Makkal thilagam m.g.r part -5

[Richardsof]

courtesy- srikumar

M.G.Ramachandran lovingly known as MGR by the people of Tamil Nadu scaled great heights in cinema and politics. M.G.R. had acted in 14 films in small roles and in the title cards of the films his name occupied 5th or 6th place in those days. Then came his 15th film "Raja Kumari". In it he was the hero! His first chance to do so. It came only after stiff competition.

The success of "Raja Kumari" earned great popularity for M.G.R. among people. M.G.R.'s heroic gallantry became an impetus to the Tamils whose native soil had worldwide renown for it's rare quality of bravery!

After this, in the next project "Manthri Kumari", for which Kalaignar Mu. Karunanidhi had written dialogue, M.G.R. acted in the role of 'Thalpathy'(Lieutenant).

For "Manthri Kumari" M.G.R. got the salary Rs. 12,500/- The salary was the same for the other two films of "Modern Theatres" namely "Sarvaathikaari" and "Alibabavum 40 Thirudarhalum". After having finished his acting work in these films he was returning from Ercaud to Chennai. And while returning, it is said, he was having only half the salary in his pocket! Where had gone the other half? It's said at the end of every film's acting work he used to get a list of employees who worked in that film and distribute half of his salary to those employees ! This quality of donating money by way of helping others was found in him even in those early days of his cinema life!

In "Rani Samyuktha" also people didn't accept the death of prithviraj (M.G.R.). The end of "Mathurai Veeran" is a different matter because people (audience) were already very familiar with that story as they had had seen it in the form of "Theru Kooththu" and drama.

It is true that M.G.R. couldn't come out and stand aloof from the self-made image which he himself had created in the minds of the people. Though he had acted in more than 100 films his two favourite films were "Yen Thangai" and "Petraalthaan Pillaiyaa"!

In 1953 with M.G.R., P.S.Veerappa and Kasilingam, Kalaignar Karunanidhi also joined together to produce the film "Naam". This was the first film that came out under "Megala Pictures" banner. As the film was a failure this alliance of above-said people didn't continue.

Those who see "Naam" film to-day would be astonished because that film in no way matches with the known image of M.G.R.


K.Balachander entered into cinefield through the film "Theivaththaai". Balachander had written dialogue for that film.

To-day there are actors who get lacs or crores of rupees as salary. They give 30 days, 40 days callsheet and act and then get going. That's all. But for the film "Oli Vilakku" M.G.R. had given 100 days callsheet ( a callsheet means 8 hours). For "Anbe Vaa" he had given 70 days callsheet. Like this M.G.R. won't be very particular about the number of days he has to act for. That's not all. From song recording to all shooting aspects, film-editing etc. all those works would be carefully looked into and minutely governed by M.G.R. For that he won't demand extra salary. He would be very particular in making his film good in all respects. It was this attitude that earned him bad name among producers at times.


Yet M.G.R..would get only his salary and demand nothing else. He won't demand money for car petrol and bata etc. And he won't also stop with himself getting good salary! Instead he would go all the way to help co-actors and actresses also to get handsome salary!

Without making the fans crazy, at the same time imbibing the spirit of enthusiasm into their minds is the speciality of M.G.R.'s fighting scenes. The manner in which he worshipped and elevated motherly affection in films earned him great respect. To speak dialogue with smiling face is his unique style.



His other films like Nadodi Mannan, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, Enga Veetu pillai, Oli Vilakku, Adhimai Penn and Aayirathil Oruvan made him a hero of the common man. MGR used the medium to put a strong base for his political career. He has acted in more than 130 films. He floated his own party and he went on to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

[ainefal]

PATTIKATTU PONNIAH SONG - 1

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PATTIKATTU PONNIAH SONG - 2

[ainefal]

MADURAYAI MEETA SUNDARA PANDIAN - 3

[Richardsof]

மதுரை - ஜெய்ஹிந்துபுரம் - அரவிந்த் அரங்கில்

இன்று முதல்

மக்கள் திலகத்தின் '' இதயக்கனி ''

தினசரி 3 காட்சிகள்


நன்றி - திரு கருப்பசாமி - மதுரை

[Richardsof]

[Richardsof]

[mahendra raj]

Contrary to popular belief Ellis R. Dungan, the American film director who directed MGR"s first film 'Sathi Leelavathy' was prejudiced against MGR. During the shooting of Manthiri Kumari Ellis Dungan behaved like a sadist towards MGR. He deliberately re-shot several takes of the fighting scene on the hill on a very hot weather. He gave the impression that MGR was not up to mark in the fight scene. Poor MGR! The scenes where his back is pressing the hot boulder of the hill whilst fighting with the villain was too much to bear. Only After many re-takes the scene was okayed by the director. The gilm crew too noticed this apparent behavior of the director towards MGR but they could only sigh in silence. That evening when MGR was changing into his own clothes after the shooting he found that his whole back was heavily sun-burnt and it took a few days for the skin to change back into its original unique wheat color.

It seems that Ellis Dungan wanted someone else to play this role originally but his proposal was not considered by the producers. Hence this sadistic behavior towards MGR. I am not sure whether it is Sathy Leelavathy or Manthiri Kumari.

Many decades later when MGR became the CM of Tamil Nadu he had one unexpected visitor paying him a courtesy call at his office. It was none other than the aging Ellis R, Dungan. After exchanging pleasantries, out of courtesy MGR asked him whether he wanted any assistance from him. To his surprise Ellis R. Dungan replied in the affirmative. While he was working in Tamil Nadu as a director he purchased one building but he was having difficulty in selling it off due to many legal and ownership issues being a foreigner. After listening to his problems MGR called one of his aides to attend to it immediately. Within a matter of two days Ellis R. Duncan's problem was resolved and he returned to the US a happy man.

MGR did this favour as a matter of principle and sentiments since this was the man who directed his first film. Although he was hurt by his sadistic attitude towards him in his budding days nevertheless did not hold a grudge. That is MGR. Forever a friend to those in need even if they were to be his enemies.

For some unknown reasons Nagesh had bad blood with MGR and that was one of the reasons where Thengai Srinivasan and Iseri Velan were the comedians in his films during his last years in films. After a long gap he acted in Urimaikkural and that too because it was Sridhar's film. Both Sridhar and Nagesh were close friends.

Nagesh had a cinema theatre in T. Nagar, Chennai which was facing a government school. The authorities gave notice to close the theatre as the patrons were a hindrance to the school's functioning especially when the classes are in session. Nagesh, putting aside his pride and enmity approached MGR who was now the CM. After listening to his problems MGR asked the authorities to shift the entrance of the school to the other side. Thus Nagesh's problems were solved immediately. MGR did not at all give a second thought about his strained relationship with Nagesh. Had he bore a grudge against Nagesh he would have insisted that the government's priority is the school and not an entertainment outlet. He did not do that but was generous in his decision.

This was stated by Nagesh himself sometimes back in one of the weeklies.

[ujeetotei]

Contrary to popular belief Ellis R. Dungan, the American film director who directed MGR"s first film 'Sathi Leelavathy' was prejudiced against MGR. During the shooting of Manthiri Kumari Ellis Dungan behaved like a sadist towards MGR. He deliberately re-shot several takes of the fighting scene on the hill on a very hot weather. He gave the impression that MGR was not up to mark in the fight scene. Poor MGR! The scenes where his back is pressing the hot boulder of the hill whilst fighting with the villain was too much to bear. Only After many re-takes the scene was okayed by the director. The gilm crew too noticed this apparent behavior of the director towards MGR but they could only sigh in silence. That evening when MGR was changing into his own clothes after the shooting he found that his whole back was heavily sun-burnt and it took a few days for the skin to change back into its original unique wheat color.

It seems that Ellis Dungan wanted someone else to play this role originally but his proposal was not considered by the producers. Hence this sadistic behavior towards MGR. I am not sure whether it is Sathy Leelavathy or Manthiri Kumari.

Many decades later when MGR became the CM of Tamil Nadu he had one unexpected visitor paying him a courtesy call at his office. It was none other than the aging Ellis R, Dungan. After exchanging pleasantries, out of courtesy MGR asked him whether he wanted any assistance from him. To his surprise Ellis R. Dungan replied in the affirmative. While he was working in Tamil Nadu as a director he purchased one building but he was having difficulty in selling it off due to many legal and ownership issues being a foreigner. After listening to his problems MGR called one of his aides to attend to it immediately. Within a matter of two days Ellis R. Duncan's problem was resolved and he returned to the US a happy man.

MGR did this favour as a matter of principle and sentiments since this was the man who directed his first film. Although he was hurt by his sadistic attitude towards him in his budding days nevertheless did not hold a grudge. That is MGR. Forever a friend to those in need even if they were to be his enemies.

For some unknown reasons Nagesh had bad blood with MGR and that was one of the reasons where Thengai Srinivasan and Iseri Velan were the comedians in his films during his last years in films. After a long gap he acted in Urimaikkural and that too because it was Sridhar's film. Both Sridhar and Nagesh were close friends.

Nagesh had a cinema theatre in T. Nagar, Chennai which was facing a government school. The authorities gave notice to close the theatre as the patrons were a hindrance to the school's functioning especially when the classes are in session. Nagesh, putting aside his pride and enmity approached MGR who was now the CM. After listening to his problems MGR asked the authorities to shift the entrance of the school to the other side. Thus Nagesh's problems were solved immediately. MGR did not at all give a second thought about his strained relationship with Nagesh. Had he bore a grudge against Nagesh he would have insisted that the government's priority is the school and not an entertainment outlet. He did not do that but was generous in his decision.

This was stated by Nagesh himself sometimes back in one of the weeklies.

The movie is Manthiri Kumari. Not only that he gave long shot to show MGR's facial expression! during the court scene.

[ujeetotei]

Thank you Vinod Sir for uploading this rare image from unfinished movie Rickshaw Rangan.