Makkal Thilagam and Superstar
Apart from stark contrast between MGR and Rajini in certain qualities and way of approaching things in life, many don’t know that they share lots of similarties both in 'real' and 'reel' life.
That is because they are true thalaivars accepted by people not forced to accept.
Just wish to remind you what makes a LEADER….from a lyric in ‘Petraal thaan Pillaiya’
கருணை இருந்தால் வள்ளல் ஆகலாம்;
கடமை இருந்தால் வீரன் ஆகலாம்;
பொறுமை இருந்தால் மனிதன் ஆகலாம்;
இந்த மூன்றும் இருந்தால் 'தலைவன்' ஆகலாம்!
Why the comparison?Some of you may be uncomfortable with this comparison. But nowadays some donkeys too claim themselves as MGR and misusing his name and fame for their popularity and advantage. What wrong if he is compared with our thalaivar who have millions and millions of fans across the globe and earned good will from people by his hardwork?
Before diving into the core matter, I wish to list out a comparison between MGR and Superstar. One of our friends has said in the comments in earlier post that MGR films too including Nadodi Mannan and Adimai Penn generate such similar response like Baasha is generating in re-releases. I agree that and I don’t want to degrade the legend called MGR. At the same time you should keep in mind that those films has not been telecasted in any satellite channels so far and the channel rights has not been given to anyone. So, it is natural that it generates such a crowd. Just imagine what would be the crowd today in these Baasha theatres if you have not seen them in any channels after you watched the film during 1995?
If Rickshawkaran is for MGR, Baasha is for Superstar. You should keep in mind that both of the movies were from Sathya Movies, Rm.Veerappan. And both were historical hits which revolutionized box office and turned all time favourites of many fans of both the legends. We witnessed a new dimension in Superstar’s style and action in Baasha and MGR got rave reviews for his performance in Rickshakararn. Why he even got National Award for the film! (Angae Siripavargal sirikattum song from Rickshawkaran is one of my all time favourite!!)
The support of working class
Both of the leaders are icons among several working class people in the state.
They projected themselves as supporters of labourers and workers in many of their films.
In Rickshawkaran MGR was an honest rickshawala where in Baasha Superstar was a dutiful auto driver. Rickshakaran was responsible for MGR’s name and fame among Rickshawalas in the state where Baasha was responsible for Superstar’s name and fame with auto drivers. Both belong to working class and form a considerable percentage in vote bank. Even now you could see MGR’s pictures in most rickshaws and Superstar’s quotes and pictures in most autos. Even bfore Baasha many auto drivers were Superstar fans alone. I could see a number of autos in Chennai now with Kuselan and Robot names printed on the canvas and wishing them all success.
(* The above pictures are from Rickshawkaran and Baasha respectively.)
Do you know?
And another important similarity – which some of you may not know: After MGR films it is only Rajini films that enjoys immense popularity and receive warm welcome among Srilankan Tamil population spread across the globe.
Similarity in appearance too...
During Sivaji shooting days, When i first heard that Shankar is making a spoof song with a look of MGR for Superstar. I wondered how Shankar is going to show thalaivar as MGR. But when i saw the movie, i was awestruck and spell bound as Superstar almost matched MGR's look. (I feel so!) Just look at the picture beside from Sivaji spoof song from MGR's Rickshawkaran. Could you imagine any other actor here with so much perfect look as that of MGR's? Even though it is makeover magic, it is not possible for all. Because that is divine blessing!!
Am telling all these just because i (many) consider that Superstar is another MGR and he will be the second actor to capture throne from filmdom.(Thalaivaa, ellam readiya irukku…just kodi nada vaendiyadhu thaan baaki…seekiram vaanga thalaiva…seekiram vaanga…)
Another auto with sensational wordings
Just last week too I came across an auto in Chennai with stunning wordings printed in it. As usual I requested the driver to pause for moment and clicked it. Just see the below photo and wordings in it. Just click and zoom the photograph and READ the WORDINGS with Baba mudhra in top canvas please.
Really heartening wordings…isn’t it?
I already presented you sometimes back a small article about a Chennai auto driver who is a Superstar fan with his distinct auto carrying social message. (Those who missed kindly check the below link)
http://onlysuperstar.blogspot.com/2008/03/robot-varudhu-oram-po-distinct-fan-auto.html
Note: Pls do tell me about this post and give your opinion whether you like it or not…if it gets good and majority reception, will try to bring such 'MGR-Superstar similarities' once in a month. That will throw some light and bring you interesting and common anecdotes in both of their life.
