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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When MGR ‘clapped' for M K Muthu
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, goes the old saw. But in the case of M K Muthu, it became the obvious but not sole reason for his fall in the Tamil film industry. This despite debuting in a film scripted by the redoubtable pen of his father M Karunanidhi . Muthu's debut film 'Pillaiyo Pillai' in 1972 had script, screenplay and dialogue by Karunanidhi and was directed by veteran filmmaker duo Krishnan-Panju, who made 'Parasakthi', the film that cemented Karunanidhi's place as a screen writer. It was a hit and ran for more than hundred days in theatres. Around this time, Murasoli Maran, nephew of Karunanidhi, decided not to produce any more films under his banner Mekala Pictures. This despite the success of its last venture, MGR starrer 'Engal Thangam' (1970). This was also when MGR gradually started to distance himself from Karunanidhi. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai At that point, Karunanidhi brought Muthu to tinsel town. The production house Anjugam Pictures was founded to launch Muthu. Though there were misunderstandings between Karunanidhi and MGR, they tried not to show it in public. That is why MGR had inaugurated the shooting of 'Pillaiyo Pillai' wielding the clapperboard. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Many years later, the film distribution of 'Pillaiyo Pillai' was included in the investigation by Sarkaria Commission. It was alleged the distributors were compelled to buy the film by the then DMK govt. Muthu's second film 'Pookkari' was also scripted by Karunanidhi. Though Muthu also acted in the films written by others, it was in the scripts of Karunanidhi that he got memorable roles. In the first two films, from his hairstyle, body language to sartorial choices, Muthu imitated MGR. Many of film critics consider this lack of originality led to Muthu's downfall. Muthu was also a singer He had a light music troupe, which was famous for the song 'Tamilar ellaam maanathodu thalai nimirnthu nirpatharku yaar kaaranam', an anthem for Periyarist organisations. The moniker 'Nadippisai Thilagam' given to Muthu in his third film 'Samayalkaran' (1974) also added fuel to the talk that Muthu was pitted against MGR who was called 'Makkal Thilagam'. Though many considered Muthu as a rival to MGR, they both shared a bonding beyond politics and films. Muthu used to call MGR 'periyappa'. Muthu's time in tinsel twon ended with a cameo in 'Nyaya Tharasu' (1989) written by Karunanidhi.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Late CM Karunanidhi's eldest son dies, TN CM bereaved
Chennai, Jul 19 (PTI) Late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunandhi's eldest son, M K Muthu, who was an actor and playback singer, died on Saturday due to age-related ailments, his family said. This 77-year-old actor is the elder brother of Chief Minister M K Stalin. His MP sister Kanimozhi, after hearing the sad news while attending an event in Madurai, rushed back to the city to pay her last respects. Stalin and his Deputy Chief Minister son Udhayanidhi rushed to Muthu's residence here to pay their respects to Muthu, born in 1948, who made a mark in the Tamil film industry. Informing about the demise of Muthu due to old age, the state government said his body will be kept at the Gopalapuram residence of late Karunanidhi for the public to pay their respects. His last rites will be performed this evening, the release said. 'The news that the eldest son of Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) family, my dear brother M K Muthu, passed away struck me like a thunderbolt this morning. The grief of losing my beloved brother, who showed me affection on par with my mother and father, torments me," Stalin said. Karunanidhi named him Muthu in memory of his father Muthuvel. 'Like Kalaignar, brother Muthu contributed to the Dravidian movement through plays from his youth. He had his own unique style in acting, dialogue delivery, and body language. Due to such energy and enthusiasm, he entered the film industry in 1970. He played a double role in his first film," the Chief Minister said in a post on the social media platform 'X'. Muthu is eternally remembered in the hearts of Tamil fans through the films: Pillaiyo Pillai, Pookari, Samayalakaran, and Anayavilakku, he said. 'He had a special quality that many actors do not have. He had the ability to sing songs in his own voice sweetly. The song 'Nalla Manathil Kudiyirikkum Nagoor Andava' and the song 'Sonthakaaranga Enakku Romba Perunga' are songs that many people still cannot forget," he said. He was always affectionate towards him and always encouraged him, Stalin said and added though his brother was no more he would always live in people's hearts through art, songs, and music. PTI JSP ROH view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 14:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Late CM Karunanidhi's eldest son dies, TN CM bereaved
CHENNAI: The eldest son of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, M.K. Muthu, died due to age-related issues at the age of 77 at his house in Injambakkam, Chennai, on Saturday morning. He was the half-brother of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Muthu was born to Karunanidhi's wife, Padmavathi, who died at the age of 20 in 1948, just a few days after giving birth to him. He was named after Karunanidhi's father, Muthuvel, in accordance with Padmavathi's request from her deathbed. Muthu had a stint in Tamil cinema as an actor and singer in the 1970s and was also involved in politics. He acted in films such as Pookkari, Pillaiyo Pillai, Samayalkaran, and Anaiya Vilakku. At one point, he was considered a potential competitor to the then matinee idol M.G.R., but Muthu was unable to achieve lasting success in Tamil cinema. For years, there were disagreements between Muthu and his father Karunanidhi, but they reconciled in 2009. For the past few years, Muthu had been in poor health. His MP sister Kanimozhi, after hearing the sad news while attending an event in Madurai, rushed back to the city to pay her last respects. Stalin and his Deputy Chief Minister son Udhayanidhi rushed to Muthu's residence here to pay their respects. Informing about the demise of Muthu due to old age, the state government said his body will be kept at the Gopalapuram residence of late Karunanidhi for the public to pay their respects. His last rites will be performed this evening, the release said.
The Print
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Late CM Karunanidhi's eldest son dies, TN CM bereaved
Stalin and his Deputy Chief Minister son Udhayanidhi rushed to Muthu's residence here to pay their respects to Muthu, born in 1948, who made a mark in the Tamil film industry. This 77-year-old actor is the elder brother of Chief Minister M K Stalin. His MP sister Kanimozhi, after hearing the sad news while attending an event in Madurai, rushed back to the city to pay her last respects. Chennai, Jul 19 (PTI) Late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunandhi's eldest son, M K Muthu, who was an actor and playback singer, died on Saturday due to age-related ailments, his family said. Informing about the demise of Muthu due to old age, the state government said his body will be kept at the Gopalapuram residence of late Karunanidhi for the public to pay their respects. His last rites will be performed this evening, the release said. 'The news that the eldest son of Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) family, my dear brother M K Muthu, passed away struck me like a thunderbolt this morning. The grief of losing my beloved brother, who showed me affection on par with my mother and father, torments me,' Stalin said. Karunanidhi named him Muthu in memory of his father Muthuvel. 'Like Kalaignar, brother Muthu contributed to the Dravidian movement through plays from his youth. He had his own unique style in acting, dialogue delivery, and body language. Due to such energy and enthusiasm, he entered the film industry in 1970. He played a double role in his first film,' the Chief Minister said in a post on the social media platform 'X'. Muthu is eternally remembered in the hearts of Tamil fans through the films: Pillaiyo Pillai, Pookari, Samayalakaran, and Anayavilakku, he said. 'He had a special quality that many actors do not have. He had the ability to sing songs in his own voice sweetly. The song 'Nalla Manathil Kudiyirikkum Nagoor Andava' and the song 'Sonthakaaranga Enakku Romba Perunga' are songs that many people still cannot forget,' he said. He was always affectionate towards him and always encouraged him, Stalin said and added though his brother was no more he would always live in people's hearts through art, songs, and music. PTI JSP ROH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
MK Muthu, eldest son of Karunanidhi, passes away at 77
Chennai: M. K. Muthu, the eldest son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, passed away on Saturday morning due to age-related ailments. He was 77. Muthu, who had been unwell for the past several days, breathed his last around 8 a.m. at his residence in Chennai. He was the elder brother of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Following the demise, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) cancelled all official events scheduled for the day. His body will be kept for public homage at the Gopalapuram residence of his father, Karunanidhi. Born to Karunanidhi and his first wife, Padmavathi, Muthu was a multi-faceted personality who made significant contributions to Tamil cinema and music before stepping into politics. He made his acting debut in 1972 with Pillaiyo Pillai, where he played a dual role, and later starred in films such as Pookkari, Anayaa Vilakku, and Ellam Avale. His on-screen charisma and physical resemblance to M.G. Ramachandran, the legendary actor and former Chief Minister, earned him considerable popularity. In addition to his acting career, Muthu also lent his voice as a playback singer. His song Uyarndha Idathila Pirandhavan Naan from the film Anayaa Vilakku, shot at the Anna Nagar Clock Tower in Chennai, remains a cult classic among Tamil film music enthusiasts. Muthu's association with the Dravidian movement began early, deeply influenced by his father Karunanidhi's political legacy. Though his foray into politics was brief, he continued to remain a part of the Dravidian ideological space throughout his life. Chief Minister Stalin paid tribute to his elder brother in person and also expressed his grief through an emotional post on social media. "The news of the passing of my beloved elder brother, MK Muthu, the eldest son of our family's pillar Kalaignar, has struck me like lightning. He loved me as much as our parents did. I am deeply pained by the loss of someone so close to my heart," CM Stalin wrote on his official 'X' handle. He recalled that Karunanidhi had named Muthu after their grandfather Muthuveeran. "Like our father, Muthu contributed to the Dravidian movement through theatre from a young age. He had a unique style in acting, dialogue delivery, and body language. It was this passion that drew him into cinema in the 1970s," CM Stalin added.
