MGR, who debuted in the 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi in a supporting role, went on to dominate the Tamil film industry for three decades as a lead actor.
MG Ramachandran was fondly called Makkai Thilagam or the People’s King by the masses. Here’s a look at five of MGR’s best films on the actor’s birth anniversary.
MG Ramachandran Birth Anniversary: An actor and politician who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for ten years between 1977 and 1987, Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran was born on January 17, 1917. MG Ramachandran was called Makkai Thilagam or People’s King by the public.
MGR, who debuted in the 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi in a supporting role, went on to dominate the Tamil film industry for three decades as a lead actor. When MG Ramachandran became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 30 June 1977, he was the first Indian actor to hold the position. The prolific actor, politician and humanitarian continued in this position till his death in 1987.
On the actor’s 103rd birth anniversary, here are five of his best films:
Sati Lilavati (1936)
Based on the novel by SS Vasan, the Ellis R Dungan film featured an ensemble cast including MK Radha, TS Balaiah, MG Ramachandran, MV Mani and NS Krishnan, among others. The plot follows a man from Madras who is lured into drinking by his friend and begins to believe that he has murdered his friend Parashurama while he is intoxicated. He flees to Ceylon, while his family sinks into poverty. MGR played the role of a corrupt police officer, Rangaiah Naidu, who helps the hero in wooing the fake party.
Manthiri Kumari (1950)
MGR’s big break was the historical-drama directed by Ellis R. Dungan. The film also starred MN Nambiar, Madhuri Devi and G Shakuntala. The film was based on an incident from the Tamil epic Kundalalkesi.
Alibabavam 40 Thirudargalam (1956)
A flamboyant film featuring sword fighting and heroic exploits, TR Sundaram starred MGR and Bhanumathi Ramakrishna in lead roles. The film was the story of a poor woodcutter, Alibaba, who becomes rich after discovering a secret cave full of treasures. It was the first South-Indian full-length color film.
Rickshaw Karan (1971)
The film, which earned MG Ramachandran the National Film Award for Best Actor, was directed by M Krishnan Nair. In the film, MGR played the role of Selvam, a rickshaw puller who witnessed the murder of another rickshaw puller. The film was a huge commercial success at the time of its release.
Enga Veettu Pillai (1965)
Featuring MGR in a double role, it was a remake of the 1964 Telugu film Ramudu Bheemudu and revolved around twins whose paths cross after being separated at birth.
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