Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj (b. 1953)
Top Tamil director once declared by MGR to be his cinematic heir. Dropped out of colleges in Coimbatore; was a rickshaw puller and a circus clown in Kakinada. In Madras, became assistant to G. Ramakrishna and Bharathirajaa, débuting in the latter’s films as actor (first major role in Puthiya Varpugal) and scenarist (Kizhakke Pokum Rayil, Sigappu Rojakkal, both 1978; Niram Maratha Pookal, 1979; Oru Kaithiyin Diary, 1985) originally starring Kamalahasan. Directorial début with the hit Suvar Illatha Chitrangal established a distinctive style, with the director usually playing the comic underdog in rural dramas, often with a comic sidekick who undermines his pretensions to heroism. Also scored some of his films. Several were remade in Hindi, often by Bapu: (e.g. Andha 7 Natkal remade as Woh Saat Din, 1983; Thooral Ninnu Pochu as Mohabbat, 1985). Other remakes include Mundhanai Mudichu as K. Raghavendra Rao’s Masterji (1985) and Enga Chinna Raja as Indra Kumar’s 90s hit Beta (1992). Bhagyaraj’s big- budget Hindi Bachchan? film Aakhri Raasta is a remake of Oru Kaithiyin Diary (1984). Made an abortive effort to enter politics (1989). Married Hindi/Tamil? actress Poornima Jayaram. Edits and publishes the tabloid journal Bhagya.
FILMOGRAPHY (* only act): 1979: Puthiya Varpugal*; Kanni Paruvathinile*; Suvar Illatha Chitrangal; 1980: Bhama Rukmini*; Kumari Pennin Ullathiley*; Oru Kai Osai; 1981: Mouna Geethangal; Indru Poyi Nalai Vaa; Veediyum Varai Kathiru; Andha Ezhu Natkal; 1982: Thooral Ninnu Pochu; Darling Darling Darling; Poyi Satchi; 1983: Mundhanai Mudichu; Thavani Kanavukal; 1984: Oomai Janangal*; Mayadari Mogudu; 1985: Chinna Veedu; Chithirame Chithirame; Aakhri Raasta; Naan Sigappu Manithan*; 1987: Enga Chinna Rasa; 1988: Vaddante Pelli; Idu Namma Alu*; 1989: Araro Ariraro; 1990: Avasara Police 100; Sundara Kandam; 1991: Pavunnu Pavanuthan; Rudra*; 1992: Ammavandachu*; Rasakutty; 1993: Veetile Visheshanga; 1995: Oru Oorile Oru Rajakumari.