R. Padmanabhan (b. 1896)
One of the pioneer Tamil producer-directors. Son of a Sivagangai-based lawyer, entered films as distributor (1926) of Indian and imported films and retailer of cinema equipment. Set up the Madras-based Associated Films Studio (1928) with financial support from K.S. Venkatramani Iyer (fatherin- law of K. Subramanyam). The studio’s early work includes Raja Sandow’s first films. In the silent era, run by technicians imported from Bombay, it was the biggest South Indian production centre after General Pics. With the coming of sound, Padmanabhan first returned to distribution; then director for Oriental Films, a partnership involving Ramalinga Mudaliar.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1935: Maya Bazaar; Dhruva; Nalla Thangal; Subhadra Haran; 1936: Nalayini; Garuda Garvabhangam; 1937: Setu Bandhanam; Asai; 1940: Meenakshi Kalyanam; 1941: Maya Jyothi; Appothi Adigal; 1943: Devakanya; 1945: Bhakta Kalathi; 1946: Setu Bandhanam; Sakata Yogam; 1949: Raksharekha; 1952: Kumari; Rajeshwari; 1955: Ellam Inbamayam; 1962: Indra En Selvam.