Nation Remembers M G Ramachandran on His Birth Anniversary
Saturday marked the birth anniversary of M G Ramachandran, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a legendary film icon. Fans across the state and beyond poured their hearts out on social media platforms, sharing memories and tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the chorus of admiration, paying homage to the founder of the AIADMK party.
Prime Minister Modi's Heartfelt Tribute
Linking MGR's enduring contributions to society, Prime Minister Modi posted a message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He wrote, "Paying homage to the exceptional MGR on his Jayanti. His contribution to Tamil Nadu's progress is outstanding. Equally noteworthy is his role in popularising Tamil culture. We will always keep working to realise his vision for our society." This statement resonated deeply with MGR's followers, who continue to cherish his values and vision.
MGR's powerful expression in films played a significant role in shaping his public image. His movies often reflected social themes and heroic ideals, which later translated into his political career. As fans recall his legacy, many are revisiting his iconic films that continue to inspire generations.
Greatest Films of M G Ramachandran
Here is a look at some of MGR's most memorable cinematic works:
- Malaikallan (1954): Directed by S. M. Sriramulu Naidu, this blockbuster starred M. G. Ramachandran and P. Bhanumathi. It became the first Tamil film to win a President's Silver Medal, launching MGR as a mass hero. The film enjoyed a successful run of over 140 days in Chennai and other major Tamil-speaking regions.
- Nadodi Mannan (1958): MGR made his directorial debut with this film, also starring in dual roles. It featured a reunion with P. Bhanumathi and included actors like M. N. Rajam and B. Saroja Devi. Made on a budget of ₹18 lakh, it earned ₹1.1 crore, becoming the second Tamil film to cross the ₹1 crore mark after Madurai Veeran.
- Enga Veettu Pillai (1965): Known for its twin-role narrative and evergreen songs, this film paired Ramachandran with B. Saroja Devi. A Tamil remake of the Telugu film Ramudu Bheemudu, it was a Pongal release that became a box office hit. It won Ramachandran Best Actor awards from both the Madras Film Fans' and Filmgoer's Associations.
- Ayirathil Oruvan (1965): This timeless adventure epic starred Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, directed by B. R. Panthulu. A massive hit, it ran for over 150 days and is considered a milestone in MGR's career, cementing his image as a public benefactor before his entry into politics.
- Adimai Penn (1969): A historical drama that strengthened MGR's heroic image alongside Jayalalithaa. Directed by K. Shankar and co-produced by MGR, it was a commercial success with a theatrical run exceeding 175 days and multiple awards.
- Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973): A magnum opus and big-budget science fiction film shot extensively overseas. Directed and co-produced by MGR, it starred actors like Chandrakala and Manjula, running for over 250 days in theatres.
- Thozhilali (1964): A socially driven film inspired by the life of producer Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. It reflected MGR's pro-labour image and featured K. R. Vijaya and Rathna.
- Rickshawkaran (1971): This vigilante film starred M. G. Ramachandran, Padmini, and Manjula, directed by M. Krishnan. It ran for over 100 days and earned MGR the National Film Award for Best Actor, making him the first South Indian actor to achieve this honor.
- Anbe Vaa (1966): A light-hearted romantic comedy based on the American film Come September. It showcased the chemistry between MGR and B. Saroja Devi, receiving positive reviews for Ramachandran's performance.
- Padagotti (1964): Centered on fishermen, this film was directed by T. Prakash Rao and starred MGR and B. Saroja Devi. It highlighted social themes and became a commercial success with a run of over 100 days.
As the nation remembers M G Ramachandran, his legacy in both cinema and politics continues to inspire. Prime Minister Modi's tribute underscores the lasting impact of MGR's work on Tamil Nadu's cultural and social landscape. Fans and political followers alike celebrate his birth anniversary with renewed appreciation for his contributions.
