The cinema journey of Karunanidhi began even before Independence

Chennai: In his 80 years of Public life, M. Karunanidhi had penned stories and dialogues for nearly 65 movies. Apart from writing stories, he worked for 75 movies only as a dialogue writer. Karunanidhi himself mentioned this number in an interview.

His debut film as a dialogue writer was 'Rajakumari' which was released in 1947 but before Independence. He was a 23-year-old youngster when he got this offer. The highlighting information here is the political rival of Karunanidhi in Tamilnadu Politics, MGR debuted as a Leading actor only in this movie. The movie was a big hit. But Karunanidhi couldn't relish his victory, as his father passed away soon after the release of this movie.

Before Independence, Tamil cinema served as a campaign platform. M. Karunanidhi was the one who turned the path of Tamil cinema towards reasoning and questioning. There was a huge uproar against this. Critics were debating whether Tamil cinema is an entertainment platform or an Independence Protesting/ campaigning platform.

Karunanidhi himself answered this question in his interview with 'PesumPadam' newspaper. Later the same interview got republished in the 'Namnaadu' newspaper on 16.04.1978. He stated, "I believe Tamil cinema should be both entertaining and message-oriented. 'Velaikaari', 'Parasakthi', 'Sorgavaasal', 'Manogara', 'Naadodi Mannan', 'Nenjil Oar Aalayam', 'Saradha', and 'Kuladeivam' are movies which were entertaining as well as message-oriented. They received huge appreciation from the audience".

Even though there is a list of films on Wikipedia by M. Karunanidhi, there weren't any interesting backdrop stories on the internet.

The list in Wikipedia is not properly mentioned the years. But it would be more appropriate if we present the list along with the years.

Ponnar Shankar (2011)
Ilaignan (2011)
Pen Singam (2010)
Uliyin Osai (2008)
Pasa Kiligal (2006)
Kannamma (2005)
Mannin Maindhan (2005)
Puthiya Parasakthi (1996)
Madurai Meenakshi (1993)
Kavalukku Kettikaran (1990)
Paasa Mazhai (1989)
Nyaya Tharasu (1989)
Thendral Sudum (1989)
Poruthadhu Pothum (1989)
Ithu Engal Neethi (1988)
Paasa Paravaigal (1988)
Paadatha Thenikkal (1988)
Makkal Aanaiyittal (1988)
Ore Raththam (1987)
Veeran Veluthambi (1987)
Neethikku Thandanai (1987)
Sattam Oru Vilayaattu (1987)
Puyal Paadum Paattu (1987)
Palaivana Rojakkal (1986)
Kaaval Kaithigal (1984)
Thooku Medai (1982)
Maadi Veettu Ezhai (1981)
Kaalam Pathil Sollum (1980)
Aadu Paambe (1979)
Nenjukku Needhi (1979)
Vandikaran Magan (1978)
Pillaiyo Pillai (1972)
Thanga Thambi (1967)
Valiba Virundhu (1967)
Avan Pithana? (1966)
Marakka Mudiyumaa (1966)
Mani Magudam (1966)
Poomalai (1965)
Poompuhar (1964)
Kaanchi Thalaivan (1963)
Iruvar Ullam (1963)
Thayilla Pillai (1961)
Arasilangkumari (1961)
Kuravanji (1960)
Ellorum Innaattu Mannar (1960)
Pudhumai Pithan (1957)
Pudhaiyal (1957)
Raja Rani (1956)
Rangoon Radha (1956)
Malaikkallan (1954)
Manohara (1954)
Ammaiyappan (1954)
Thirumbi Paar (1953)
Naam (1953)
Panam (1952)
Parasakthi (1952)
Manamagal (1951)
Devaki (1951)
Manthiri Kumari (1950)
Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi (1950)
Abimanyu (1948)
Rajakumaari (1947)

Though he got debuted in the movie Rajakumari, Karunanidhi was able to get a proper salary only after NSK's 'Manamagal'. Karunanidhi himself had once shared, "When I was living in my native Thiruvarur, I was actively participating in political activities and also I get writing jobs. My dear Friend Poet Ka.Moo.Sheriff was working as a lyric writer in the Modern theatres during that time.

One day he visited my house and explained that the Modern Theatres owner T.R.Sundharam really liked my writing style. As per the owner's instruction, he offered me a job at the company as a dialogue writer with a monthly salary of ₹500 in 1949".

This ₹500 salary suddenly took a jump to ₹10,000:

NSK offered a job to Karunanidhi as a dialogue writer in his movie 'Manamagal'. They are ideological partners. So when NSK asked Karunanidhi about the salary he is wishing to get from this movie, Karunanidhi just smiled back at him. So NSK wrote '00001' as a salary in a paper and handed it over to Karunanidhi. Karuna who is highly witty turned the paper upside down and stated ₹10,000 as his salary. In order of appreciation, NSK agreed to pay him the ₹10,000 salary in that movie.