Actor Gemini Ganesan has been one of the biggest names in Tamil cinema since the 40s, a legacy he continued right until his demise in 2005. He appeared in countless iconic films in his career, referred to as the Kaadhal Mannan (King of Romance) for his romantic roles. His very first film in the movie industry completed 76 years on Tuesday. The movie was Miss Malini, released in 1947, one which had him in a small supporting role. Kothamangalam Subbu, who also directed the film, and Pushpavalli starred in the lead roles.
Miss Malini was set apart by the fact that it was the only film to have ever been written by legendary novelist RK Narayan. RK Narayan wrote this story for his friend, colleague and fellow writer SS Vasan who owned Gemini Studios. The idea was to come up with a story which narrated the aftereffects of war. The movie was made at a time the world was still reeling from World War 2 and SS Vasan requested RK Narayan to write a script revolving around it for a film he wanted to produce.
Miss Malini ridiculed aspects of life in India, particularly Chennai, during the World War II period. The hardships faced by Indians were depicted well in the film. The first animated movie made in South Indian cinema, Cinema Kadhambam, debuted alongside Miss Malini in theatres on September 26, 1947. Critics loved Miss Malini and greatly praised Subbu’s portrayal of Sampath. S Rajeswara Rao and Parur S Anantharaman’s music also was critically acclaimed and the movie is now considered a timeless classic.
At the time Miss Malini was being made, a young man named Ramasamy Ganesan was working in Gemini Studio’s casting department. K Raghunath, the production controller, noticed him and gave her a small role in the film. His name appeared as RG in the film’s title. This young man later became the legendary Gemini Ganesan. He also met his second wife Pushpavalli on the sets of this film for the first time. Noted screenwriter and actor Jawar Seetharaman also appeared in a small role in Miss Malini.
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