Kalaignar and his family connection with Kollywood

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Kalaignar’s family connection with the Kollywood cannot be refuted. Beginning with Kalaignar who has written screenplay for the movies Rajakumari, Abhimanyu, Mandiri Kumari, Marutha Naattu Ilavarasi, Manamagan, Devaki, Parasakthi, Panam, Thirumbipaar, Naam, Manohara, Ammaiappan, Malai Kallan, Rangoon Radha, RajaRani, Puthaiyal, Pudhumai Pithan, Ellorum Innattu Mannar, Kuravanchi, Thayillapillai, Kanchi Thalaivan, Poompuhar, Poomalai, Mani Makudam, Marakka Mudiyuma, Avan Pithana, Pookkari, Needhikku Thandanai, Paalaivana Rojakkal, Pasa Paravaikal, Padadha Theneekkal, Niyaya Tharasu and many more numbering more than seventy. Recently he had written the screenplay for Uliyin Osai which was a super hit in the box office.
His son M K Stalin also did a small stint in the entertainment field by acting in a teleserial in 1980s which was telecast by Doordarshan. His son Udayanidhi forayed into Kollywood by becoming a producer. He produced Kuruvi starring Vijay and Trisha under the banner Red Giant Movies. M K Muthu another son of Kalaignar took up acting when MGR poised a threat to DMK party. Muthu was launched under their own production, in Anjugam pictures Pillaiyo pillai produced by Murasoli selvam and directed by the famous Krishnan Panju, long time associates of Karunanidhi. In October 1971, MGR came and attended the muhurat of P.Pillai in AVM studios, knowing very well the intentions of his arch rival M.Karunanidhi had planned for his son. But Muthu could not survive. He had acted in a couple of films and went into exile.
After 20 years he is now back as a play back singer. He has rendered his voice for a song in the film ‘Mattu Thavani’, directed by Pavitharan. Deva has composed the music for this film. Muthu will also be doing a father’s role in a film to be directed Rajeshwar. Pillayo Pillai, Samayalkaran, Anayavilaku and Pookari were among the films in which he played the lead roles. He had also sung a few numbers in his films. K Muthu’s son Arivunidhi has also jumped into Kollywood by rendering a song in the film Perumal starring Sundar C and Namitha. Arivunidhi and S. Janaki sang Kadhal Vaibogame from yesteryear hit Suvarillatha Chittirangal with all fervor. This song is yet another remix by Srikanth Deva, who is giving a new direction to the remix trend in Tamil film.
The last to follow the footsteps of the elders of the family, is Dayanidhi Azhagiri, grandson of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and son M K Azhagiri. He has acquired the release rights of Vaaranam Aayiram. He has started a production company ‘Cloud Nine Movies’, which has bought the movie for a hefty sum.