When MGR ‘clapped' for M K Muthu
Karunanidhi
.
Muthu's debut film 'Pillaiyo Pillai' in 1972 had script, screenplay and dialogue by Karunanidhi and was directed by veteran filmmaker duo Krishnan-Panju, who made 'Parasakthi', the film that cemented Karunanidhi's place as a screen writer. It was a hit and ran for more than hundred days in theatres.
Around this time, Murasoli Maran, nephew of Karunanidhi, decided not to produce any more films under his banner Mekala Pictures.
This despite the success of its last venture, MGR starrer 'Engal Thangam' (1970). This was also when MGR gradually started to distance himself from Karunanidhi.
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At that point, Karunanidhi brought Muthu to tinsel town. The production house Anjugam Pictures was founded to launch Muthu. Though there were misunderstandings between Karunanidhi and MGR, they tried not to show it in public. That is why MGR had inaugurated the shooting of 'Pillaiyo Pillai' wielding the clapperboard.
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Many years later, the film distribution of 'Pillaiyo Pillai' was included in the investigation by Sarkaria Commission. It was alleged the distributors were compelled to buy the film by the then DMK govt.
Muthu's second film 'Pookkari' was also scripted by Karunanidhi. Though Muthu also acted in the films written by others, it was in the scripts of Karunanidhi that he got memorable roles.
In the first two films, from his hairstyle, body language to sartorial choices, Muthu imitated MGR.
Many of film critics consider this lack of originality led to Muthu's downfall.
Muthu was also a singer He had a light music troupe, which was famous for the song 'Tamilar ellaam maanathodu thalai nimirnthu nirpatharku yaar kaaranam', an anthem for Periyarist organisations.
The moniker 'Nadippisai Thilagam' given to Muthu in his third film 'Samayalkaran' (1974) also added fuel to the talk that Muthu was pitted against MGR who was called 'Makkal Thilagam'.
Though many considered Muthu as a rival to MGR, they both shared a bonding beyond politics and films. Muthu used to call MGR 'periyappa'.
Muthu's time in tinsel twon ended with a cameo in 'Nyaya Tharasu' (1989) written by Karunanidhi.
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