR and asks his help. MGR was unmoved, then Ramadoss put forward his plan and assures them if they win the battle they will be set free from slavery and they will treated as the soldiers of Kannitheevu. Brimming with confidence MGR request his men to join him, but some of them question him what is the use if we die in the war. MGR say that there is no rule only the enemies has to die in the battle, Gundumani then mention after the war MGR is the real benefactor he will be praised by Poongodi. MGR utters the words with pain, Don't blemish my ambition. Nagesh speaks on behalf of MGR and they willing join to fight against the pirates and save Kannitheevu.(I have to say a good continuity, MGR entering the princess room to give treatment and MGR men entering the pirate ship lasts to nearly 20 minutes, the first scene is evening, lights are seen, then the sea shore continued with pirate ship sighting evening again, fight with pirates night and prison scene night and the escape and reaching the ship in dawn. Only one mistake is the conversation scene between MGR, Ramadoss and his men that was in day time)

[oygateedat]

[idahihal]

பணக்காரி படத்தில் நாகையா அவர்களுடன்

[ujeetotei]

Part IV

Nambiyar the pirate leader is introduced with his typical villainy smile. In the battle some of MGR's men die and they force the pirates to run from the Island. Victorious MGR meets Ramadoss but he cunningly outwits MGR and orders his men to arrest MGR and his men.

MGR makes a plan to escape from the prison and enter the pirate ship, the plan gets successful. Leadership abilities of MGR is seen in this scenario also, he helps all his men to get out of the prison and then finally he gets out. They all reach the seashore, MGR suggests to swim and reach the ship without the knowledge of Ramadoss and as well as the pirates.

After reaching the ship they attack Nambiyar's crew and capture the pirate ship. When one of MGR's men try to kill Nambiyar, MGR interferes and saves him. He request pardon for his men's action, further continues and ask Nambiyar's help to sail them to Naythal Nadu. Nambiyar assures that he will help MGR for he has saved his life.

Canon was fired as a warning to anchor the ship. And Ramadoss orders to send one man MGR to the shore. MGR's men and Nambiyar too did not wish to send MGR to the shore, but MGR speaks about Leader's sacrificial nature.

Nagesh : Without you we will not succeed.

Puthur Natarajan : We all wish to die with you.

MGR: If you think I am your Leader, then you all have to fulfill my desires.

Everyone: We will do it

MGR: I am going to the shore and nobody should stop me.

Everyone: No

MGR: My wish is to save all your lives. Why all has to suffer for me. What is wrong for me to take all your sufferings. You all know my ambition, be cheerful, I will come back.

(A lamp is seen above MGR and Nagesh during the above dialogue and a Candle in another shot were MGR is getting down from the ship, a kind of montage, candle is for sacrifice, Light is for giving enlightenment to his men)

MGR reaches the shore and Ramadoss shows his pistol and MGR ask his permission to allow his men to sail safely, but Ramadoss has another plan when he gets hold of MGR he wish to kill all the men in the ship with his canon. Unfortunately for Ramadoss, MGR acts quickly and gets the pistol from him and orders his soldiers to stay away from the canons. MGR takes Ramadoss as a hostage (in a long shot birds are flying a natural montage, as MGR is getting free, Director Sankar once said that when filming MGR movie miracles happened in Adimai Penn, this is one example for Ayirathil Oruvan) and reaches the pirate ship with everyone's excitement. When the ship starts to sail and reaches out of firing range, MGR gives a boat and ask him to leave. Ramadoss while reaching the shore lets out a war cry as usual by MGR villains “Unna kavanithukolgiran” (I will make you pay for this)

[ujeetotei]

Part V

MGR and his men set sail with merriment, but the next shot was Poongodi (Jayalalitha) with tears in her eyes, saying my life is going there, pointing to the pirate ship. (A second my enthusiasm drained) this feeling in shown in the next shot with MGR and Nagesh. And he tells how strong the thoughts become when let loose and how it becomes our servant when trained.

“Unnai nan santhithen” follows, in between the song Nambiyar mentions that they are running out of water and provision and to obtain he has to anchor his ship in Selvatheevu. The song continues, the end of lyrics is the opening of new struggle to MGR leadership.

Long shot showing the boats from the pirate ship reaching the shores of Selvatheevu. The pirate Leader Nambiyar was welcomed by the Queen enacted by L.Vijayalakshmi, she bows on seeing Nambiyar this gives a suspicion to MGR. Nambiyar introduces MGR to the Queen as they need her help. With swift motion MGR and his men are arrested, Nambiyar removes the cloud of suspicion that he is also the Leader of Selvatheevu.

The next shot MGR called upon by Nambiyar and ask him to join his side to become a pirate, as most of his men are killed in the battle. MGR turns down the offer and the pirate leaders rage boils and says that I will kill you with your men. Without hesitation MGR pleads not to ill-treat his men. Nambiyar understands that MGR's weekness is that he loves his men and he cannot stand against their suffering he can easily make MGR surrender to his wish. Then Nambiyar utters now itself I know the end of the story, he turns to his assistant and orders to execute all MGR's men in front of him.


MGR rushes to Nambiyar to stop his action and pleads to take his life and leave them as they are his Dear. Nambiyar nearing victory if you really love your men then why you hesitate, kill them. MGR tries to stop the crushing floor and knowing it is not possible with out having second thought MGR say (Nan sammathikiran, Kollaikaranaga nan sammathikiran) I accept, I accept to become a pirate. (Note that the words instead of saying Kollaikaranaga nan sammathikiran, he says first Nan sammathikiran. That crucial word that will stop Nambiyar's action. A classical example from Ramayanam, that when Hanuman was sent by Lord Rama to know the whereabouts of Seetha, after Hanuman returns he says 'Kandean Seethai' and then only were she is. Hanuman knows that what Lord Rama needs at present. Same handling of dialogue by R.K.Shanmugam.) MGR kneels and takes the oath to become the pirate and abide to the law of the Island.

The concept of convincing a rival to surrender to his wish is followed in almost all language movies and Hollywood is not different, even a movie having Super Hero character. MGR character in Ayirathil Oruvan 'Manimaran' basically a Doctor circumstances makes him to take up the Leadership and to fight against his Ruler. Manimaran character is flesh and blood like us.

In Warner Brothers movie “Superman” the leading character 'Kal -El' a.k.a. Superman (Earth name) is a super hero, an alien who came to planet Earth when his home planet Krypton exploded. He was raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent. He comes to know about his Powers and the reason why he was sent to Earth becomes Superman and fights for Truth, Justice in American way. In the second part of the movie Superman II, his father's (Jor-El) rivals General Zod, Ursa and Non reaches Earth and came to know about Jor-Els son Superman and tries to take revenge. First meeting with Superman General Zod orders to kneel before him and accept him as his superior he turns down the offer General Zod havocs destruction and innocent people suffer, to stop this in the climax Superman kneels down and takes General Zod hand. The time line of both movies are nearly 15 odd years apart both movies have same kind of characterization.

Coming back to Ayirathil Oruvan MGR his fewer men and lots of Nambiyar's pirates goes to sea. When they saw a passenger ship a pirate tries to blow the horn, but MGR stops and says what is the use of stealing from a passenger ship when we try and nail a pirate ship we get lot of gold.


When MGR gives a plan to attack only pirate ships Nagesh comes to the frame and says why he has changed then MGR says he is only acting so they cannot harm passenger ships.
The scene continues with MGR taking up a pirate ship and amassing the wealth. When the pirate ship reaches the shores of Selva Theevu he was welcomed by Nambiyar.

Part of the loot was given as a share to MGR and his men. MGR orders his men to melt the jeweleries into Gold and send it to the people of Neidhal Nadu.

[ujeetotei]

Part VI

To change her mood, Jayalalitha plans to take a voyage, though Ramadass tells the peril and risk involved in sea and also MGR has turned as a pirate. But she takes up the journey.

The next hunt begins for MGR incidentally he sights a pirate flagged ship thinking that it is a pirate ship, MGR orders to attack and take over. After getting inside the pirate ship one of Nambiyar's men enter into the princess room to gets his hand on the jewels of Jayalalitha, and MGR dashes into and orders to free her and also get out of the deck. [MGR is seen with a peculiar sword trade mark of Ayirathil Oruvan with that sword one can easily say it is from Ayirathil Oruvan]. MGR tries to say why he turned as a pirate. But she did not accepts and MGR with help of Nagesh tries to safe guard her from the sight of Nambiyar. But the plan gets foiled and Nambiyar was taken away by the beauty, and order to bring her to auction. (Check out typical belt on MGR's hip)

Nambiyar makes up a plan to buy her in the auction for 1 lakh, but his wife L.Vijayalakshmi has another to buy her 1.5 lakhs. Song goes on explaining her pathetic condition. The song ends and the auction begins. She was finally bought by MGR for 2 lakhs gold. [Remember MGR was sold for 1 gold and he is buying her the Princess of Kannitheevu for 2 lakhs gold.]
Even though MGR interfered in the auction and saved her from Nambiyar but Jayalalitha did not understand and she is not able to digest the change of gentleman MGR to a pirate.
Nambiyar did not stop with that failure, before he reaches MGR's hut, L.Vijayalakshmi tries to convince Jayalalitha to marry MGR but she hesitates then Nambiyar enters.
Then sword fight with both hands continues. I have to mention that it is safer to fight with two equal sized swords with two hands but it is riskier to fight with a knife and a sword with both hands. Before the fight ends, Jayalalitha on the request of L.Vijayalakshmi, stops the fight and says that according to the law of the Island that the Leader should bless the couple. Nambiyar's with disgust and hatred blesses them. Is it a bless of a Leader, good acting by Nambiyar.

MGR plans to send Poongodi (Jayalalitha) with Nagesh to Kannitheevu. With that plan running in his mind he enters his hut outside it was cloudy and her mind also, unwelcome by Poongodi (Jayalalitha). MGR washes his hand and understands there is no dinner and not even a glass of water left for him. With a typical MGR smile he goes out to sleep.
Watch the frame background of Jayalalitha is swords and knife in her hand. The next day she takes a stroll over the seashore and over hears the talk between Nagesh and Gundumani. Nagesh gives a plan to take Poongodi (Jayalalitha) to Kannitheevu. Gundumani as usual denies and why he has to take Poongodi because Ramadoss is anxious to take revenge on them. And he continues when a girl comes in the life everything changes our Leader is no exception.

Nagesh counter acts and narrates why Gundumani became unfaithful and how he had forgotten the deed of the Leader, and how MGR has sacrificed his character to safeguard us from the death sentence issued by Nambiyar. Attitude changes not only for Gundumani but also for Poongodi (Jayalalitha).

On that night MGR returns after practice, Jayalalitha welcomes him, ask him to have dinner or atleast to take paisam. MGR says No, that he had already finished the dinner with his friends. When he tries to go out and sleep she acts as a normal Tamil movie heroine and makes him to stay.
When this scene goes on the background is worth mentioning, swords on the side of Jayalalitha and Harp on the side of MGR. Can we say that she is expecting favoruable action (Music) from his side but she received only unfavourable result (Swords) the deed she has done earlier. And also MGR points out that her behaviour is different and he feels as he is walking over a sword.
After this scene MGR scratches his cheek and comes to a decision with closing his eyes with his hand (a good body language) the decision to personally take her to Kannitheevu. This is the only romantic scene of the whole movie. This scene lasts for not more than 10 minutes. (Watch simple Bamboo cot for MGR and expensive one for Jayalalitha)
After a long time R.S.Manohar the Dictator of Neithal Nadu comes into the scene. To lift his spirit he was adviced to participate in the festival for that the Dictator plans to travel to his neigbouring country.
The news reaches MGR and comes out with a plan to take over the navy in the middle of the sea. Poongodi (Jayalalitha) enters the hut and MGR calls her to get ready that he will personally take her to her home. Poongodi (Jayalalitha) denies and tells that she is willing to be wife. MGR as usual says that her life will wither out like a flower if she marries him. (As MGR character is doctor who researches with plants and herbs he relates life with flowers) She has taken the decision to stay with him and help in his duty.
But MGR was unwilling to risk her life and stays with his option. No way to convince him, she finally tells him that she has consumed poison and that she wants her last wish to be fulfilled. Her last wish? To marry him.

Take note that MGR calls her as Princess from the beginning but when she was on verge of death then he says Poongodi, the true love comes out. MGR performs the wed lock and comes to know that Poongodi has dramatized.

Only one duet song of the movie follows. The set used in the final stanza of the duet song is worth mentioning the set is a garden with a pond and moon lit when the camera moves the upper part of the set reflects in the pond, there was no cat walks a well planned camera angle basically the camera with that position, the cat walk should be seen but the pond reflects the background and the full moon.
As a last resort Nambiyar plans to ambush MGR in mid sea. He request MGR to take his turn. MGR utilize this opportunity as an unexpected gift from the Leader. He then assist Poongodi to get inside the large wooden case.

MGR, Nagesh and some of his men with the case makes to the shore. Unexpectedly Nambiyar intercepts and gives some cool comments on his new sword with a quick reflex he stabs the wooden box when he tries to do again MGR opens and lifts Poongodi out of the Box.
Nambiyar tells that MGR has disobeyed the law of the Island to that MGR retorts next to you. To finish the matter once and for all they come up with a duel the result whoever lasts will be the Leader.
With MGR's smiling face and cool moves over the dangerous cliffs the fight ends with MGR as victorious. Then Nambiyar turns into a new leaf and request him to become the Leader of Selvatheevu as per the rule of the Island. MGR denies the offer and ask him to continue as the Leader of the Island that he only need the freedom of his homeland.
Nambiyar extends his helping hand and he assures that his people will be on his side and will fight against the Dictator of Neithal Nadu.

[idahihal]

அந்தமான் கைதி படத்தில்

[ujeetotei]

Part VII

“Atho Antha Paravai Pola” philosophical song follows. The song emphasize on goodness of Freedom. Some of the main points in the song are:
Did the air gets away from us that we are slaves?
Did the sea water differs hot when we touch?
Did the time leaves us?
Did we (slaves) born motherless?
Did we speak without language?

Why we need Freedom.
Millions should live united so we need freedom
The country should turn into shrine so we need freedom
We have to sing and dance without fear, so we need freedom
Finally

'Adimai vazhum bhoomi engum vendum viduthalai'
The reason for their fight against the Dictator.


A lot has to be said about the song, but I will write it in separate post on songs of MGR movies. A look into that song: Number of people in the ship, the ship used in this shot is caravel but not fully caravel. It is a modified version. Which can hold nearly 20 to 30 crews. The camera has to be placed in a awkward positions to get the song picturised. The camera was in the ship most of the time and only once the camera was mounted on another ship to show the entire crew singing while MGR clapping his hands. They used trolley shot when required.

The sun was right on top, in one line of the song, MGR hanging from a rope slowly slides and keeps the hand on the deck and then lifts his head to the camera. What is the difficultly here? The difficultly is when he faces the camera the sun rays directly hits him in his eyes but there was no blinking before raising his head MGR carefully keeps his eyes half opened and then he lifts there was no problem from direct sun light. (Most of the yesteryear actors had the capacity they were trained in such a way, you can see this in many MGR and Sivaji starer films)

After the song the humming continues. Poongodi (Jayalalitha) raises doubts about the victory condition. Take into mind they are fighting against the well trained navy of the King. MGR coolly says victory is always in the side of Truth. He further says that his people are aware of the fact that most of them will not survive to see their family, but look they are happy. And the truth is those who are involved in social life takes the death as sleep. Why that sleep will not come to me? (When he say this dialogue he lifts his shoulders, taking the inevitable happily like his men)

The next day the pirate ship founds the Dictator's ship approaching, Nambiyar comes to MGR's cabin and he says that he will take command. The next scene was the sails coming down, anchor lowers and the crew act like dead bodies. (Note that MGR in his movies this kind of action cannot be seen, this is one of cowardly act or an act of villain, MGR always faces the enemy in front and never want to take them unnoticed). When the Dictator's ships touches the pirate ship a very beautiful editing, close up of MGR and Jayalalitha, MGR handing over the knife to her to take care and as the danger has touched them (ship). In all the movies especially the colour movies of MGR, he attires Red costume in the climax. But in this movie MGR is cladded in White but Red hue in border and head band. The way in which he wants freedom is by sword but the cause is nobler (white).

The pirate ship was bounded to the Dictator's ship and he commands his men to enter. When the Dictator comes into the pirate ship the real war begins. All the crew acting as dead raises up and faces the dictator's army. MGR starting the war with a few words and continues to fight slowly. Unusual fight for MGR his movement and reflex are quick but in this sequence it was slow rather say it is very slow. The reasons because?

The fight was continued by Nambiyar. Both goes inside the ship and the fight continues and finally Nambiyar fells unconscious and MGR continues this time the sword fight is very fast and as usual by MGR. Now the Dictator finds difficult in holding the fast and furious MGR and finally he faces the defeat but MGR (remember white costume) tells him that he wants not his life but only his attitude towards the people. Nambiyar returning to conscious throws the poisoned dagger from the back side of the Dictator. MGR rushes and holds the Dictator and gives him treatment. Even though the dagger is poisoned he was cured by MGR (well trained in detoxification) The pirates were crushed by the navy and the Dictator gets up and orders to arrest MGR without mercy.
In the court Dictator (R.S.Manohar) takes his knees and ask him to take the throne and rule as per his wish he wanted it to say in the ship itself but he knows that MGR will not accept it. MGR turning victorious assures that R.S.Manohar is completely changed (Manohar's hand on MGR's chest) so he can give a good rule to the people and request to use the talent of Nambiyar and make him as the Commander of Neithal Nadu.

MGR and Jayalalitha bids farewell and he returns his research and service to their people a song in background claiming him that he is Ayirathil Oruvan.

[idahihal]

தேர்த்திருவிழா படப்பிடிப்பின் போது சாண்டோ எம்.எம்.ஏ.சின்னப்பாதேவர் அவர்களுடன்

[ainefal]

HAPPY மாட்டு பொங்கல்