Throwback Thursday – M.R. Radha the Nadigavel and first satirist of Tamil cinema

M.R. Radha is one name that he stood the test of time to be remembered and referred to even in this digital age.  There are so many social activists and satirists on the internet today but it is no exaggeration to call Radha the father of expressing ideologies through the visual medium and art.  Whether playing the comedian, the villain or a character in any genre movie one can watch out for and enjoy more than a dig at contemporay politics that did not stop with the politician but also extended to the common man who welcomed it.

As far as his acting is concerned he had an easy and casual approach and of course  his unique sing song modulation became his signature.  Old timers loved him because he never feared anyone ruling or otherwise when expressing his views and legend has it Radha did not even spare his very close friends when they erred. The Nadigavel was  the most vociferous propogandist for the atheism doctrine of Thanthai Periyaar and he did it without even ever becoming a member of the Dravida Kazhagam.

‘Ratha Kanneer’, ‘Paava Manippu’, ‘Bale Pandiya’ and ‘En Kadamai’ are just a few films in his celebrated career in which Radha overshadowed the star power of Sivaji and MGR.  Radha is famous for his multiple marriages and his life was not without controversy as the episode of his shooting MGR at point blank range is well documented.

The legacy of M.R.Radha is carried on by his children Radha Ravi, Radhika and Nirosha in tinsel town and the legend will always be remembered for his courage in taking on the powerful as well as his spot on social commentary.