| | 4 | 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. |