MGR Life Line

Date of Birth

17 January 1917, Kandy, Ceylonn

Date of Death

29 December 1987, Madras, Tamil Nadu, India

Birth Name

Marudur Gopalamenon Ramachandran

Nickname

MGR
Mini Biography

M.G. Ramachandran (1917-1987), popularly known as MGR, dominated like no other, the films and politics of India's Tamil Nadu state. A charismatic actor and philanthropist, he commanded the idolatrous adulation of millions of Tamilians and became Tamil Nadu's chief minister. His achievements in 3 fields, namely films, philanthropy and politics were remarkable considering his humble origins in Sri Lanka. Raised in poverty by a widowed single mother, he had nothing more than his good looks when he got his first break in "Sati Lilavati", a Tamil film of the late 1930s. In the 1940s and 50s, the Tamil film industry was being transformed by screenwriters like Annadurai, Karunanidhi and others belonging to the Dravidian movement. MGR starred in many of the movies they helped make. Annadurai became his mentor and MGR joined the DMK, Annadurai's new Dravidian party. His films made MGR a matinee idol among Tamilians. He also started monetarily helping people in need, sowing the seeds for his reputation as a philanthropist. When Annadurai died as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, MGR's rival Karunanidhi assumed office. MGR accused him of defalcation and was kicked out of the DMK. In 1977, MGR's ADMK (later renamed AIADMK) party was swept into power. In his first term, MGR cleaned up corruption and carried out reforms like having an income limit for backward class people to be eligible for the reserved seats in government colleges and jobs. His reforms proved unpopular, so MGR became another corrupt Indian politician having learned not to rock the boat. Tamil Nadu stagnated during the rest of his reign. Yet his mesmerized legions of fans continued to vote him into power. His death in 1987 created a power vacuum that soon brought his old nemesis, the corrupt Karunanidhi, back into power. MGR was a complex man who triumphed over poverty and tried to improve the lot of the people who revered him. However, in the end, he was a god that failed.

Amir Fan of Vadivelu

It is well known that Aamir Khan is very busy with his current project, a remake of the Tamil film Gajini. Director Murugadoss had earlier screened Pokkiri, in which Asin had acted, to convince Aamir of her capabilities. According to industry sources, Aamir while watching Pokkiri had disclosed that he is a great fan of Vadivelu. When Vadivelu was asked to react on this, he said that he is happy that such a great actor enjoys his acting in spite of the language barriers. This implies that language is not an obstruction where comedy is concerned, added Vadivelu. As a mark of respect to Vadivelu’s new-found admirer, it has been decided to specially screen his latest venture, Indiralogathil Na. Azhagappan. Producer Narayanan of Seventh Channel said that they have plans to approach Aamir for an appointment to watch the film.

Vishal Lingusamy Teams up again

Vishal in his new avataar as a cop for the movie Sathyam is all excited about this new role. Given that he is now officially considered an action star, his fans are also eagerly awaiting Sathyam's release. Shooting for the movie is progressing quite smoothly and is half complete. Hot on the grapevine is the news that after Sandakozhi, which was a rollicking success, Lingusamy and Vishal will coming together again after the for the actor's next movie. Earlier, it was rumoured that Jayam Ravi was to play the lead in Lingusamy's next project, but now he seems to have had a change of mind. It was also said that the movie would be remade in Telugu with Ram Charan in the lead. We wonder if that is still on...

Pandi Movie Review

Starring: Raghava Lawrence, Sneha, Namitha, Sreeman, Nasser, Saranya

Direction: Raasu Maduravan

Music: Srikanth Deva

Production: Hitesh Jabak
With its simple story woven into the texture of the movie, Pandi proves to be an average entertainer that seems tailor-made for frontbenchers.

Raghava Lawrence and Sreeman, sons of the couple Nasser and Saranya, are two extremes. While Sreeman is the perfect example (note, only example) of an ideal son, Lawrence figures in the dangerously-short-tempered-son-who-is-of-less-value-to-the-family category. For these reasons, his entire family, except mother Saranya, hates him with their whole heart. Meanwhile, Lawrence meets Sneha and falls in love.
A crucial gridlock in the family brings to light Sreeman’s ugly side and he elopes with his father’s hard-earned money saved for his sister’s wedding. Lawrence takes over from this point and shoulders his family’s responsibility. In the process, he moves to Dubai for greener pastures.

Sneha is the show-stealer and announces the arrival of a siren. So much for her good girl next door image. She gyrates hard for the three songs in her designer outfits – of course, scantier than her earlier movies. The songs Kuthu madhippa and the Maasi Maasam remix song (done shoddily, making you wonder what the point was in brutally butchering the lovely original) provide ample scope for Sneha’s dancing skills. Sneha’s sexy dance moves also makes poor Namitha’s item numbers look lackluster.

While Nasser, Saranya, and Sreeman score with their performances, Lawrence looks as if he definitely needs acting lessons. Or is it just that director Raasu Maduravan felt felt a hero need not bend backwards to make himself look credible?

That apart, U.K. Senthilkumar’s camera feasts on Namitha big time and Suresh Urs’ neat editing flows with the movie without interrupting the course of it.


Verdict : Sneha overrides!

A hero from North India

The south Indian film Industry has always its good share of heroines from the northern part of India.

Kollywood received these girls from the other side with open hands and made some of them to be screen goddesses.

On the other hand never a north Indian Hero has ever made a mark as a leading man in the Tamil Film Industry.

The times, trends and techniques of the film making process and attitude is changing and nowadays film lovers are more open about almost everything they think about films.

So this is the right time for Shiv Pandit to mark his innings in the Tamil Tinsel Town with Oscar Ravichandran's 'Leelai'.

People have seen this extremely handsome actor before in the advertisements of Colgate Active salt and Airtel.

He had his stint as a sports Anchor for the IPL matches too.






Andrews will direct this new film.

There have been several instances of actors who came to Kollywood years ago completely becoming the sons and daughters of Tamil soil dissolving themselves into the life culture of Tamilnadu after finding incredible success in their careers here.

Time will tell the stock that is in hold for the new actor Shiv Pandit

Girl Friend

Cristiano Ronaldo recently introduced his Spanish girlfriend Nereida Gallardo to his family, but it's likely one topic was off the list of dinner party conversations – her racy past.

Before meeting the Manchester United midfielder, the 24-year-old was an aspiring glamour model prepared to show rather a lot of in her efforts to make ends meet while working as a nursing assistant.