D Ramanujam, S/o. of Devaraj Iyengar a strong congressmen and freedom fighter. DR hails from Arakkonam, north arcot district, and he did his studies and graduation. DR is the undisputed leader of “South Indian Film Industry”, he was become later! and he also started his career ‘Touring Cinema’ as a owner in the year 1946. DR mentor is K Subramanyam, was associated with AVM Meiappan, Nagi Reddy, TR Sundaram, AL Srinivasan, SS Vasan, VC Subraman and DVS Raju. DR unique distinction. DR have been elected as Honorary Secretary of South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce for a record of 20 times, then he finally became a president in 1981-1982 and Golden Jubilee also celebrate in a spectacular moment in same year. DR owned and managed several cinema houses in Chennai, Chengalpattu and many part of Southern district of Tamil Nadu, also Tirupati – Andhra Pradesh. DR organised South Indian Touring Cinema Owner’s Association and served as Secretary. His leadership skills, qualities, unfeeling courtesy, instant grasping knowledge of the issues, negotiable abilities bought him in high focus, his vast experience and services constantly demand everywhere!
His leadership skills, qualities, unfeeling courtesy, instant grasping knowledge of the issues, negotiable abilities bought him in high focus, his vast experience and services constantly demand everywhere!
DR as held several distinguish post connected with film industry in TN. DR was appointed as Secretary of Motion picture academy established by Govt of Madras in 1950 under the chairmanship of AL Mudaliar. In 1976, he was appointed as member of film inquiry committee constituted by Tamil Nadu Government and later served as a member of committee appointed by Govt of TN for fixation of minimum wages for cine workers. The Compounding Tax Levy originally authored by DR first into in Tamil Nadu in 1977 and it was later became national film policy. DR contribution to drafting Tamil Nadu Cinema Regulation Act 1955 and rules framed under cannot be understated. He compiled a guide, how to setup a cinema theaters at the request of the Government of Tamil Nadu and the same was sponsored & printed by AVM Saravanan who published the same as the AVM guide.
The plan for semi-permanent cinemas originated from D Ramanujam at the local government adopted and later by other states. At national levels D Ramanujam served as member of the jury – central awards committee and as well as regional committee for raw films. In 1984-1985, he was president of the Prestigious Film Federation of India, and letting high level delegation under President Indra Gandhi – leading to the All India Seminar on India Film Industry and also significantly to amend the copyright act to curb video piracy. Tamil Nadu exhibitors association was from DR, who as been General Secretary for decades and he maintained good relationship with every government as well as the ex-CM Annadurai, Karunanidhi, MGR, Jayalalitha. The Film Federation of India, as a token of appreciation, “D Ramanujam was honored for his service to the cause of film industry and he was awarded outstanding contribution of film award”. Production, Distribution and Exhibition these 3 sectors in film industry holds him in high esteem and amply evident, from the fact they consider him as “Father of Tamil Cinema”
letting high level delegation under President Indra Gandhi – leading to the All India Seminar on India Film Industry and also significantly to amend the copyright act to curb video piracy.
D Ramanujam 100 years of celebration was held in Mylapore, Chennai.
Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, Director K Bhagyaraj, Bharathiraja, RV Udayakumar, Producer K Rajan were present at the event and many other fraternity. Kalaippuli S Thanu is the main reason for this successful event happening!
Kamal Haasan was honored the cinema stars, who have made their better contribution to Tamil cinema and recalled Touring Cinema/Talkies. Kamal Haasan says, When I was 21 years old – I only thought of becoming an technician not into acting! But, Ramanujam who found my inner talent and connected me with legendary director K Balachander to transform into an actor. Kamal Haasan also praised D Ramanujam’s effort to make everyone in the industry grow equally. DR mainly worked for revenue growth to Producers, Distributors and advised government in regulation of Tax thanks to Paneerselvam for reminding it! Today’s we call father of cinema Vasan sir, TR Sundaram, K Subramanyam are very close friends of DR. Kamal Haasan also praised senior producer AVM Saravanan for his humble nature since it inspired the actor to give it to others. He also strongly stated that – even if I am not invited, I will come for sure! then thanked all those who thought of celebrating and remembering D Ramanujam’s 100 years and organized it successfully.
DR mainly worked for revenue growth to Producers, Distributors and advised government in regulation of Tax…
Director K Bhagyaraj thanked Kalappuli S Thanu for initiating the DR 100 years celebration and remembering him. Bhagyaraj shared his nostalgic moments with DR, though I have met few times. DR once told me, “carefully listen and give commitment”, he recalls the film-making with a producer Nachiappan Jayaram after Andha 7 Naatkal, he promised to make a movie. Another producer approached me with full suitcase of money and asked me to do a movie under their banner – I did not agree! Then Nachiappan Jayaram came to me and said, “you do the film with them, we will do next film – Amma called me and said, you did not pay the advance. Likewise music director was also changed! I have committed with Gangai Amaran – Amaran came to me and said, “we will do next film, now do with my brother – then Ilaiyaraaja did not accept, because I did not go first! So, DR advice was an experience to me in regards with giving commitment!
My first movie suppose to release on 26th, my marriage was four days before, 24th is reception and 26th is movie release! (2+6=8) I thought no luck! Tying a knot – Isn’t bad luck of my wife! Anything can happen in Cinema!
RV Udayakumar says, we don’t have regular communication (DR), but he helped me my back to grow! I will share my important experience in my life with DR – My first movie suppose to release on 26th, my marriage was four days before, reception 2 days before and movie release! (2+6=8) I thought no luck! Tying a knot – Isn’t bad luck of my wife! Anything can happen in Cinema! he recalls On reception, RM Veeraappan came and I was totally in tension because of marriage work and it is very economically happening and thinking about food arrangements for people – all running in my mind, I am very young that time! RM Veerappan came to me and said, ‘Ramanujam called me and showed your movie, it was very good. DR also told, this guy will come up and achieve in future‘… RM Veerappan said, you are doing my next film and gave me 2 lakhs cheque in advance! That one night I became ‘lakshadhipathi‘ that is DR!
Another incident happened – Chinna Gounder and Mannan realesed in the same month January and year 1992, Rajini sir called me one night and said Chinna Gounder is running successfully! enakku Kaiyyum Odala Kaalum Odala, I replied, I too heard that, first Mannan is going good and then Chinna Gounder – Rajini Sir, No! No! Chinna Gounder is running successfully and getting best collection than Mannan – DR told me! So, DR is everything in the industry and he helping everyone to grow! I am really happy to participate in this event and very thankful to Thanu brother for conducting this event…
Kalaippuli S Thanu says, It is our blessings to conduct the 100 years celebration of D Ramanujam. Thanu recalls, DR never hesitate to help, even if we ask Tiger milk, he will say, yes It is possible! DR traveled with Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Annadurai, Karunanidhi, MGR, Jayalalitha, and also NTR from Andhra Pradesh, Gundu Rao from Karnataka – DR maintained very good relationship with all!
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The Father of Indian Cinema - D Ramanujam
