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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.
M. G. RAMACHANDRAN
 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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