A. V. Meiyappan

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A. V. Meiyappan
Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
Years active1934–1973
Spouses
  • Alamelu Meiyappan
  • Rajeswari Meiyappan[1]
ChildrenM. Palaniappan
Lakshmi
Valli
Saraswathi Valliappan
Muthu
Rukmani
M. Murugan
M. Kumaran
M. Saravanan
M. Balasubramanian
Meena Veerappan.

Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar (28 July 1907 – 12 August 1979), also known as A. V. Meiyappan, A. V. Meiyappa Chettiar or AVM, was an Indian film producer, director and philanthropist who established

Kollywood
(Tamil film industry) to run successfully for five decades and three generations.

AVM was born in

Bahar starring Vyjayanthimala
. By the time he died in 1979, he had produced 167 films.

Notable films produced by AVM Productions are

.

Early life

AVM was born in

Thoothukudi Govindachari Raghavachari.[2] Some of AVM's early productions were dramas on mythological subjects like Ramayanam.[4]

Early film career

With the dawn of the

talkies, AVM established the Saraswathi Sound Productions.[2] In 1935, AVM made his debut as a producer with the Tamil film Alli Arjuna which performed miserably at the box-office. His next venture Ratnavali was another failure. He then teamed up with Jayanthilal, a cinema house owner and promoted a new company, Pragati Pictures Ltd.[2][4]

In 1938, AVM bought the rights for the Tamil remake of a

playback singing in the Tamil film industry.[4] Nandakumar was also one of the first Tamil movies to be shot on location as AVM leased the Club House off Mount Road in Chennai to shoot scenes without erecting sets.[2]

AVM started his own studios in 1940 and named it Pragathi Studios.[1] In the same year, AVM produced Bhookailas which became one of the most popular film versions of the Ramayana.[4][5] The film was made in Telugu, its lead actors were from Kannada cinema and it was directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni, a Mangalorean who had received his training in Bombay.[2] AVM's comedy flick Sabapathy(1941) starring T.R. Ramachandran, K. Sarangapani and Kali N. Ratnam was a runaway hit[2][8] as also Poli Panchali, another comedy.[4] Sabapathy eventually emerged as one of the greatest comedy films of the era. He followed this with another hit En Manaivi.[2]

In 1943, he produced the film Harischandra in

Karaikkudi to ensure good quality.[2]

AVM Productions

Logo of AVM Productions in its early days

On 14 November 1945, riding on the phenomenal success of his first few films, AVM established his new production company, AVM Productions at Santhome, Chennai.[1] He wanted to start his studio in Kodambakkam but was unable to, due to the acute power shortage during the Second World War.[1] Left with no other choice, AVM established his studio at his hometown of Karaikudi. AVM's first film under the banner of AVM Productions was Vedhala Ulagam.[1]

In 1947, AVM produced the film

Jeevitham (1949) in Telugu[12] and Bahar in Hindi. With the success of Vazhkai, AVM Productions began to produce films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and even Sinhalese.[1] Following India's independence, the power shortages had been met and AVM studios shifted to the sprawling location in Kodambakkam chosen by AVM, in the year 1948.[1]

The 1950s

The decade of the 1950s was a honeymoon period for AVM Productions which turned out a series of hits. The early years were marked by AVM's attempts to conquer the

Hindi film industry
.

In 1952, AVM's Tamil film Parasakthi released in theatres all over

Sivaji also starred in AVM's next Tamil film

Rashomon
.

In 1953, AVM produced the Kannada film Jatakaphala which was dubbed into

Bhookailas in Telugu,[21] which triggered the "golden age of Telugu cinema".[21] It was subsequently remade as Bhakta Ravana in Tamil and Bhakti Mahima in Hindi.[22]

The 1960s

In 1961, AVM produced the Telugu film Papa Pariharam[23] which was a remake of the Tamil film Pavamanippu[24] which released in the same year. Both were directed by eminent director A. Bhimsingh and starred Shivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri and Devika. Like most of AVM's early films, Pavamanippu too had a storyline based on the Second World War.

Kalathur Kannamma in 1960 saw the introduction of another star in Tamil cinema, the thespian Kamal Haasan[25][26] who played an unforgettable supporting role as a young orphan. He was barely six years old at the time.[26]

His next Tamil venture Server Sundaram (1964) featuring Nagesh, who was a budding comedian then and debutant Major Sundarrajan was a roaring success. Server Sundaram was one of Nagesh's early hits which set the pace for an illustrious career.[27] It also launched Major Sundarrajan as a character actor in the Tamil film industry.[28] Sundarrajan's second hit, Major Chandrakanth where his famous portrayal of title role earned him the screen name "Major" Sundarrajan was also produced by AVM.[4]

Pavithra Prema, Penchina Prema, Naadi Aada Janme, Chitti Chellelu, Letha Manasulu and Mooga Nomu were some good Telugu films which were produced by AVM during the period. However, AVM's greatest success of the 1960s was Bhakta Prahalada which was produced in Telugu and subsequently dubbed into Tamil and Hindi. The film was based on the story of Narasimha Avatar from Hindu mythology. It was directed by Chitrapu Narayana Murthy and starred S. V. Ranga Rao as Hiranyakasyapu and Baby Rojaramani as Prahlada.[29] Narayanmurthy had earlier directed a black-and-white version of Bhakta Prahlada in 1942 which had failed at the box-office.[29] However, the colour version which was produced a quarter of a century later under the banner of AVM Productions was a resounding success. Of the 10 different filmised versions of the Prahlada story, the 1967 colour version remains the most famous and remembered.[29]

Another successful film by AVM in the 1960s was the 1966 film

Saroja Devi and Nagesh.[30] The film was a major success and the song Rajavin Paarvai topped the charts for a long time.[30] In 1970, AVM produced Enga Mama featuring Sivaji Ganesan. '"Enga Mama was a Tamil remake of the Hindi film Brahmachari produced by G. P. Sippy
and performed moderately at the box-office.

Films in Hindi

From the initial phase of his career, AVM was associated with a number of producers and directors from North India. His 1938 film Nandakumar was the Tamil remake of a Marathi film. His 1940 film Bhookailas was directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni who had received his training in Bombay.

In 1951, AVM made his entry into the Hindi film industry with Bahar. Starring Vyjayanthimala, Karan Dewan, Pandari Bai, Pran, Om Prakash and Tabassum, it was a remake of the 1948 Tamil film Vazhkai. Apart from being AVM's first film in Hindi, it also marked the launch of Vyjayanthimala in the Hindi film industry. In 1954, he made Ladki, his second film in Hindi, with Vyjayanthimala again in the lead. Both these films were directed by M. V. Raman.

After enjoying moderate successes in his first two films in Hindi which went unnoticed, AVM ascended the heights of Bollywood with the third one Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke(1957). It was a children's film based on the theme of national integration and won him the prime minister's gold medal.[1]

After the phenomenal success of Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, AVM produced some good films like Bhai Bhai(1956), which was popular for the song Mera Naam Abdul Rehman sung by Kishore Kumar[31] and Miss Mary(1957), the dubbed version of the Tamil film Missiamma.[32] Bhabhi (1957) featured Balraj Sahni, Pandari Bai and Nanda, apart from comedian Jagdeep in his first romantic role.[33] Jagdeep also acted in other films produced by AVM as Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke and Barkha.[33]

The Hindi films Miss Mary, Bhakti Mahima and Bhakt Prahlad were dubbed versions of AVM's Tamil or Telugu hits.

The 1961 film Chhaya won Nirupa Roy the Filmfare Award for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role.[34] Other notable Hindi films made by AVM during the 1960s were Man Mauji, Main Chup Rahungi, Pooja Ke Phool and Mehrban.

AVM's last Hindi film was Jeene Ki Arzoo directed by Rajasekhar in 1981.

Family

The Family Of AV. Meiyappa Chettiar is a large one. He has 5 sons and 6 daughters born to his 2 wives Mrs Alamelu Meiyappan and Mrs Rajeswari Meiyappan

For Mrs Alamelu Meiyappan, who died in 1946, has 1 son and 5 daughters they are M. Palaniappan(late), Mrs Lakshmi(late), Mrs Valli (late), Mrs Saraswathi Valliappan (late), Mrs Muthu, Mrs Rukmani.

For Mrs Rajeswari Meiyappan, who died on 9 November 2008, has 4 sons and 1 daughter they are M. Murugan (late), M. Kumaran, M. Saravanan, M. Balasubramanian and daughter Mrs Meena Veerappan.

With dawn of the 1970s, production had slowed down considerably.

Jayalalithaa. In 1973, AVM produced his last film Jaise Ko Taisa
starring Jitendra in the lead role.

AVM did not produce any movies following Jeene Ki Arzoo in 1981. He spent his time on social activities and the charitable institutions he had built as well as looking after his massive business empire.

AVM died on 12 August 1979 at the age of 72. In 1980, as per AVM's last wishes, AVM Studios commenced film production under Meiyappan's sons A.V.M Kumaran and M. Saravanan, after a seven-year hiatus.[2][4]

Legacy

A. V. Meiyappan on a 2006 stamp of India

During a career spanning four decades, AVM had produced 167 movies in all.

Parasakthi, M. G. Ramachandran played the hero in Anbe Vaa, J. Jayalalithaa was the heroine in AVM's Major Chandrakanth and Akka Thamudu and N. T. Rama Rao starred in AVM's Jeevitham, Ramu and Bhookailas.[1] During his four decades in the Indian film industry, he also introduced actors as T. R. Mahalingam, Vyjayanthimala, Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan
and Major Sundarrajan, who later became top stars in Kollywood. But his greatest achievement is undoubtedly his massive business empire which comprises a production company, a cinema, a movie studio and a string of educational institutions and charities.

Of AVM's creations, AVM Productions is the most prominent. The production company is into its sixty-second year with three generations of the AVM family into the film production business. After AVM's death, the company passed into the hands of his sons M. Balasubramanian and

Rajnikanth and Shreya.[36] Made at enormous cost of Rs. 60 to 960 million (15 to 20 million dollars), it is the costliest Tamil film made to date and had earned a critical reception worldwide.[37] In recent times, AVM Productions has significant lessened film production making only one or two films a year.[32] Instead, the production house is concentrating on making tele serials and documentaries[32] Currently, Saravanan's son M. S. Guhan and Balasubramanian's son, B. Gurunath
are also into show business forming the family's third generation in the business.

In 1955, AVM won the president's gold medal for the Hindi film Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke.[1] In 2006, the Government of India issued a stamp commemorating the achievements of AVM. On the 24th death anniversary of Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar, in 2003, AVM Productions released a VCD on the life of its founder.[6] Starting with his early childhood in Karaikudi, the 2-hour long documentary told the story of AVM's entry into the film industry and his rise to greatness.

On 30 July 2006, in commemoration of AVM's centenary year, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, unveiled a statue of A. V. Meiyappan at the campus of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce.[38]

Philanthropy

Apart from his contributions to the growth of motion picture industry in Tamil Nadu, AVM has also donated extensively for charitable causes. The charitable activities of the AVM group were channelled through an organisation called AVM Charities established at Mylapore in Chennai. This trust has been managed by the descendants of AVM since his death in 1979. The AVM Charities had provided land for old age homes[39] and organising social events. The AVM family also owns a marriage hall, AVM Rajeswari Kalyana Mandapam which is generally rented for Hindu marriages.[40] This marriage hall is controlled by the AVM family through AVM Charities.[41] Following the astounding success of the 2007 Tamil film Sivaji, AVM Productions declared publicly that it would offer 25% of the revenues from the film as charity.[37]

The AVM Group owns a string of educational institutions all over Chennai. On 10 June 1963, AVM inaugurated Avichi High School in Virugambakkam in memory of his father Avichi Chettiar. The motive behind the founding was to provide good quality education to the poorer sections of society. Later, Avichi High School was upgraded to Avichi Higher Secondary School. A number of schools have been established since the creation of Avichi School. In 1994, AVM's son Kumaran established the Avichi High School for girls. This was followed by the establishment of AVM Rajeswari Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Virugambakkam in 1995. These schools which are run by the AVM Group as a part of AVM Charities are regarded as some of the best in Chennai.

Filmography

Year Film Cast Director Music Language Notes
1967 Ave Kallu Krishna, Kanchana A. C. Tirulokchandar Telugu Remake of Tamil Film 'Adhey Kangal'
Bhakta Prahalad S. V. Ranga Rao, Anjali Devi, Roja Ramani, M. Balamuralikrishna Chitrapu Narayana Rao Hindi Dubbed from Telugu Film 'Bhakta Prahlada'
Adhey Kangal Ravichandran, Kanchana A. C. Tirulokchandar Tamil
Mehrban Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Nutan A. Bhimsingh Hindi
Bhakta Prahlada S. V. Ranga Rao, Anjali Devi, Roja Ramani, M. Balamuralikrishna Chitrapu Narayana Rao Tamil Dubbed from Telugu Film 'Bhakta Prahlada'
Bhakta Prahlada S. V. Ranga Rao, Anjali Devi, Roja Ramani, M. Balamuralikrishna Telugu
1966 Major Chandrakanth
Jayalalitha, Major Sundarrajan
K. Balachandar
Tamil
Leta Manasulu Haranath, Jamuna, Kutty Padmini Krishnan–Panju Telugu Remake of Tamil Film 'Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum'
Ramu Gemini Ganesan, K. R. Vijaya, Master Rajkumar A. C. Tirulokchandar Tamil
Laadla Balraj Sahni, Nirupa Roy, Pandari Bai Krishnan–Panju Hindi Remake of Tamil Film 'Annai'
Anbe Vaa M. G. Ramachandran, B. Saroja Devi A. C. Tirulokchandar Tamil Only Film with M. G. R.
1965 Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum Jaishankar, Jamuna, Kutty Padmini Krishnan–Panju
Naadi Aada Janme N. T. Rama Rao, S. V. Ranga Rao, Savitri A. C. Tirulokchandar Telugu Remake of Tamil Film 'Naanum Oru Penn'
Kakkum Karangal
S. S. Rajendran, C. R. Vijayakumari, S. V. Ranga Rao, Sivakumar Tamil Debut Film for Sivakumar
1964 Server Sundaram Nagesh, R. Muthuraman, K. R. Vijaya Krishnan–Panju
Main Bhi Ladki Hoon Dharmendra, Meena Kumari, Balraj Sahni, Om Prakash A. C. Tirulokchandar Hindi Remake of Tamil Film 'Naanum Oru Penn'
Pooja Ke Phool Ashok Kumar, Dharmendra, Mala Sinha A. Bhimsingh
Pachai Vilakku
Sivaji Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran, Sowcar Janaki, C. R. Vijayakumari Tamil
1963 Penchina Prema P. Bhanumathi, S. V. Ranga Rao, Sowcar Janaki Krishnan–Panju Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Annai'
Naanum Oru Penn S. S. Rajendran, S. V. Ranga Rao, C. R. Vijayakumari A. C. Tirulokchandar Tamil
1962 Annai P. Bhanumathi, S. V. Ranga Rao, Sowcar Janaki Krishnan–Panju
Man Mauji
Kishore Kumar, Sadhana Hindi
Prajasakthi
C. L. Anandan, Sachu, E. V. Saroja A. C. Tirulokchandar Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Veerathirumagan'
Main Chup Rahungi Sunil Dutt, Meena Kumari A. Bhimsingh Hindi Remake of Tamil Film 'Kalathur Kannamma'
Veerathirumagan
C. L. Anandan, Sachu, E. V. Saroja A. C. Tirulokchandar Tamil
Pavithra Prema
Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, B. Saroja Devi, Kamal Haasan A. Bhimsingh Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Paarthaal Pasi Theerum'
Paarthaal Pasi Theerum
Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, B. Saroja Devi, Kamal Haasan Tamil
1961
Papa Pariharam
Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, M. R. Radha, Savitri, Devika Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Pava Mannippu'
Chhaya Sunil Dutt, Asha Parekh, Nirupa Roy Hrishikesh Mukherjee Hindi
Anumanam Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini, S. S. Rajendran, M. N. Rajam Krishnan–Panju Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Deivapiravi'
Pava Mannippu
Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, M. R. Radha, Savitri, Devika A. Bhimsingh Tamil
1960
Bindya
Balraj Sahni, Padmini Krishnan–Panju Hindi Remake of Malayalam Film 'Thilakam'
Thilakam
Sriranjani
Malayalam
Mavoori Ammayi Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, Kamal Haasan A. Bhimsingh Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Kalathur Kannamma'
Bhakti Mahima
N. T. Rama Rao, A. Nageswara Rao, Jamuna K. Shankar Hindi Dubbed from Telugu Film 'Bhookailas'
Kalathur Kannamma
Gemini Ganeshan, Savitri, Kamal Haasan
A. Bhimsingh Tamil Debut Film for Kamal Haasan
Deivapiravi Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini, S. S. Rajendran, M. N. Rajam Krishnan–Panju
Akash-Patal Arundhati Devi, Pahari Sanyal Prabhat Mukherjee Bengali First Bengali Film
1959 Sahodari K. Balaji, Rajasulochana, J. P. Chandrababu A. Bhimsingh Tamil
Baap Bete Ashok Kumar, Shyama Raja Paranjape Hindi
Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal S. S. Rajendran, M. N. Rajam, G. Varalakshmi Krishnan–Panju Tamil
Barkha
Jagdeep, Shubha Khote, Nanda Krishnan–Panju Hindi Remake of Tamil Film 'Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal'
1958
Bhaktha Ravana
N. T. Rama Rao, A. Nageswara Rao, Jamuna K. Shankar Tamil Dubbed from Telugu Film 'Bhookailas'
Bhookailas
N. T. Rama Rao, A. Nageswara Rao, Jamuna Telugu
Bhookailasa
Rajkumar, Kalyan Kumar, B. Saroja Devi Kannada
Rathna Deepam A. Gupta, Manju Dey, Kamal Mitra Debaki Bose Tamil Dubbed from Bengali Film 'Ratnadeep'
1957 Bhabhi Balraj Sahni, Pandari Bai, Nanda Krishnan–Panju Hindi Remake of Tamil Film 'Kula Deivam'
Hum Panchhi Ek Dal Ke Jagdeep, Satish Vyas, Romi, Daisy Irani P. L. Santoshi
Miss Mary
Gemini Ganeshan, Kishore Kumar, Jamuna, Om Prakash
L. V. Prasad Remake of Telugu Film 'Missamma'
Parasakthi (Telugu) Sivaji Ganesan, S. V. Sahasranamam, Pandari Bai, S. S. Rajendran Krishnan–Panju Telugu Dubbed from Tamil Film 'Parasakthi'
1956 Chori Chori Raj Kapoor, Nargis, Pran Anant Thakur Hindi
Kula Dheivam S. V. Sahasranamam, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, S. S. Rajendran, Pandari Bai Krishnan–Panju Tamil
Sadarama A. Nageswara Rao, Sowcar Janaki, G. V. Iyer K. R. Seetarama Sastry Telugu Remake of Kannada Film 'Sadarame'
Sadarame Kalyan Kumar, Sowcar Janaki, G. V. Iyer Kannada Produced with The Karnataka Films Ltd.
Bhai-Bhai Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Nimmi, Nirupa Roy M. V. Raman Hindi
Naga Devathai R. Nagendra Rao, Sowcar Janaki, Jamuna Chitrapu Narayana Rao Tamil Remake of Kannada Film 'Adarsha Sathi'
Nagula Chavithi R. Nagendra Rao, Sowcar Janaki, Jamuna, Nagabhushanam Telugu
Doctor Sinhala First Sinhala Film
1955 Adarsha Sathi R. Nagendra Rao, Sowcar Janaki, Jamuna Chitrapu Narayana Rao Kannada
Vadina A. Nageswara Rao, Savitri, Pandari Bai M. V. Raman Telugu Remake of Tamil Film 'Chella Pillai'
Chella Pillai
K. R. Ramasamy, Savitri, Pandari Bai M. V. Raman R. Sudarsanam Tamil
Shiv Bhakta
Shahu Modak, Padmini, Mishra, Pandari Bai, Anant Kumar, Kumari Devi, Sope, Rushendramani, Ramachandra Sastry, Ragini, Deshraj, Raju H. L. N. Simha Hindi Remake of Kannada Film 'Bedara Kannappa'
1954
Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam
Rajkumar, K. Malathi, Rajasulochana R. Sudarsanam

R. Goverdhanam as Associate

Telugu
Jathaka Palam
Suryakantam
R. Nagendra Rao R. Sudarsanam Remake of Kannada Film 'Jathaka Phala'
Sangham N. T. Rama Rao, Vyjayanthimala, S. Balachander, Anjali Devi M. V. Raman Remake of Hindi Film 'Ladki'
Penn Gemini Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala, S. Balachander, Anjali Devi R. Sudarsanam Tamil Remake of Hindi Film 'Ladki'
Bedara Kannappa Rajkumar, Pandari Bai, Rajasulochana H. L. N. Simha R. Sudarsanam Kannada Produced with The Karnataka Films Ltd.

Debut Film for Rajkumar

Andha Naal Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai, Javar Seetharaman S. Balachander Tamil First Film without songs
1953 Jadhagam R. Nagendra Rao, K. Sarangapani, T. K. Balachandran, Suryakala, Kamala Bai R. Nagendra Rao Remake of Kannada Film 'Jathaka Phala'
Jathaka Phala R. Nagendra Rao, K. Sarangapani, T. K. Balachandran, Suryakala, Kamala Bai Kannada
Ladki M. V. Raman R. Sudarsanam Hindi
Sathya Sodhanai Honnappa Bhagavathar, Pandari Bai H. L. N. Simha R. Sudarsanam Tamil Remake of Kannada Film Gunasagari
Gunasagari Honnappa Bhagavathar, Pandari Bai, Gubbi Veeranna R. Sudarsanam Kannada Produced with The Karnataka Films Ltd.
1952 Parasakthi Sivaji Ganesan, S. V. Sahasranamam, Pandari Bai, S. S. Rajendran Krishnan–Panju R. Sudarsanam Tamil Debut Film for Sivaji Ganesan
1951 Bahar Karan Dewan, Vyjayanthimala, Pandari Bai, Om Prakash, Pran M. V. Raman Hindi Remake of Tamil Film 'Vazhkai'
Or Iravu K. R. Ramasamy, T. S. Balaiah, A. Nageswara Rao, Lalitha P. Neelakantan R. Sudarsanam Tamil
1950
Jeevitham
T. R. Ramachandran, Vyjayanthimala, S. Varalakshmi, C. S. R. Anjaneyulu, C. H. Narayana Rao A. V. Meiyappan, M. V. Raman R. Sudarsanam Telugu Remake of Tamil Film 'Vazhkai'
1949 Vazhkai T. R. Ramachandran, Vyjayanthimala, M. S. Draupadi, K. Sarangapani, S. V. Sahasranamam R. Sudarsanam Tamil Debut Film for Vyjayanthimala
1948 Rama Rajyam Prem Adib, Shobhna Samarth, Umakant Desai Vijay Bhatt Dubbed from Hindi Film 'Ram Rajya'
Vedhala Ulagam T. R. Mahalingam, P. R. Mangalam, K. Sarangapani, K. R. Chellam A. V. Meiyappan, P. Neelakantan R. Sudarsanam
1947 Nam Iruvar T. R. Mahalingam, T.A. Jayalakshmi, T. R. Ramachandran A. V. Meiyappan R. Sudarsanam First Film Produced under 'AVM Studios'
1945 Sri Valli
T. A. Madhuram
A. V. Meiyappan, A. T. Krishnaswamy R. Sudarsanam Produced under 'Pragathi Studios'
1944 Harischandra Subbaiah Naidu, R. Nagendra Rao, Lakshmi Bai A. T. Krishnaswamy, R. Nagendra Rao Produced under 'Pragathi Studios', Dubbed from Kannada Film
1943 Satya Harishchandra
Lakshmi Bai
Kannada Produced under 'Pragathi Studios'
1942 En Manaivi K. Sarangapani, K. R. Chellam Sundar Rao Nadkarni Tamil
1941
Vasantasena
Lakshmi Bai
Ramayyar Shirur Kannada Produced under 'Pragathi Studios', First Kannada Film
Sabapathy T. R. Ramachandran, 'Lux Soap' R. Padma A. T. Krishnaswamy Tamil Produced under 'Pragathi Studios'
Thiruvalluvar Prem Chethna
1940 Bhoo Kailas M. V. Subbaiah Naidu, R. Nagendra Rao, Lakshmi Bai Sundar Rao Nadkarni Telugu Produced under 'Pragathi Studios', First Big Hit for A. V. Meiyappan
Vaayadi T. R. Ramachandran, Madhuri Devi, 'Lux Soap' R. Padma Nandalal Jaswantlal Tamil Produced under 'Pragathi Studios'
Poli Panchali A. T. Krishnaswamy
1937 Nandakumar T. P. Rajalakshmi, C. V. V. Panthulu, T. R. Mahalingam Keshav Rao Dhaibhar Produced under 'Pragati Pictures Ltd'
1935 Ratnavali M. R. Krishnamoorthi, P. S. Rathna Bai, P. S. Saraswathi Bai Produced under 'Saraswathi Sound Productions'
1935 Alli Arjuna
Abdul Khadar
, K. S. Ananda Narayana Iyer, K. R. Kanthimathi Bai, T. S. Bhavani Bai

Awards

  • He won
    Filmfare Award for Best Film - Tamil - Ramu (1966) [42]

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Guy, Randor (28 July 2006). "AVM, the adventurer". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 May 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2008.
  3. ^ "The Stamp of Honour". The Hindu: Friday Review. 10 July 2000. Archived from the original on 7 March 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Biography of AVM". Archived from the original on 26 February 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2008.
  5. ^ a b c "The making of a movie moghul". The Hindu. 3 August 1996. Archived from the original on 20 December 1996. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Saga of a Legend". The Hindu. 15 August 2003. Archived from the original on 2 May 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ "Detailed biography of T.R.Mahalingam". Archived from the original on 14 March 2008. Retrieved 14 April 2008.
  8. ^ a b c "Tamil Cinema History – The Early Days. Part II:1937–1944". Archived from the original on 17 September 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ a b "Landmarks in Tamil cinema". Archived from the original on 10 April 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  10. ^ "From Naam Iruvar to Sivaji". The Hindu:Business Line. 15 August 2007. Archived from the original on 21 May 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
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Further reading

  • Enatu Valkkai Anuppavangal (transl. My Experiences in Life), Autobiography by A. V. Meiyappan.(in Tamil)

External links