As we have fun his centenary 12 months, we take a deep dive into Gemini Ganesan’s filmography and handpick 5 out of the 200-odd movies he has acted in
In a profession unfold throughout many years, legendary actor Gemini Ganesan has delivered to life myriad characters and has labored with a spread of actors. Often known as the ‘Kaadhal Mannan’ of Tamil cinema, the actor was principally related to the soft-spoken, romantic-at-heart characters that noticed him working along with his finest on-screen pair, Savitri. Listed here are a few of his most interesting performances over time.
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Kalathur Kannamma (1959)
Kamal Haasan and Savitri from ‘Kalathur Kannamma’
| Photograph Credit score:
The Hindu Archives
A movie, extra recognized for being a launchpad for Kamal Haasan, was the one which introduced out one of the best efficiency of the enduring duo, Gemini and Savitri. They play a pair separated by class distinction and the circumstances through which their son (performed by a cuddly Kamal) finds himself. It shouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it was Kamal’s Selvam that stole the thunder away from Gemini and Savitri. In reality, the movie is extra well-liked for ‘Ammavum Neeye’ tune, which was Kamal’s introduction within the movie.
Directed by the legendary filmmaker A Bhimsingh, who introduced out one of the best from each Sivaji and Gemini, you could possibly say Kalathur Kannamma was a healthful household drama and was massively profitable on the field workplace and received a number of Nationwide Awards.
Kalyana Parisu (1959)
It marked the directorial debut of CV Sridhar, who went on to make a number of memorable classics with Chitralaya Gopu, who labored as an affiliate author on this movie. Kalyana Parisu explored a triangular love story of two sisters falling for a similar man, performed by Gemini Ganesan, and the way that impacts their relationship. Upon its launch, the movie opened to optimistic opinions from critics and audiences alike and was a serious success on the field workplace, successful the Nationwide Award for Greatest Characteristic Movie in Tamil. As a result of its reputation, the movie was remade in Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam.
Parthiban Kanavu (1960)
Vyjayanthimala and Gemini Ganesan in ‘Parthiban Kanavu’
| Photograph Credit score:
The Hindu Archives
A historic drama, the movie relies on Tamil writer Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel of the identical title, and is a sequel to his personal Sivagamiyin Sabatham. Gemini essayed the function of Vikraman, the Chola prince, who’s on a quest to fulfil his father’s dream of getting independence from Pallavas. Made on a lavish funds, Parthiban Kanavu had an ensemble forged together with SV Ranga Rao, TS Balaiah, Vyjanthimala, Ragini and Saroja Devi.
Directed by D Yoganand, the movie was launched in three languages and was a box-office flop, regardless of raving opinions. A few of the different well-liked Gemini’s movies it’s worthwhile to try are Karpagam, Shanthi Nilayam, Kanavane Kankanda Deivam and Then Nilavu. The title of the 2003 household drama, directed by Karu Pazhaniappan, was an ode to this movie.
Naan Avan Illai (1974)
The movie offers with a heartthrob (who’s a womaniser) who charms girls beneath disguise and marries them. He’s taken to courtroom, the place he has to defend himself and therefore, the title. Directed by Ok Balachander, the movie was tailored from a Marathi play, in keeping with Wikipedia. Balachander gave a unique dimension to Gemini, who was principally related to smooth, taking part in romantic-at-heart characters, and the movie had the meat for Gemini to show his appearing prowess.
Finally, Naan Avan Ilai grew to become a hit on the field workplace. Fascinating trivia: Kamal Haasan performed a cameo function earlier than he obtained his full-fledged hero function in Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal. Naan Avan Illai was remade in Tamil in 2007 with actor Jeeva reprising the function performed by Gemini.
Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (1988)
Kamal Haasan and Gemini Ganesan from ‘Unnal Mudiyum Thambi’
| Photograph Credit score:
Special Arrangement
When two powerhouse performers work collectively, you anticipate sparks to fly and that’s what occurred in Unnal Mudiyum Thambi, a remake of the Telugu social drama Rudraveena, directed by Ok Balachander. Gemini Ganesan went on to work along with his Kalathur Kannamma baby Kamal Haasan in a movie that explored the ideological conflict between a legendary but conservative singer Bilhari Marthandam Pillai (Gemini Ganesan) and his social activist son, Udhayamoorthy (Kamal Haasan).
The movie has a number of confrontational scenes between the daddy and son. For sure, the duo was in high kind, particularly Gemini who received over the viewers within the endearing climax. Regardless of its hard-hitting storyline and energy packed performances, the movie is thought for its songs by Ilaiyaraaja, significantly the tune ‘Punjai Undu’ sung by the late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. Gemini’s different notable work within the later stage of his profession embrace Avvai Shanmughi, Mettukudi and Thodarum.
