MG Ramachandran-starrer Historical Folklore Salivahanan Completes 79 Years Of Its Release

MG Ramachandran, affectionately known as Puratchi Thalaivar (revolutionary leader), remains one of the most prominent figures in the Tamil film industry. He not only won the hearts of audiences with his stellar performances but also elevated Tamil cinema to unprecedented heights. His films, often colossal crowd-pullers, routinely enjoyed extensive theatrical runs, some lasting over 100 days. Among his notable works is the 1945 hit film Salivahanan, directed by BN Rao, which recently commemorated its 79th anniversary on February 16.

Though Salivahanan did not feature MGR in the titular role, it remains a significant milestone in his career. The film, starring Ranjan, MG Ramachandran, TR Rajakumar and KLV Vasantha, received resounding acclaim from audiences.

Based on the eponymous folktale, Salivahanan narrates the story of a king born into a family of potters. According to legend, his mother’s pregnancy was attributed to divine intervention. However, upon seeking refuge with potters after being exiled from the kingdom, Salivahanan is born. In the film, Ranjan portrays the character of Salivahanan, while MGR takes on the role of Vikramaditya, a king and the film’s antagonist. The narrative unfolds as Salivahanan falls in love with Princess Chandralekha, played by TR Rajakumari, leading to a climactic sword fight between Salivahanan and Vikramaditya for the kingdom’s throne. Ultimately, Salivahanan emerges victorious and ascends the throne.

An intriguing anecdote from the set of Salivahanan recalls a moment during the filming of a sword fight between Ranjan and Ramachandran. Allegedly, Ramachandran expressed concerns to the director regarding Ranjan’s overly realistic fencing techniques, fearing potential injury.

Produced under the banner of Bhasker Pictures, the film featured music by Nagercoil K. Mahadevan.

Despite his towering success, MGR continued to delight audiences with numerous films, often managing a packed schedule to avoid conflicting release dates. However, his illustrious career was tragically cut short with his passing in 1987 at the age of 70. Yet, his legacy endures, immortalised through his iconic contributions to Tamil cinema.