Have you heard Sivaji competed against himself in three Deepavali releases? You cant even imagine of those with the current dynamics of Tamil Cinema, which has got transformed more towards corporate way.
Do we know who was responsible for putting Sivaji against himself. Well let us travel back to good old days of Tamil Cinema in 60s, 70s etc.
Year 1967 Deepavali - Sridhar's 'Ooty Varai Uravu' pitted against ' Iru Malargal' - Both came out with flying colours doing well commercially and critically.
Year 1970 Deepavali - T R Ramanna's ' Sorgam' pitted against ' Engirundho Vandhaal - Both were successful
Year 1975 Deepavali - Against Sridhar's 'Vaira Nenjam' pitted against 'Dr Siva' - Though Vaira Nenjam did not do well, Dr Siva was a success.
And the man who was responsible for this healthy competition was none other than the Legendary Screen Writer, Director ACT, A C Trilochander, whose 92nd birth anniversary today.
What a repertoire of movies he has given in his stint and with all the best actors of those times. Think of a MGR movie without his staple, template formula, you get a gem, first in color 'Anbe Vaa'. What a movie ! I remember watching this full house on a working day in Delite Theater Coimbatore in 2019. The atmosphere in theatre was quite electric throughout that 3 hours.
If you want to see a spectacular performance of Ranga Rao, go and watch ' Naanum Oru Penn'. What a grandeur performance by him and Vijayakumari.
Add Javar Seetharaman to the mix, though its a remake 'Ramu', what a classic. Brilliant performance from Gemini and of course KRV, there is more about her in another movie with ACT.
Have seen a musically romantic movie (Anbe Vaa), tear jerker (Naanum Oru Penn), social drama (Ramu), now the mystery thriller ; yes you got it right, how one can forget the gorgeous Ravi and Kanchana paired 'Adhey Kangal'.
Before all this, even before his directorial debut if I remember right, he wrote story of Bhimsingh's classic 'Paarthal Pasi Theerum'
His association with Sivaji was memorable went on to direct many films and memorable ones too. And same with AVM, his association with them was more stronger like one in their family.
Two of Sivaji's films I watch in awe even today, after 50+ years. 'Uyarndha Manithan' and 'Deiva Magan'. I am at loss of words to say about Deiva Magan, simply brilliant, complete movie experience.
ACT was also instrumental in introducing Sivakumar with 'Kakkum Karanga'. He associated again with Sivakumar later to give a runaway hit 'Bhadrakali' in late 70s.
His association with KRV after, Iru Malargal, Ramu, now 'Dheerga Sumangali'. Another lovely family drama. Vani Jairam gate crashed into TFM with mesmerizing 'Malligai En Mannan Mayangum'.
He also produced a film (one only I guess) with Vijayakumar, Sridevi and upcoming Rajini in 'Vanakathukriya Kadhaliye'. Jolly Abraham's 'Adiyenai Paaramma' was our anthem during those days. Movie didn't do well commercially though, but MSV gave one another mesmerizing album.
ACT, apart from KSG able to bring the best of KRV. 'Iru Malargal', KRV was stuck between Superstars Sivaji, Padmini, and went on to gave a fantastic performance. Her subtle and impact performance in 'Ramu', 'Sontham' another movie KRV did, the magnum opus 'Bharatha Vilas'.
ACT's another script which had impactful role for a heroine 'Engirundho Vandhaal', Jaya simply rocked. What a stunning performance from her. Jaya worked in 'Deiva Magan', 'Enga Mama' 'Dharmam Enge' and 'Avandhaan Manithan' under ACTs direction.
There are many other memorable movies 'Babu' 'Anbe Aaruyire' etc.
Looking at his films, what a variety he has given. Simply outstanding !
Initially I mind mapped this post to write about the albums of ACT's films. I think looking at his reportorial as a writer, director, that I should keep that on another day :-).
Till then, go time turn your clock back, watch all these classics !
