Remembering CV Sridhar, the iconoclastic filmmaker on his 8th death anniversary

On his 8th death anniversary, it is worth reminiscing some of the iconic scenes from Sridhar's films. Here's a brief history on the iconoclastic filmmaker, and some much-hailed films.

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Remembering CV Sridhar on his death anniversary
Remembering CV Sridhar on his death anniversary

Tamil cinema is incomplete without the contributions of this man, who gave terrific stories, visually. CV Sridhar, in all his films, had the perfect blend of stars, melodrama and melodious songs.

Sridhar, whose career spanned over four decades, has always been lauded for understanding the pulse of the audience and creating movies catering to the common man. Sridhar was a prolific writer. However, the critics raved about his effort in visuals, a style which was pioneered by the great Satyajit Ray. Sridhar is known for his association with his friend Gopu, who started his career as an associate writer. The duo have given some classics such as Kadhalikka Neramillai, Galatta Kalyanam, Nenjil Oru Aalayam and Kasethan Kadavulada.

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To some levels, Sridhar was probably the first director to introduce the concept of what today's called as 'commercial cinema'.

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On his 8th death anniversary, it is worth reminiscing some of the iconic scenes from Sridhar's films.We give you some much-hailed films.

Nenjil Or Aalayam (1962):

The film revolves around a young woman Seetha, her husband Venu and Dr Murali, who was Seetha's ex-lover. A few years later, Venu contracts cancer and Seetha brings him to Chennai to meet a cancer specialist who, to her dismay, is revealed to be Murali. Realising that something is fishy about Seetha, Venu gives her the freedom to marry Murali after his death. The film was an out-and-out money spinner at the box office and became a trendsetter for both fast-paced filmmaking and triangular love stories. The newness in storytelling was well-received and Sridhar was lauded for the same.

Kadhalikka Neramillai (1964):

Over the years, the film has earned a cult among fans and hailed as a trendsetting comedy. Nagesh plays an intrepid filmmaker in the film. The scene where Chellappa (Nagesh) narrates the plot of a horror story to his father Viswanathan (TS Balaiah), is considered to one of the masterpieces in the history of Tamil cinema. Apart from a solid casting which includes Muthuraman, Jayachandran, Nagesh, TS Balaiah and Kanchana, Kadhalikka Neramillai was widely appreciated for its rib-tickling comedy tracks with nagesh and of course, how can one miss the songs Viswanathan Velai Vendum and Naalaam Naalaam.

Sivantha Mann (1969):

The film had an ensemble cast Sivaji Ganesan, Kanchana, MN Nambiar, Muthuraman, Nagesh and SV Ranga Rao in pivotal roles. The film was made on a lavish budget and was shot in exotic locations. However, it incurred heavy loss to the producers. Sivantha Mann is still touted to be one of Sridhar's classic.

Utharavindri Ulle Vaa (1971):

Before Todd Phillips' Hangover, it was Chitralaya Gopu's Utharavindri Ulle Vaa. Unlike most of today's cheap rib-ticklers, Utharavindri Ulle Vaa was unique in its own way. The comedy track between Raju (Nagesh) and Andal, a amnesiac and Raju's Lover is one of Nagesh's finest performances.

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Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu (1978):

Written by Sridhar himself, the film was a rage when it hit the screens. It had today's superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in the lead. Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu had a 175-day run at the box office. Sridhar proved that a film can be told without a comedy track and a separate villain. The songs Ennadi Meenakshi and Thanni Karuthirichi were smash hits at that time.