People celebrated MGR’s 101st birthday in many different ways. Nadodi Mannan, a cult movie of the legendary matinee idol which marked his debut direction, was digitally rereleased a month back. The movie, which saw MGR in a dual role and produced by him, was a turning point in his acting as well as political career and collected unimaginable revenue of Rs 11 crores in 1958.
Now, thanks to the more than 45 days of strike in Tamil industry, old classics are occupying the screens. The 25-day celebration of digitalised Nadodi Mannan, released in three screens, was celebrated recently at Albert theatre with a host of MGR fans taking part in it.
As usual, huge cut-outs of MGR were decorated with massive garlands, with fireworks being let off at the entrance and his fans, including women, were seen dancing to the tunes of songs from the flick.
Saidai Duraisami, former Mayor of the Corporation of Chennai, was also spotted watching the film sitting with his friends in a box.
Yet another event MGR 101, to mark the iconic star’s 101st birthday was conducted recently by Vijayan, editor of a regional magazine Idhayakani which publishes news only about MGR. The occasion was marked with medical camps, a ‘Pattimandram’, a music programme, an awards ceremony and a book launch.
TN ministers, including fisheries minister D. Jayakumar, information minister Kadambur Raju and health minister Vijayabhaskar were spotted along with a host of film personalities — Sathyaraj, Surya, Karthi, Thambi Ramaiya, Maiyilsamy and veteran actors Latha, Sachu, Venniradai Nirmala, Rekha and Ambika.
An interesting aspect is that while the light music was going on, minister Jayakumar, an ardent fan of MGR, came up to the stage and wished to sing two of his favorite numbers from MGR films. Accompanied by a female singer, he rendered ‘Pachai Kili Muthu Charam’ duet song from Ulagam Suttrum Vaaliban and Masila Unmai Kaadhale from Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum amidst thunderous applause from the audience. Actor Sathyaraj, a devoted admirer, also evinced interest in singing a song and rendered ‘Unnai Arindhal Nee Unnai Arindhal’ from the blockbuster Vettaikkaran.
A book titled ‘Naan Kanda MGR’, penned by Karpoora Sundarapandian who served as IAS officer in the MGR regime was also unveiled. “The book is about the compiled records of some of the unknown facts about MGR that I knew personally. There are many interesting facts in the book that includes the original birth certificate of MGR. Even after 30 years of his demise, MGR is still the reigning emperor”, remarked Sundara pandian. The author is the father of Rajasekar Pandian of 2D Entertainment, owned by Suriya. The actor along with brother Karthi was present to receive a set of copies of the book from the author on the occasion.
