10 Significant movies of M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) -

On the special day of 100th birth anniversary of M.G. Ramachandran, fondly known as a MGR aka Puratchi Thalaivar among the fans and followers. In this post we are going to see 10 significant films of MGR that is worth exploring.

Marmayogi:

This fantasy film released in 1951 marks the transformation of MGR – the actor to MGR – the people’s saviour. MGR plays a role of a rebel who fights to dethrone the Queen and end the misrule. This is also the first movie to be certified “A” or Adults only due to presence of Ghost in the movie. This movie was inspired from the novel “Vengeance” by Marie Corelli and The Legend of Robin Hood. Also the punchline – “Naan krui vaithaal thavara maatten! Thavarumey aanaal kuri vaikka maatten!” became a sensation among the masses which lead to the saga of punchlines which is still predominant.

En Thangai:

En Thangai is a 1952 drama film starring MGR, MG Chakrapani, E V Saroja and PV Narasimha Bharathi. This movie is a perfect drama where the hero suffers and gives up. It portrays the life of a poor and the inability to get medical facility which leads to their death. MGR’s lives the role of a caring brother and in real life he faced a similar situation which lead the demise of his sister. This movie is one perfect example to show how good the actor can perform. This is movie is considered one of the best performance of MGR.

Naadodi Mannan:

This movie is MGR’s debut as a director and as a producer. The movie was adapted from The prisoner of Zenda, If I were a king and Viva Zapata. Shot partly in the Geva colour, this is the first colour movie in the history of Tamil cinema. MGR plays a dual role of a Royal member and a rebel. Watch it for the scintillating fights and carefree performances of MGR and Bhanumathi.

Enga Veetu Pillai:

Enga Veetu pillai released in 1965, directed by Chanakya is mother of all commercial movies. This movie serves as a benchmark to all commercial movies featuring dual role. Whenever you take the theme of an imposter this movie stands tall among all of them. This movie is actually a remake of the telugu grosser Raamudu Bheemudu starring N. T. Rama Rao. This movie has everything you need from a commercial movie, perfect action, perfect comedy and melodious and fast number. The song Naan aanayittal is still one of the best pictured song.

Kalaiarasi:

Kalai Arasi is a film written by Raveender & T. E. gurumoorthy and directed by A. Kasilingam is India’s first science fiction movie. The movie was released in 1963 which stars MGR along with bhanumathi. The movie although failed at the box office to make a mark it is still remembered for the bringing in the concept of space travel, aliens in the offset of Love. It is really great to see such ideas been tried with a mainstream actor of that time.

Petralthaan Pillaya:

Petralthaan Pillaya is a drama movies released in the year 1966. The movie was inspired by the 1921 Charlie Chaplin’s movie “The Kid” and was written in tamil by Aaroor Das and directed by Krishnan Panju. The film is a significant one as it marked the last collaboration of MGR and M.R. Radha. After completion of this movie, M.R. Radha shot MGR causing a wound.

Anbe Vaa:

Anbe Vaa is a 1966 romantic comedy movie directed by A. C. Thirulokachander. The movie is loosely based on the 1961 American film Come September. This movie is significant because this movie features no Villain or a negative character. The villain here is the ego and the emotions of the leading pair. Even the most famous villain S A Asokan makes a cameo as a good guy. The humour sense of MGR and his chemistry with Nagesh is equally good as his chemistry with Saroja Devi.

Ulagam Suttrum Vaaliban:

Ulagam Suttrum Vaaliban is commercial entertainer written by R. M. Veerappan, Vidwan Lakshmanan and S. K. T. Saami. The movie has dialogues written by sornam and the directed by MGR. MGR plays the dual role of scientist Murugan and his brother CBCID officer Raju. This was shot in various countries and is considered one of the most expensive movies. It also grossed a huge sum to become the highest grossing movie of MGR till he quit films.

Aayiraththil Oruvan:

Aayiraththil Oruvan is a 1965 action adventure flick directed by B. R. Panthulu. This is first movie featuring the duo of MGR and Jayalalitha. The movie is said to be inspired from various movies such as Captain Blood, The Crimson Pirate and The Black pirate. The movie became a blockbuster that it paid off the debts of B. R. Panthulu from his previous venture Karnan. The irony here is MGR was supposed to act in the role of Sivaji in the movie Karnan, it was passed due to his affiliation with Dravidian party and his promise to Anna of not doing any roles from the mythological epics. Watch it for the complete action packed performance of MGR, Jayalalitha, Nambiar and evergreen Nagesh.

Koondukkili:

Koondukkili is a 1954 drama written by Vindhan and directed by T. R. Ramanna. This movie is significant as it is the only movie featuring Sivaji and MGR together on screen. This movie became their first and last collaboration onscreen. Due to the image issue the movie didn’t go well with the audience and the producers incurred a heavy loss, also the writer has to rewrite the scenes so that both stars can perform.

Although many of the films has many significance in the career of the star, these 10 films stands unique for the reasons mentioned. Also these movies are worth exploring as it gives an opportunity to know about the actor who was forgotten.