Behind The Scenes: The Story Of MGR's Portrayal Of Jesus Christ In This Unreleased Film

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR was one of the leading actors of his era. He has acted in several blockbuster films but one of his 1970s films titled Yesunthar did not get released. The shooting of the film was left midway in which MG Ramachandran was about to play the role of Jesus Christ. Despite a promotional photoshoot of MG Ramachandran as Jesus Christ, the film halted after completing one-third of its shooting.

Joseph Thaliath Jr. who had been making films since the late forties, was chosen as the director for the movie. MS Viswanathan was cast to compose the music, while Karunanidhi was set to pen the lyrics. With the production team finalised, MG Ramachandran participated in a promotional photo shoot for the film.

During the late sixties, producer BA Thomas announced plans to produce a biopic of Jesus Christ under his Thomas Pictures banner. He approached Karunanidhi to pen the screenplay for the film. The decision was made to release the film as a Christmas special on December 25, 1969.

Despite being announced amid protests, the film failed to get a release. Now, all that remains are the photographs of MG Ramachandran in the role of Jesus Christ.

In 1947, at the age of 23, M Karunanidhi penned the dialogues for the film Rajakumari. The film marked the debut of MG Ramachandran in a lead role. While at the age of 20, M Karunanidhi started writing scripts for plays to promote the ideals of the Dravidian movement. After the film became a blockbuster, MG Ramachandran went on to star in several films featuring dialogues penned by Karunanidhi.

On the professional front, MG Ramachandran rose to stardom with films including Nadodi Mannan, Rickshawkaran, Kudiyiruntha Koyil and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban. His other releases include Oorukku Uzhaippavan, Meenava Nanban, Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga, Ninaithathai Mudippavan, Netru Indru Nalai and Raman Thediya Seethai to name a few.

Meanwhile, M Karunanidhi, popularly known as Kalaignar was part of several films such as Ponnar Sankar, Pen Singam, Mani Mukudam, Pudhayal and Rangoon Radha among others.