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Thread: Introducing Sivaji Ganesan to the younger generation

  1. #91
    Senior Member Diamond Hubber groucho070's Avatar
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    For those who don't know, Sivaji playing Sivaji here (see previous page), based on (Aringar) Annadhurai's dialogue (thanks for the info Gopal,S), which was part of a bigger Stage Drama. Sivaji who was just actor Ganesan back then appeared as Sivaji in that drama and a very impressed PeriyAr gave Ganesan the title Sivaji. And the title stuck. This small scene was part of a film called Raman Ettanai Ramanadi.

    Interesting part of the movie is, this play apart, is that NT plays an actor after the second half and we get to see snippets of his films prior to this film.
    Last edited by groucho070; 24th May 2012 at 01:42 PM.
    " நல்ல படம் , சுமாரான படம் என்பதையெல்லாம் தாண்டியவர் நடிகர் திலகம் . சிவாஜி படம் தோற்கலாம் ..சிவாஜி தோற்பதில்லை." - Joe Milton.

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  3. #92
    Senior Member Diamond Hubber groucho070's Avatar
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    A very interesting and clear article on how Sivaji's acting may appear "overboard". (credit to the authors)

    http://www.behindwoods.com/features/...ndex-ss-4.html

    Rajini & Kamal looked upto him for style!

    Overacting has been one thing that the legend of Tamil cinema has been often accused of. Even you might have heard such a thing from someone or might have even thought so yourself. It is not really surprising that many of today’s youngsters and those accustomed to new age cinema find Sivaji Ganesan as one who went overboard with his expressions. It is a classical example of the generation gap, the present not being able to digest or accept what was considered great in the past. There can be no two opinions about the fact that Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan is a legend. But there are many who see chinks in that legacy. I believe it is a case of not being able to understand the great man and the times that he was part of.

    Coming from a theater background (he acquired the title Sivaji from theater), expressing in a very pronounced manner came naturally to him. Being subtle was not the flavor of those days and if you watch cinema of the early Sivaji era, you will see that what many call overacting now was the norm in those days. Cinema had not evolved

    enough to accommodate subtle expressions. It was more or less a theater setting with the camera being kept straight and the actors being asked to perform within the frame, the occasional close up shot being given for the expression of surprise, shock, romance or whatever. Even the dialogues were theatrical. All techniques like bottom and top angle cuts, lighting that suited the situation, precise make-up that enhance cinema so much were non-existent. Sivaji Ganesan began and for a large part, worked in such an era as an actor who excelled in emotional roles. He just kept along with his times.

    The greatness of Sivaji Ganesan comes to light when we look at the range of roles that he has done in his career and the range of styles that he adopted in each of his movies. Not many actors of our times have shown the courage that he has. To do a full fledged hateful negative role while you are still a leading hero takes a lot of confidence and Sivaji Ganesan showed that in Andha Naal. Actors of our times have shown a liking to the negative role, but not the totally despicable type. Even if they have, they have also chosen to have the security of playing a double role with one character being a do-gooder. Andha Naal had Sivaji Ganesan as a completely unscrupulous person who would not even stop short of treason to make money. His detractors (though few and oblivious of his greatness) should take a look at this performance. They also should take a look at Uthama Puthiran where one can see upon close observation, a striking similarity to Rajnikanth’s famous brisk walk. Then, there is that famous scene from Thiruvilayaadal where he runs towards the shore after slaying a shark, very similar to what Superstar does. Even Kamal once said in a function that actors of all ages have taken something out of Sivaji Ganesan’s book, be it style or acting skills. What Sivaji did so many years back is adopted and replicated by so many contemporary stars- a compliment to his greatness.

    And if any of you still doubt whether the great man was overdoing it, then take a look at some of his films in the 90s. Cinema had evolved and he had understood the change. His performance in Thevar Magan must count as one of the finest in Tamil cinema, please go back and see the scene where he and Kamal Haasan talk in the courtyard, discussing about the hotel that Kamal proposes to build in the city. Such performances can come only from an actor of brilliance of the highest order, only a true genius can adjust to changing times and Sivaji Ganesan was one.

    Once the famous journalist and cartoonist Madan was asked, ‘Who is the better actor, Marlon Brando or Sivaji Ganesan?’ He said, ‘Marlon Brando is an actor who delivers to perfection what the director asks of him but Sivaji Ganesan used to do more than just that, he used to analyze and add to the character and performance. So, Sivaji is greater.' Do we need to say more? Another interesting fact is that in a survey conducted long back it was found that Sivaji Ganesan had a greater female fan following than the great M.G.R. Not because he always did emotional family subjects, but because they liked his style. If anyone still feels that the great man did more than what was required of him, then they are in the clutches of ignorance. Perceptions change with time. What was right then need not necessarily be right now and what we celebrate as acts of genius today may be ridiculed upon tomorrow. Wonder how youngsters thirty years from now will react to the patent star mannerisms, intro songs and one liners that we enjoy so much at present. The greatness of Sivaji Ganesan must never be subject to scrutiny. Seldom do men like him grace the screen.
    " நல்ல படம் , சுமாரான படம் என்பதையெல்லாம் தாண்டியவர் நடிகர் திலகம் . சிவாஜி படம் தோற்கலாம் ..சிவாஜி தோற்பதில்லை." - Joe Milton.

  4. #93
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    Great article there. Btw Grouchy, read your piece on Ethiroli- Brilliant

  5. #94
    Moderator Platinum Hubber P_R's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by joe
    வரிகள் இங்கே http://www.eegai.com/art88-128-234-r..._dialogue.html
    வசனம் யாரென்று தெரியவில்லை ..ராகவேந்திரர் சார்ர் , முரளி சார் போன்ற பெருந்தலைகளுக்கு தெரியுமென நினைக்கிறேன்.
    Great to read.

    The varying rhythm for each fort
    மூவா? முதல்வா! இனியெம்மைச் சோரேலே

  6. #95
    Senior Member Seasoned Hubber RAGHAVENDRA's Avatar
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    Nadigar thilagam's films in televisions schedule for coming days

    (pls confirm with the channel schedule beforehand)


    palum pazhamum – j movies – 02.06.12 – 10 am
    thiyagam – j movies – 01.06.12 – 5 pm
    viduthalai – kalaignar tv – 01.06.2012 – 1.30 pm
    ooty varai uravu – 31.05.2012 – ktv – 1 pm
    sadhanai – 02.06.2012 – 8 pm – raj digital plus 

  7. #96
    Senior Member Diamond Hubber groucho070's Avatar
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    Thanks, Raghavendra-sir. The bold ones highly recommended.
    Quote Originally Posted by RAGHAVENDRA View Post
    Nadigar thilagam's films in televisions schedule for coming days

    (pls confirm with the channel schedule beforehand)


    palum pazhamum – j movies – 02.06.12 – 10 am
    thiyagam – j movies – 01.06.12 – 5 pm
    viduthalai – kalaignar tv – 01.06.2012 – 1.30 pm
    ooty varai uravu – 31.05.2012 – ktv – 1 pm
    sadhanai – 02.06.2012 – 8 pm – raj digital plus 
    The others has their own merits.
    Thiyagam = a very sarcastic, pessimistic NT, great music by Ilayaraja (Nallaverkellam Satchigal undu, ondru manasatchi, a song for everyone who feel frustrated)
    Viduthalai: Watch only for Rajini/NT chemistry.
    Sadhanai: NT never directed a film, but here he plays a movie director. Quite a negative role. Also fantastic songs from Ilayaraja.
    " நல்ல படம் , சுமாரான படம் என்பதையெல்லாம் தாண்டியவர் நடிகர் திலகம் . சிவாஜி படம் தோற்கலாம் ..சிவாஜி தோற்பதில்லை." - Joe Milton.

  8. #97
    Senior Member Diamond Hubber groucho070's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Arvind Srinivasan View Post
    Great article there. Btw Grouchy, read your piece on Ethiroli- Brilliant
    Just saw this, thanks for reading Arvind.
    " நல்ல படம் , சுமாரான படம் என்பதையெல்லாம் தாண்டியவர் நடிகர் திலகம் . சிவாஜி படம் தோற்கலாம் ..சிவாஜி தோற்பதில்லை." - Joe Milton.

  9. #98
    Senior Member Diamond Hubber groucho070's Avatar
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    A text book chapter on acting...and scriptwriting...(and music, can't help it) Village masala-vAm


    " நல்ல படம் , சுமாரான படம் என்பதையெல்லாம் தாண்டியவர் நடிகர் திலகம் . சிவாஜி படம் தோற்கலாம் ..சிவாஜி தோற்பதில்லை." - Joe Milton.

  10. #99
    Administrator Platinum Hubber NOV's Avatar
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    A great article on Karnan by our own Murali Srinivas:

    http://www.behindwoods.com/features/...-28-06-12.html

    RE-EMERGENCE OF CLASSIC(S)
    By Behindwoods Visitor Murali T

    Age cannot wither! Nor Custom stale!

    One cannot be sure how far Cleopatra had fitted the bill for this Shakespearean exclamation but put it against our legend, it fits the Thespian answering to the name of Sivaji Ganesan to a T.

    The more you see the more you like! Each time something new strikes you and the nuances are aplenty to talk about. A decade had elapsed after his physical separation from us but the fascination for his films and his acting seems to grow day by day!

    Well if someone is left wondering where I am coming to, let me make it clear that all the above preludes point to one emerging fact - the warmth and reception that are being seen for the films of Sivaji Ganesan across the state of Tamilnadu. The digitalized version of Karnan has proved beyond doubt [if at all proof was needed] the undiminished Box office power of Nadigar Thilagam. The success story of Karnan is a fascinating tale to read about.

    Before that a small flash back. Much before Satellite Television entered our households which happened precisely some 19 years back [Sun TV started off in April 1993] there was this trend of re-releasing of old Tamil movies in theatres all over Tamilnadu. While there had been theatres which exclusively screened the re-releases, even the theatres which were normally screening new movies also used to be a host for re-releases once in a while. The advent of satellite channels slowly killed the re-release concept as the old movies were getting screen time on TVs. Then came a stage where it almost became next to nothing. Add to this the video revolution that happened 4-5 years ago. All classics in DVD/VCD format in crystal clear print were put on sale and that too at a throwaway price staring with Rs 30/- and this virtually killed the re-release market.

    Sivaji movies were the one that were affected most and as it has always been the case, it was badmouthed that his movies will not bring crowds. Except for a few films here and there it was total drought. Came 2010 and people deciding enough is enough arranged for the release of Puthiya Paravai at Shanthi in July and the resounding reception it got was an eye opener for many.

    People started looking out for more Sivaji movies but it was not an easy task. Reasons were manifold. As said earlier Satellite TV and cheap priced videos had extinguished the re-release flame and many distributors did not even renew their rights after the statutory period of 5 years and producers believing that there is no re-sale market did not bother to sell the rights and nor did they think about preserving the negatives. So film prints were too hard to find. But a few distributors dug deep to find out and one could see the likes of Thiruvarutselvar, Rajapart Rangadurai and Gowravam in theatres. Out of this Gowravam really struck gold and now the distributor circles were sitting up and watching.

    Meanwhile a distributor answering to the name of Chokkalingam running a distribution company called Divya Films had one dream to pursue and that was digitalizing the epic called Karnan and releasing it across Tamilnadu. It was easier said than done. The trials and tribulations that he had to undergo to realize his dream would itself be an epic tale to tell but that can wait for some other day. To cut a long story short, the movie was released on 16th March 2012 across 72 screens in Tamilnadu.

    What a reception the people of Tamilnadu gave ! The annual exams didn't matter ! The IPL matches didn't matter ! The new releases didn't matter ! All it mattered was families young and old flocked to the theatres screening Karnan and it was heartening to see the younger Software generations coming on their own and enjoying the movie to the hilt ! What attracted them? Is it Sivaji's majestic performance or the screen presence of the ensemble of star cast headed by NTR as Lord Krishna or the honey filled songs from the immortal duo of Viswanathan Ramamurthy or the grandeur of sets erected or the enjoyable dialogues by Sakthi Krishnaswamy or all these things put together splendidly by the producer Director B.R.Panthulu? While one cannot pinpoint one single reason it is fairly evident that the lion's share of making this film click goes to Sivaji.

    For the record, the film crossed 25 days in 24 screens, 50 days in 11 screens, 75 days in 3 screens and 100 days in 2 screens. Never in the history of 100 years of Indian cinema or 81 years of Tamil Cinema has any film done this. A movie released 48 years ago, having been re-released for God knows how many times, telecast in TV for n number of times and freely available in the video market, running to packed houses in multiplexes where the ticket price is anything upward from Rs 120/- is nothing but a Himalayan achievement that has stunned the cine world.

    As it always happens this has opened the floodgates and there are announcements galore that talk about many classics of Sivaji like Uthama Puthiran, Kattabomman, Puthiya Paravai, Thiruvilayadal, Thillana Mohananbal, to name a few, hitting the digital button. While one could not take all such announcements at face value, the very thought of seeing this in digital version gives one goosebumps.

    While we savor the nostalgic taste of Karnan's sweet victory let us get ready to welcome the other goldies!



    Regards,

    Murali.

    PS: Contrary to media induced belief that Karnan did not do well in its first release, it indeed was a successful film completing 100 days in 3 theatres in Chennai and most importantly at Madurai -Thangam, the biggest of South East Asia.


    Murali T
    t.murali.t@gmail.com
    Never argue with a fool or he will drag you down to his level and beat you at it through sheer experience!

  11. #100
    Administrator Platinum Hubber NOV's Avatar
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    Without doubt, Thillaana Mohanambal must be the next movie to be re-released after the great success of Karnan....

    Never argue with a fool or he will drag you down to his level and beat you at it through sheer experience!

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