Yesteryear classics being coloured, restored and re-released for the viewing delights of the old and new audience have become the latest trend in K’town! When producers aren’t quite sure about the commercial success of today’s films, it looks like these evergreen films collect a sizeable amount of money for them to be taking recourse to old hits.
After timeless classics like Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959), Paasamalar (1961), Thiruvilayadal (1965), Vasantha Maaligai (1972), Ninaithaale Inikkum (1979) and Karnan (1964), MG Ramachandran’s blockbuster Rickshawkaran (1971), starring Manjula and Padmini, is all set to be digitally-restored by P Mani and T K Krishnakumar of Kwality Cinema and K Ramu of Film Vision.
Some stories never lose their charm and Rickshawkaran, directed by N Krishnan Nair and produced by Sathya Movies, is one such. It was chosen for a re-release because it was a massive hit then. For some, it’s the screen presence and the powerful dialogue of MGR and for the rest, it’s the charm of watching an epic! Whether he’s dead or alive, MGR continues to live in our hearts.
For instance, Karnan, which was re-released in 2012, saw a good run, around 125 days at the box-office and Aayirathil Oruvan (1965) was released in 120 screens across the State in 2013.
Krishnakumar, who’s struck by the intensity of love MGR fans still have for him, tells us, “I am not from movie background, I am an ardent fan of MGR. There is only one hero ever and that is him.”
Rickshawkaran is very close to Krishnakumar’s heart. According to KK, MGR’s films highlighted social issues, striking a chord with the audience. As we’re nearing the centenary year of the politician-turned actor, we’re doing this as a tribute to him, he added and continued to share, “There’s always good audience for such hits. These initiatives benefit the younger generation a lot also. I am excited to digitise the whole movie with better sound quality.”
We hear that Rickshawkaran will be re-released on 100 screens in Tamil Nadu in September. The trailer is being launched on August 21 at Devi Paradise, the same venue where the film was released 47 years ago.