M. G. Chakrapani

Last updated

M. G. Chakrapani
M. G. Chakrapani.jpg
Born
Maruthur Gopalan Chakrapani

(1911-01-13)13 January 1911
Vadavannur Palakkad (Madras presidency), British India
Died17 August 1986(1986-08-17) (aged 75)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesEttan
Occupation(s) Actor, Film producer
Years active1936–1986
SpouseMeenakshi Chakrapani
Children10
Relatives M. G. Ramachandran (Younger brother)

Maruthur Gopalan Chakrapani (13 January 1911- 17 August 1986), commonly known as Ettan ("elder brother" in Malayalam), was an Indian actor and producer based in the Tamil film industry. He was the elder brother of actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran. [1]

Contents

Early life

Chakrapani was born in Vadavannur, Palakkad (Madras Presidency now Kerala), on 13 January 1911. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, named him Neelakantan, but this was soon changed to Chakrapani because of his father's religious beliefs. Soon after his birth, the family migrated to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where Chakrapani's two younger siblings (brother M. G. Ramachandran and a sister) were born. Gopala Menon worked as a magistrate in Kandy, until he suffered an early death. Chakrapani's sister also died while they were in Ceylon. [1]

Sathyabhama took her sons to Kumbakonam to be close to her brother. Chakrapani studied at Yanaiadi School, but left after the seventh grade. His mother then enrolled him and Ramachandran in the Madurai Original Boys Company (MOBC), a professional Tamil theatre company.

Career

Chakrapani made his Tamil cinema debut in Iru Sahodarargal in 1936. Maya Machhindra and Tamizhariyum Perumal came next, where he began to be known as a character actor. His breakout role came in 1944 with Mahamaya . His character, Neelan, is believed to have been modelled after the Indian philosopher Chanakya. [1] Though Mahamaya was a box office failure, Chakrapani's lines continue to be spoken. His acting in the role of police inspector in Malai kallan and as villain in En Thangai are notable. He had a very good role in Nadodi Mannan. His big success came some years later with Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali , where he again played a villain. [1]

Later in his career, Chakrapani transitioned from actor to director and producer, managing his brother's career. Chakrapani worked with his brother on several projects which failed to see the light of day. One such film, Bhavani had Ramachandran in the lead role. It was written by A. K. Velan, directed by Masthan, with Chakrapani producing. Years later, Chakrapani tried again, this time taking the director's seat in the renamed Arasa Kattalai . It was a success. [1]

Personal life and death

Chakrapani was married to Meenakshi. They had 10 children together including seven sons and three daughters. Chakrapani died on 17 August 1986 at the age of 75. [1]

Filmography

YearFilmRolesNotesRef.
1936 Iru Sahodarargal Police inspectorBilled as G. Chakrapani [2]
1939 Maya Machhindra [3]
1939 Jothi [4]
1942 Tamizhariyum Perumal [5]
1944 Mahamaya Neelan [6]
1946 Sri Murugan
1947 1000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani
1948 Abhimanyu Balaraman [7]
1948 Raja Mukthi Minister
1950 Ponmudi Tribal Chief [8]
1950 Thigambara Samiar Magistrate Pattabhirama Pillai
1950 Maruthanad Elavarasee Minister [9]
1950 Ithaya Geetham Minister [10]
1951 Vanasundari
1952 Amarakavi
1952 En Thangai Rajendran's uncle [11]
1952 Kalyani Doctor [12]
1953 Naam Sanjeevi [13]
1954 Malaikkallan Sub Inspector [14]
1954 En Magal Mirasdar [15]
1956 Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum Amir Kasim Khan [16]
1957 Raja Rajan Uthselan Kavirayar
1958 Nadodi Mannan Karmegam [17]
1959 Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali Sundara Mudaliar [18]
1959 Nalla Theerpu [19]
1960 Raja Desingu Nawab of Arcot [20]
1960 Mannathi Mannan King Karikala Chozhan [21]
1962 Raani Samyuktha [22]
1967 Arasa Kattalai Also director [23]
1969 Nam Naadu Also producer
1972 Idhaya Veenai Sivaraman
1974 Netru Indru Naalai
1975 Naalai Namadhe

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gemini Ganesan</span> Indian actor

Ramasamy Ganesan, better known by his stage name Gemini Ganesan, was an Indian actor who worked mainly in Tamil cinema. He was referred as Kaadhal Mannan for his romantic roles in films. Ganesan was one of the "three biggest names of Tamil cinema", the other two being M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan. While Sivaji Ganesan excelled in dramatic films and M. G. Ramachandran was popular as an action hero, Gemini Ganesan was known for his romantic films. A recipient of the Padma Shri in 1971, he had also won several other awards including the Kalaimamani, the MGR Gold Medal, and the Screen Lifetime Achievement Award. He was one of the few college graduates to enter the film industry then.

<i>Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum</i> (1956 film) 1956 film by T. R. Sundaram

Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum is a 1956 Indian Tamil-language fantasy swashbuckler film directed and produced by T. R. Sundaram of Modern Theatres. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and P. Bhanumathi, with K. Sarangapani, P. S. Veerappa, K. A. Thangavelu, M. N. Rajam, Sushila, Vidhyavathi, and M. G. Chakrapani in supporting roles. It revolves around Alibaba, a woodcutter who becomes wealthy after finding a secret treasure cave, but must keep his source of wealth a secret to lead a peaceful life.

<i>Nadodi Mannan</i> 1958 film by M. G. Ramachandran

Nadodi Mannan is a 1958 Indian Tamil-language action adventure film directed by M. G. Ramachandran in his debut as a filmmaker. He stars in dual roles alongside P. Bhanumathi, M. N. Rajam and B. Saroja Devi. P. S. Veerappa, M. N. Nambiar, M. G. Chakrapani, T. K. Balachandran and Chandrababu play supporting roles. The film revolves around a king being replaced by a look-alike after getting abducted on the eve of his coronation. The look-alike begins to implement social and economic reforms to uplift the poor which irks the kingdom's high priest, who has kidnapped the very person the look-alike resembles. The rest of the film shows how the look-alike saves the man he impersonates and defeats the high priest.

<i>Mannathi Mannan</i> 1960 Indian film

Mannathi Mannan is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language historical action film directed and produced by M. Natesan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi and Padmini. It was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali.

<i>Rani Samyuktha</i> 1962 Indian film

Rani Samyuktha is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language historical romance film directed by D. Yoganand and written by Kannadasan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran as Prithviraj Chauhan and Padmini as the eponymous queen. It was released on 14 January 1962, and performed averagely.

<i>Enga Veettu Pillai</i> 1965 film by Tapi Chanakya

Enga Veettu Pillai is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language film written by Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy and directed by Chanakya. A remake of his 1964 Telugu film Ramudu Bheemudu, it stars M. G. Ramachandran and B. Saroja Devi, with S. V. Ranga Rao, M. N. Nambiar, Rathna and Pandari Bai in supporting roles. The film is about two identical but contrasting twins who were separated at birth, and what happens when they cross paths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sivaji Ganesan filmography</span>

The filmography of Sivaji Ganesan (1928–2001) comprises a total of 288 movies with 275 Tamil, 9 Telugu, 2 Malayalam and 2 Hindi. He is the only actor to have played the lead role in over 250 films in Tamil cinema. Apart from these, he has acted in 17 films in honorary appearances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M. G. Ramachandran filmography</span>

M. G. Ramachandran, popularly known by his initials "MGR", was an Indian actor, film director and film producer who had an extensive career primarily in Tamil language films. After starring in numerous commercially successful films from the 1950s to the early 1970s, he has continued to hold a matinée idol status in Tamil Nadu. Ramachandran made his debut in Ellis R. Dungan's 1936 film Sathi Leelavathi, where he played a police inspector. He followed it with a string of minor appearances and supporting roles in many films, notably Ashok Kumar (1941), where he played the general of emperor Ashoka's army, and as a captain in Dungan's Meera (1945).

<i>Aandavan Kattalai</i> (1964 film) 1964 film

Aandavan Kattalai is a 1964 Indian Tamil-language film directed by K. Shankar and produced by P. S. Veerappa. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Devika, with J. P. Chandrababu, K. Balaji, S. A. Ashokan, A. V. M. Rajan and Pushpalatha in supporting roles. It was released on 12 June 1964. The film is loosely based on the 1930 German film The Blue Angel.

<i>Arasa Kattalai</i> 1967 film by M. G. Chakrapani

Arasa Kattalai is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language historical action film, written and directed by M. G. Chakrapani, starring M. G. Ramachandran and B. Saroja Devi, with Jayalalithaa, M. N. Nambiar and S. A. Ashokan in supporting roles. It was released on 19 May 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S. V. Sahasranamam</span> Indian actor

Singanallur Venkataramana Iyer Sahasranamam, also known as S. V. S., was an Indian actor and director. Primarily a theatre actor, he also worked in over 200 films, mainly in Tamil cinema.

<i>Naam</i> (1953 film) 1953 Indian film

Naam (transl. Us) is a 1953 Indian Tamil-language film directed by A. Kasilingam, starring M. G. Ramachandran and V. N. Janaki. It is based on Kaadhal Kanneer (transl. Tears of Love, a novel by Kashi. The film was released on 5 March 1953 and failed commercially.

<i>Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari</i> 1954 Indian film

Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari is a 1954 Indian Tamil-language comedy film, directed by P. Neelakantan and produced by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars T. R. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini and Ragini. It was released on 13 April 1954 and became a box office success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R. S. Manohar filmography</span>

This is the filmography of Indian actor R. S. Manohar, who performed roles ranging from hero to villain to comedic character. He acted over 300 Tamil film. He was popular for negative roles. He also played supporting roles in films with actors M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran, Jaishankar, Ravichandran, Sivakumar, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. He is known for his versatility and dominating personality.

<i>Missiamma</i> 1955 film by L. V. Prasad

Missiamma is a 1955 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by L. V. Prasad. Produced by B. Nagi Reddy and Aluri Chakrapani's Vijaya Vauhini Studios, the script was adapted by Chakrapani from the Bengali novel Manmoyee Girls School by Rabindranath Maitra. Missiamma also focused on social issues such as unemployment, corruption, and freedom of worship. Missiamma tells the story of two unemployed people of different religions and mentalities: Balu and Mary. They pose as a married couple to obtain jobs in a high school founded by Gopal, the zamindar of Aandipettai. As Balu and Mary fall in love, Gopal's nephew Raju learns that Mary is Gopal's missing elder daughter Mahalakshmi; she is unaware of her true identity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padmini Priyadarshini</span>

Padmini Priyadarshini was an Indian actor, dancer and choreographer. She acted in supporting roles during the 1950s and 1960s in Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. She established a dancing school in Bangalore named Natya Priya and trained students in dancing. In 2013, she received Shantala Natya Sri Award from Karnataka Government.

Alangudi Somu was an Indian Tamil film lyricist who wrote many popular songs in several films. He was active in the field from 1960 till late 1990s.

The following is a list of unproduced M. G. Ramachandran projects in alphabetical order. During his career, Indian actor-filmmaker M. G. Ramachandran had worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his acting commitments or direction. Some of these projects fell into development hell or were officially cancelled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. R. Ramasamy (actor)</span> Indian actor and playback singer(1914–1971)

Kumbakonam Ramabadran Ramasamy, also known by his initials KRR, was an Indian actor and playback singer who worked mainly in Tamil theatre and cinema. He was born in Kumbakonam and was active during the early days of Tamil cinema. He was also the first actor who also dwelled into politics mainly with Dravidar Kazhagam and later with DMK, thus setting a trend for many other to follow.

This is the filmography of Indian actor Jaishankar, who performed roles ranging from hero to villain. He was credited on screen with the title of Makkal Kalaignar Jaishankar or Makkal Tamilan in most of his films, sometimes referred to as Thennagathu James Bond. In the era dominated by Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan and Ravichandran, he created his own niche with portrayals of westernised characters.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Guy, Randor (16 February 2012). "Fame eluded this sibling of an icon". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  2. ↑ "Iru Sahodarargal 1936". The Hindu . 14 August 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  3. ↑ Guy, Randor (25 January 2014). "Maya Machhindra (1939)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  4. ↑ Guy, Randor (4 October 2014). "Jothi 1939". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  5. ↑ Guy, Randor (7 May 2011). "Thamizh Ariyum Perumal 1942". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  6. ↑ Guy, Randor (4 September 2010). "Mahamaya 1944". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  7. ↑ Guy, Randor (2 October 2009). "Abhimanyu 1948". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  8. ↑ Guy, Randor (3 October 2008). "Ponmudi 1950". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  9. ↑ Guy, Randor (8 January 2011). "Blast from the past - Maruthanaatu Ilavarasi (1950)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  10. ↑ Ithaya Geetham (song book) (in Tamil). Citadel Film Corporation. 1950. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  11. ↑ Guy, Randor (28 November 2008). "En Thangai 1952". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  12. ↑ கல்யாணி (song book) (in Tamil). Modern Theatres. 1952. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  13. ↑ Guy, Randor (29 December 2012). "Naam (1953)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  14. ↑ "Malaikkallan". The Indian Express . 24 July 1954. p. 3. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  15. ↑ Guy, Randor (15 June 2013). "En Magal (1955)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  16. ↑ அலிபாபாவும் 40 திருடர்களும் [Alibaba and the Forty Thieves] (song book) (in Tamil). Modern Theatres. c. 1956.
  17. ↑ Film News Anandan (23 October 2004). சாதனைகள் படைத்த தமிழ்த் திரைப்பட வரலாறு – நாடோடி மன்னன் பற்றி எம்.ஜி.ஆர். – வீரப்பாவை சிரிக்கச் சொல்லவில்லை! [History of Landmark Tamil Films – I never asked Veerappa to laugh!] (in Tamil). Chennai: Sivakami Publishers. Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  18. ↑ தாய் மகளுக்கு கட்டிய தாலி (song book) (in Tamil). Kalpana Kala Mandir. 1959. Archived from the original on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  19. ↑ Guy, Randor (17 August 2013). "Nalla Theerpu (1959)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 22 August 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  20. ↑ Guy, Randor (15 August 2015). "Raja Desingu (1960)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  21. ↑ Guy, Randor (28 April 2012). "Blast from the past: Mannaathi Mannan (1960)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  22. ↑ "Rani Samyuktha (1962)". The Hindu . 19 September 2015. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  23. ↑ Guy, Randor (23 April 2016). "Arasa Kattalai (1967)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.