Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (MGR) is a prominent actor and a renowned political leader of the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. Many of his films are blockbusters & hold records for running the highest number of days in theatres. MGR is a versatile actor and also directed many successful films. Let’s see some of his great works below.
1. Madurai Veeran (1956)
The cobbler and his wife found an abandoned baby in the forest and named him Veeran, the warrior. He soon grows to be a virtuous young man and is asked to marry the princess Bommi. However, the king, humiliated by his lowly birth, abducts her. They soon embark on a journey of capturing thieves and bringing real justice to the kingdom.
IMDb: 7.9/10, Streaming Partner: YouTube
2. Gulebakavali (1955)
This marvellous fictional film, Gulebakavali, tells the story of a king who banishes his first wife and their young son into the forest to protect his life from a prophecy. When the king’s life is threatened, the prince sets out into the magical Bakavali Kingdom to secure a magical flower that can revive his lost sight. Do try this, a very interesting film!
IMDb: 7.8/10, Streaming Partner: YouTube
3. Malaikallan (1954)
Malaikallan, directed by S.M. Sriramulu Naidu, is a blockbuster and the first ever Tamil movie to win the Presidential Silver Medal. Starring MGR & P. Bhanumathi as the leads, the plot revolves around Poonkothai, daughter of a rich Zamindar, who gets kidnapped and rescued by a young man, Kumaraveeran, and soon their attraction turns into love.
IMDb: 7.6/10 Streaming Partner: YouTube
4. Needhikku Thalaivanangu (1976)
Directed by legendary P. Neelakantan, the story is about a fierce, spoiled brat, Vijay. His reckless behaviour causes heavy damage to a poor family. Thus, leaving him guilty. He picks up his conscience & leaves his abode to undo all his wrongdoings before receiving punishment at court. The film tells his journey of transforming into a good person.
IMDb: 7.7/10, Streaming Partner: Sun NXT, YouTube
5. Nadodi Mannan (1958)
This film is acted, produced, & directed by MGR himself in dual roles. King Marthandan is missing, & the kingdom is surrounded by greedy vultures who await the opportunity to occupy. However, a freedom fighter is a clear look-alike to the prince, and now he is crowned as king to buy some time. But his quick wit soon clears all the troubles.
IMDb: 7.8/10 , Streaming Partner: Amazon Prime, YouTube
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6. Ayirathil Oruvan (1965)
Manimaran is a skilful doctor who gets captured and turned into a slave for helping the rebels, as an act of betrayal. All the enslaved convicts escape, only to get caught by the pirate leader Nambiar. When Manimaran treats his injuries, they get into friendship and promise to fight against the King and liberate the Kingdom for freedom.
IMDb: 7.3/10, Streaming Partner: YouTube
7. Manthiri Kumari (1950)
Manthiri Kumari film is adapted from a grand folkloric play written by M. Karunanidhi. King Mullai Naidu’s decisions were always shadowed by his Raja guru, whose only life dream is for his son Parthiban as the Army General. But when Veera Mohan, aka MGR, gets appointed, their rivalry turns into a series of betrayals, bloodshed, & imprisonment.
IMDb: 7/10, Streaming Partner: YouTube
Conclusion:
The Puratchi Thalaivar MGR is one of the crucial standing pillars of Kollywood. His great contribution as an actor, philanthropist, & politician is still remembered in many hearts. So, do watch all the retro classic films & immerse yourself in the beauty of true cinema
Written by – Meghana Pinninti