A. V. MEIYAPPAN

A.V. Meiyappan, the founder of AVM Studios, was born in Karaikudi, a small town in South India, in 1907. He began work as an apprentice in his father's shop - A. V. & Sons. A perceptive observer, he soon realised that greater opportunities lay outside his hometown. He began Saraswathi Stores - an exclusive outlet for gramophone records.

He noticed only classical songs were being sold. Breaking away from tradition he released a few records of folk songs and struck gold. His venture did so well that it won the rights to distribute records under the popular German label Odeon.

His love affair with the silver screen started with the advent of the talkies in the 1930s. His maiden production Alli Arjuna, followed by Ratnavali and Nanda Kumar opened the floodgates of success. Other feathers in his cap include the President's award for Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ki, Sabapathy - his maiden directorial venture and Harischandra the first Indian film to be dubbed in two languages.

In 1948, AVM Studios moved to its present location at Vadapalani. Through A. V. Meiyappan's efforts, Chennai now boasts of one of the largest studios in south-east Asia.

A romantic hero who was not of the masses, yet spoke for the masses. That was the phenomenon - MGR.

From the early fifties to the late seventies MGR remained the undisputed king of Tamil celluloid. To a large extent he was a carefully cultivated star. His scripts, song lyrics, scenes, his make-up, even the camera angles were all packaged to reinforce the moralistic, do-gooder image.

This uncanny ability to reach the masses, helped MGR make that strategic leap to politics, with great success.

Among his hits are Gulebakaavali, Malaikkallan, Madurai Veeran, Mannaadimannan, Vettaikkaaran, Aayirathil Oruvan, Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban, Adimai Penn, Anbey Vaa, Rickshawkaaran, Enga Veettu Pillai, Kudi Irundha Koil and Maattukara Velan.

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