Kaantha: Who is MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, Dulquer Salmaan’s role model, Tamil cinema’s first superstar whose film ran for three years

Kaantha, the trailer of the upcoming Tamil film, was released to a much positive reception. Headlined by Dulquer Salmaan, the period drama is set in Madras of the 1950s, and takes the audience to the sets of a Tamil film, with the actor playing a superstar protégé. Kaantha is said to be based on the life of Tamil actor and singer MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, the one hailed as the first superstar of Tamil cinema and reigned the silver screens between 30s-50s. But who is MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, and what all do we know about him?

Kaantha: Who is MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, Dulquer’s role model in the film

Though fictional, Kaantha is said to be inspired and based on the life of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, a singer, actor, and the first superstar of Tamil cinema. A Mayiladuthurai native from the Madras Presidency, Thyagaraja Bhagavathar has only 14 films to his credit, out of which 10 were blockbusters. This eventually led him to be crowned the first superstar of Tamil cinema.

He began as a stage artiste as a child, and eventually impressed the audience through his acting and singing abilities. In 1934, at the age of 24, he made his film debut with Pavalakoddi, directed by K. Subramanyam. From there on, there was no turning back for Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, who starred in hits like Thiruneelakandar, Ambikapathi, Chintamani and appeared in 14 films.

Also read: Kaantha trailer: Dulquer Salmaan impresses fans enough to hail him ‘nadippu chakravarthy’; first big hit for Bhagyashri Borse?

Thyagaraja Bhagavathar's superstardom was not an easy one. His Chintamani became the first Tamil film to run continuously for one year. His other film, Haridas, which hit theatres in 1944, had a consecutive run for 3 years, a far-fetched dream for films today, which do not run for more than a month.

However, it was not all glitz and glamour for Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, who became infamous and involved in the murder of a yellow journalist, Lakshmikanth. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar had spent a couple of years in jail and was accused of murder, along with fellow actor NS Krishnan and studio owner Sriramlu Naidu. But his downfall continued even after he was released from jail, with his films flopping. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar's last years were leaning on spirituality as the superstar began visiting temples and also witnessed declining health. He subsequently died on November 1, 1959, at the age of 49.

Also read: Kaantha trailer: Forget Gemini Ganesan from Mahanati, Dulquer Salmaan yet again aces playing a Tamil superstar; promising drama of egoistic clash

Will Kaantha be all about MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar?

Kaantha will have the influence of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar’s life, but will be a fictional take on the superstardom of an actor from his era. With Dulquer Salmaan playing the lead role, the trailer transports the audience to the 1950s Madras Presidency, showing how the film sets of that era work. Kaantha will hit theatres on November 14. Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, and starring Samuthirakani, Bhagyashre Borse and others

FAQs

Q. What is Kaantha about?

A. Kaantha is a period drama set in 1950s Madras, about the ego clash between an actor and director on the sets of a film.

Q. Is Kaantha a true story?

A. Kaantha is said to be inspired by the life events of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, who is known to be the first superstar of Tamil cinema.

Q. Is Kaantha a biopic?

A. Kaantha has not been explicitly mentioned to be a biopic, but based on the life of Tamil superstar MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.