AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

        MGR. It's a name that spells magic on the silver screen even today. Marthur Gopala Ramachandran (MGR) virtually dominated Tamil cinema for over three decades beginning 1950. He rose to stardom by playing characters that featured him as the saviour of the poor. An actor-turned-politician, MGR still charms Kollywood.

        To cash in on MGR's huge fan base that exists even today, several films are titled after MGR's blockbusters, his hit songs are remixed and retuned and several actors have adopted him as their role models.

        Films like Ayirathil Oruvan, Nam Naadu, Anbae Vaa, Nadodi Mannan, Ninaithathai Mudipavan, Pachaikili Muthucharam, Thottal Poo Malarum are inspired by the movies and songs of the legend.

        Even after two decades of his death, MGR still manages to hold his sway in Kollywood.

        When asked, a prominent director says, 'it is natural that every film personality gets inspired by MGR. After all, we grew up watching his films. At a time when mythological moves were the order of the day, he created a silent revolution coming up with movies on mass-based themes that were socially relevant.'

        MGR has emerged as a brand today. Any project named after MGR's film or song attracts immediate attention, he adds.

        To prove a point, a couple of MGR's blockbuster movies were re-released recently. They have gone on to collect good revenue. Films like Nadodi Mannan. directed and enacted by MGR and Ayirathil Oruvan were re-released last year in over a dozen theatres across the State. It was celebration time for several thousand MGR fans, who thronged cinema halls in large numbers to watch their favourite hero.

        According to Marimuthu, an ardent fan of MGR, 'he is a God to us. We grew up watching his movies. No doubt, there is a huge demand for his movies and songs even today'.

        Some of his popular songs like Thottal Poo Malarum, Adho Antha Paravai Polae, Nan Aanai Ittal and Nan Yaar Nee Yar were remixed for some of the recent films.

        Says music director D Imman: ' Following a demand from the audience, we chose to remix some golden hits of MGR. But it is no easy job. I have to satisfy several thousands of his fans without spoiling the original charm'.

        He is the biggest celebrity in Tamil cinema even today. His unique deeds and achievements are unparallel, says director P Vasu.

        'My father Peethambaram had worked as a make-up man for MGR and I had an opportunity to watch the matinee idol in very close quarters. He inspired me to enter filmdom,' he adds.

        A demi-God to several film personalities, MGR will continue to rule the masses, say his fans in chorus.