அம்பாள் என்றைக்கடா பேசியிருக்கிறாள்…!
Sivaji Ganesan, born Villupuram Chinnaiya Manrayar Ganesamoorthy, rose to legendary status in Tamil cinema with his debut in Parasakthi (1952), a film that redefined his career and the industry’s landscape. A masterful stage actor, Ganesan was renowned for his ability to memorize lengthy dialogues with ease. His captivating performances in plays such as En Thangai and as Nur Jahan in Sakthi Nadaga Sabha caught the eye of film distributor P.A. Perumal Mudaliar of National Pictures. Perumal, determined to adapt Pavalar Balasundaram’s socially charged play Parasakthi into a film, recognized Ganesan’s extraordinary talent and cast him as the lead character, Gunasekaran. Supported by A.V. Meiyappan of AVM Productions, Perumal facilitated Ganesan’s transition to cinema by arranging a flight for his screen test in Madras in 1950, marking the beginning of his cinematic journey.
During the initial filming of Parasakthi, after 2,000 feet of footage was shot, Meiyappan and directors Krishnan-Panju expressed concerns about Ganesan’s lean physique, believing it unsuitable for the role. They pushed to recast the part with K.R. Ramasamy, a more established actor at the time. Perumal, however, remained unwavering in his belief in Ganesan’s potential and refused to replace him, even halting production temporarily to ensure Ganesan stayed on. This decision proved pivotal, as Ganesan’s performance in the film became a defining moment in Tamil cinema.
Scripted by M. Karunanidhi, Parasakthi was a bold, satirical drama addressing social injustices, with powerful dialogues that resonated deeply with audiences. Ganesan’s commanding portrayal, particularly in the iconic courtroom scene, enthralled viewers, establishing him as an instant star. The film ran for over 175 days, becoming a cultural and commercial milestone. Its success not only launched Ganesan’s illustrious career, spanning over 250 films, but also amplified the Dravidian movement’s influence through cinema. Ganesan earned the title “Nadigar Thilagam” (Pride of Actors) for his unparalleled acting prowess. A memorial at AVM Studios, inaugurated in 2002, commemorates his iconic first line, “Success,” symbolizing his triumphant entry into Tamil cinema and his lasting legacy.
