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Sivagami is a Tamil language film released in 1960. It is the last film in which M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar acted. The film was produced by M. A. Venu under the banner Muthiah Pictures. By the year 1959, M. K. T. Bhagavathar requested M. A. Venu to produce a film. M. A. Venu agreed and started producing this film. However, M. K. T. Bhagavathar died while the production was half way. So, the crew adapted the story and completed the film. Bhagavathar could not sing at this time. He told the producer that he has some songs recorded earlier for another film 'Rajayogi' that was never produced and told the producer to use those songs. So, the songs that took place in this film were recorded long before.
Director Karan Bali's insight into a largely unknown slice of Tamil film history. American citizen Ellis R Dungan travelled to India in the 1930s. He intended to stay for six months, but he ended up living in Madras for 15 years, where he directed many key films of the era. This documentary explores Dungan's life and the profound impact he had upon the fledgling Tamil film industry.
Pavalakkodi is a 1934 Tamil language film starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and directed by K. Subramanyam. It was the first film for both of them. The film's music was composed by Papanasam Sivan. Pavalakkodi tells the mythical love story of Arjuna (Thyagaraja Bhagavathar) and Pavalakkodi (S. D. Subbulakshmi), the princess of Coral Island.
Ashok Kumar is a 1941 movie that focuses on the life of Ashok Kumar, a notable figure in history. The movie portrays his achievements, struggles, and impact on society.
Sivakavi is a biographical drama musical film that tells the life story of Sivakavi, a renowned personality.
Thiruneelakantar is a biographical movie that follows the life of Thiruneelakantar. It depicts the struggles and achievements of Thiruneelakantar, showcasing his journey and the impact he made on society.
Chintamani (Tamil: சிந்தாமணி) is a 1937 Tamil-language film directed by Y. V. Rao starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, Serugulathur Sama and Aswathamma.[2] It was the first Tamil film to run for a year in a single theatre. Chintamani was based on the legendary story of a Sanskrit poet and devotee of Lord Krishna named Bilwamangal (M. K. Thyragaraja Bhagavathar). Bilwamangal, a resident of Varanasi, was a Sanskrit scholar, who gets infatuated towards a courtesan called Chintamani (Aswathamma), a woman of ill-fame. As a result, he deserts his wife. However, Chintamani is an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna (Serugalathur Sama) and spends most of her time singing bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna. His attraction towards Chintamani eventually draws Bilwamangal closer towards Lord Krishna and transforms his life forever. Bilwangal, himself, becomes a devotee of Lord Krishna and pens a monumental Sanskrit work Sri Krishna Karnamritam.
Bagavathar's next film was his first own production film under the banner Trichy Thyagaraja Films, "Sathyaseelan" (1936). The film had the novel.
Raja Mukthi is a historical movie that depicts the inspiring story of a prince's struggle for freedom from British rule. It portrays the sacrifices made by the prince and his ultimate triumph in leading a rebellion against the oppressive colonial forces. The movie showcases the bravery and determination of the prince and his followers, as they fight for their rights and the independence of their nation.
Haridas is a 1944 Indian Tamil-language drama film. It revolves around the life of Haridas, a man who undergoes a transformation and explores the role of religion in his life. The movie explores themes of change and spirituality.
Naveena Sarangadhara is a 1936 Tamil film directed by K. Subramaniam under Murugan Talkies. Naveena in Tamil means modern. The movie was titled thus in order to distinguish itself from the earlier versions and also in order to highlight the slight modifications made to the original story. The cast are M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and S. D. Subbulakshmi in the lead roles supported by S. S. Mani Bhagavathar, G. Pattu Iyer and Indubala. Papanasam Sivan had written the lyrics and composed music for M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar songs such as sivaperuman krupai vENdum, gnana kumarai nadana singari and abaraatham seithaRiyEn had a successful run wherever the movie was screened.
Ambikapathy is a drama film that takes place in the 11th century. It explores the story of ancient kingdoms and the struggles faced by its characters.
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M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar
Mayavaram Krishnamurthy Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (1 March 1910 – 1 November 1959), also called M.K.T., was an Indian actor, producer and Carnatic music singer. He is considered to be one of the most successful actors in Tamil cinema ever and the first super star of Tamil cinema. Bhagavathar was born in the town of Mayiladuthurai in then Tanjore district of the Madras Presidency, British India. He started his career as a classical singer and stage artist in the late 1920s. In 1934, he made his début in films with the movie Pavalakkodi which turned out to be a hit. From 1934 to 1959, Bhagavathar acted in 14 films of whom 7 were box-office hits. Bhagavathar's 1944 film Haridas ran for three consecutive years at Broadway Theatre, Madras and created the record for the longest continuous run at a single theatre. Bhagavathar was arrested in 1944 as one of the main suspects in the Lakshmikanthan Murder Case and spent three years in prison before being released in 1947after a privy council verdict came in his favour. Bhagavathar's career declined after his arrest and though he did continue to act in Tamil films after his release from prison, none of them did well. Bhagavathar died of diabetes at the age of 49 on 1 November 1959. Bhagavathar was acclaimed for his powerful, melodious voice and the ease with which he could sing high pitch notes. Critics and film historians acknowledge Bhagavathar as the "first superstar of Tamil cinema".
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