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{{Short description|Indian film studio}} | |||
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{{Use Indian English|date=February 2018}} | {{Use Indian English|date=February 2018}} | ||
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| name = Central Studios | | name = Central Studios | ||
| logo = Central Studios Openning.jpg | | logo = Central Studios Openning.jpg | ||
| type = [[Managing Agency]] , later Private Limited Company<ref>{{cite web | title=CENTRAL STUDIOS AND TEXTILES PRIVATE LIM ITED - Company, directors and contact details | website=Zauba Corp | date=2021-03-02 | url=https://www.zaubacorp.com/company/CENTRAL-STUDIOS-AND-TEXTILES-PRIVATE-LIMITED/U17111TZ1936PTC000033 | access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref> | | type = [[Managing Agency]], later Private Limited Company<ref>{{cite web | title=CENTRAL STUDIOS AND TEXTILES PRIVATE LIM ITED - Company, directors and contact details | website=Zauba Corp | date=2021-03-02 | url=https://www.zaubacorp.com/company/CENTRAL-STUDIOS-AND-TEXTILES-PRIVATE-LIMITED/U17111TZ1936PTC000033 | access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref> | ||
| foundation = 1935 | | foundation = 1935 | ||
| defunct = 1958 (de facto)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1104826/ |title= Commissioner Of Income-Tax vs Central Studios (P.) Ltd. on 16 August, 1972 |website=indiankanoon.org|access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref> | | defunct = 1958 (de facto)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1104826/ |title= Commissioner Of Income-Tax vs Central Studios (P.) Ltd. on 16 August, 1972 |website=indiankanoon.org|access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref> | ||
| location = [[Coimbatore]], [[ | | location = [[Trichy Road, Coimbatore|Trichy Road]], [[Singanallur, Coimbatore|Singanallur]], [[Coimbatore]] | ||
| key_people = B. Rangaswamy Naidu, Sriramulu Naidu, Samikannu Vincent, R. K. Ramakrishnan Chettiar, [[Lakshmi Mills]] | | key_people = B. Rangaswamy Naidu, Sriramulu Naidu, Samikannu Vincent, R. K. Ramakrishnan Chettiar, [[Lakshmi Mills]] | ||
| industry = [[Motion picture]]s | | industry = [[Motion picture]]s | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Central Studios''' was an Indian [[film studio]] in [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]], started by B.Rangaswamy Naidu (a.k.a. B. R. Naidu) and other prominent industrialists like [[Swamikannu Vincent]] of Coimbatore in 1935 to make [[Tamil films|Tamil]] and other South Indian language movies. The studio was a major hub of Tamil movie production and notable for its association with many early day Tamil Movie Superstars, directors and script writers etc. and many making their career debuts here. The studio is best remembered for movies like [[Sivakavi]], [[Velaikari]] and [[Haridas (1944 film)|Haridas]]. | '''Central Studios''' was an Indian [[film studio]] in the neighbourhood of [[Singanallur, Coimbatore|Singanallur]], [[Coimbatore]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], started by B.Rangaswamy Naidu (a.k.a. B. R. Naidu) and other prominent industrialists like [[Swamikannu Vincent]] of Coimbatore in 1935 to make [[Tamil films|Tamil]] and other South Indian language movies. The studio was a major hub of Tamil movie production and notable for its association with many early day Tamil Movie Superstars, directors and script writers etc. and many making their career debuts here. The studio is best remembered for movies like [[Sivakavi]], [[Velaikari]] and [[Haridas (1944 film)|Haridas]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
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===Movie industry in Coimbatore=== | ===Movie industry in Coimbatore=== | ||
[[File:Samikannu Vincent.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<div class="center" style="width:auto; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;">Samikannu Vincent</div>]] | [[File:Samikannu Vincent.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<div class="center" style="width:auto; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;">Samikannu Vincent</div>]] | ||
Movies became a major industry in [[Coimbatore]] when in 1905 a South Indian Railways employee Samikannu Vincent purchased a film projector along with some silent films from a Frenchman named Du Pont who had fallen ill on his touring exhibition. Samikannu Vincent then built a business as film exhibitor first by traveling around the country and finally erecting tents theatres for screening films. His tent cinema became popular as he traveled all over the state with his mobile unit. In 1917, Samikannu Vincent built South India's first permanent cinema theatre, Variety Hall Cinema, at | Movies became a major industry in [[Coimbatore]] when in 1905 a South Indian Railways employee Samikannu Vincent purchased a film projector along with some silent films from a Frenchman named Du Pont who had fallen ill on his touring exhibition. Samikannu Vincent then built a business as film exhibitor first by traveling around the country and finally erecting tents theatres for screening films. His tent cinema became popular as he traveled all over the state with his mobile unit. In 1917, Samikannu Vincent built South India's first permanent cinema theatre, Variety Hall Cinema, at [[Town Hall, Coimbatore|TownHall]]; it is now called ad Delite theatre. As Samikannu Vincent also generated his own electric power for his theatres, he built a series of theatres in and around the city to screen silent films. He also became a distributor for the French [[Pathé Frères]] movie projectors. In the early 1930s he launched the Variety Hall Talkies banner to make [[sound film]] (a.k.a. talkies) and released a few movies which were mainly shot in [[Calcutta]]. Feeling a need to have a movie studio, he was instrumental, along with other industrialists and movie makers, in establishing a fully equipped studio in Coimbatore. | ||
Also during the late 1920s, another firm under Sabapathy was involved in the distributorship of an Italian [[movie projector]] company, eventually leading to the manufacture of their own brand of movie projectors in Coimbatore. By the early thirties Coimbatore already had a studio named Premier Cinetone Studio <ref>{{Cite | Also during the late 1920s, another firm under Sabapathy was involved in the distributorship of an Italian [[movie projector]] company, eventually leading to the manufacture of their own brand of movie projectors in Coimbatore. By the early thirties Coimbatore already had a studio named Premier Cinetone Studio <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Sathi-Anusuya-1937/article17111613.ece|title=Sathi Anusuya (1937)|first=Randor|last=Guy|newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 January 2017|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> (later renamed [[Pakshiraja Studios]]). In 1935 a London-educated graduate, [[T. R. Sundaram]], built a fully equipped movie studio, [[Modern Theatres]], in [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], and the region became the central hub for movie activity. | ||
===Studio beginnings=== | ===Studio beginnings=== | ||
[[File:Central Studios Coimbatore Catalogue.jpg|thumb|right|220px|<div class="center" style="width:auto; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;"> Catalogue of Central Studios, Coimbatore</div>]] | |||
Central Studio was founded by a group of prominent industrialists B. Rangaswamy Naidu, R. K. Ramakrishnan Chettiar (brother of India's first Finance Minister [[R. K. Shanmukham Chetty]]), [[Samikannu Vincent]], and another new movie director [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]] (who joined as a working partner). Studio commenced its operation in 1936 with their first release being Thukkaram in 1937 directed by [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]]. By the early 1940s the Studio became the central hub of Tamil Movie industry. | Central Studio was founded by a group of prominent industrialists B. Rangaswamy Naidu, R. K. Ramakrishnan Chettiar (brother of India's first Finance Minister [[R. K. Shanmukham Chetty]]), [[Samikannu Vincent]], and another new movie director [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]] (who joined as a working partner). Studio commenced its operation in 1936 with their first release being Thukkaram in 1937 directed by [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]]. By the early 1940s the Studio became the central hub of Tamil Movie industry. | ||
==Facilities== | ==Facilities== | ||
The Studio is located | The Studio is located at [[Singanallur]], near to the [[Trichy Road, Coimbatore|Trichy Road]] in [[Coimbatore]] city. The Studio had almost all modern facilities required for a Movie studio along with Sound and film editing labs and technical workshops. The sound engineers and cameramen were all Germans during the 30s and most of the Make-Up team were from [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/in-the-limelight/article3649311.ece|title=In the limelight|first=Subha J.|last=Rao|newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 July 2012|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> The studio also had a music department headed by [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]]. The studio also boasted the BNC [[Mitchell Camera]], then a Hollywood standard, which cost a whopping Rs 500,000 in the 1930s and the Studio was equipped with 10 KW, 5 KW AND 2 KW lights. Most of the artists and technicians were on monthly payroll. | ||
==Studio system== | ==Studio system== | ||
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==Notable film personalities== | ==Notable film personalities== | ||
The studio was a central hub during the early days for [[Tamil movie]]s first 'Superstars' [[P. U. Chinnappa]] and [[M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar]] and the popular comedian [[N. S. Krishnan]] and T. A. Mathuram. The studio was also a starting point for four of [[Tamil Nadu]] state [[Chief Minister]]s [[C. N. Annadurai]], [[M. Karunanidhi]],<ref>{{Cite | The studio was a central hub during the early days for [[Tamil movie]]s first 'Superstars' [[P. U. Chinnappa]] and [[M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar]] and the popular comedian [[N. S. Krishnan]] and T. A. Mathuram. The studio was also a starting point for four of [[Tamil Nadu]] state [[Chief Minister]]s [[C. N. Annadurai]], [[M. Karunanidhi]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/kalaignars-tryst-with-cinema-began-in-coimbatore/articleshow/65423106.cms|title=Kalaignar's tryst with cinema began in Coimbatore |website=The Times of India|date=9 August 2018 }}</ref> [[M. G. Ramachandran]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/celluloid-stories/article5810184.ece|title=Celluloid stories|first=K.|last=Jeshi|newspaper=The Hindu |date=20 March 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> and [[V. N. Janaki]]. The Studio housed famous musicians [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], while [[G. Ramanathan]] along with [[Papanasam Sivan]] and [[K. V. Mahadevan]] composed for some of the Studio Movies. The popular music composer [[M. S. Viswanathan]] was an assistant to S. M. Subbiah Naidu. Playback singer [[T. M. Soundararajan]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/notes-on-an-icon/article5500972.ece|title=Notes on an icon|first=K.|last=Jeshi|newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 December 2013|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> made his early foray as playback singer here so was Lyricist [[Kannadasan]] in his initial career. Central Studio was a launch pad for many later day directors like [[Muktha Srinivasan]] who was an associate director for 1954 release [[Sorgavasal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Sorgavaasal-1954/article15448137.ece|title=Sorgavaasal 1954|first=Randor|last=Guy|newspaper=The Hindu |date=4 February 2010|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> and [[K. Shankar]] who was in the editing department. [[T. R. Rajakumari]], [[Anjali Devi]], [[U. R. Jeevarathinam]], [[Madhuri Devi]] and [[Rajasulochana]] featured in many films shot in Central Studioc.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/sree-andal-1949/article5788442.ece|title=Sree Andal (1949)|first=Randor|last=Guy|newspaper=The Hindu |date=15 March 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> Actress [[Sachu]] as childhood artist appeared in few films shot here. | ||
Famous directors who operated out of the Studio were [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]], [[Ellis R. Dungan]], [[A. S. A. Sami]], [[A. P. Nagarajan]] and popular duo [[Krishnan–Panju]] of [[Parasakthi (film)|Parasakthi]] fame who directed their first movie in Central Studios. India's pioneering [[Cinematographer]] [[Adi Merwan Irani]]<ref>{{Cite | Famous directors who operated out of the Studio were [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]], [[Ellis R. Dungan]], [[A. S. A. Sami]], [[A. P. Nagarajan]] and popular duo [[Krishnan–Panju]] of [[Parasakthi (1952 film)|Parasakthi]] fame who directed their first movie in Central Studios. India's pioneering [[Cinematographer]] [[Adi Merwan Irani]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-columns/a-scholars-paupers-death/article3412048.ece|title=A scholar's pauper's death|first=S.|last=Muthiah|newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 May 2012|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> worked in this studio for [[Sivakavi]] and [[Haridas (1944 film)|Haridas]]. [[Sando Chinnappa Thevar]], of [[Devar Films]] living nearby in Ramanathapuram was a body builder who worked as stunt actor before becoming one of Indias successful movie producers. | ||
==Final years== | ==Final years== | ||
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Till 2009 the text impression ‘ Central Studios’ can found at their main entrance gate. Recently in 2010 some structures were pulled down to make way for new developments. Post 2013 the studio premises was split between the family members of B. R. Naidu and though the buildings remain as it, the approach roads are different and still remain private. | Till 2009 the text impression ‘ Central Studios’ can found at their main entrance gate. Recently in 2010 some structures were pulled down to make way for new developments. Post 2013 the studio premises was split between the family members of B. R. Naidu and though the buildings remain as it, the approach roads are different and still remain private. | ||
==List of | ==List of major releases== | ||
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! # !! Year !! Title !! Language !! Production !! Lead Cast !! Director !! Music composer !! Release date & Notes | |||
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| 1 || 1938 || [[Thukkaram]] || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || Central Studios ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[Musiri Subramania Iyer]], [[Chokkalinga Bhagavathar]], K. Seetha, Meenambal</span>|| B. Narayan Rao || [[R. Balasaraswathi]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 17 Sep 1938 ''The iconic Carnatic musician [[Musiri Subramania Iyer]]'s only movie. .''</span> | |||
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| 2 || 1938 || [[Thukkaram]] || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] || Central Studios ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[C. S. R. Anjaneyulu]], [[Chokkalinga Bhagavathar]], Kamalabai, Balasaraswathi</span>|| [[M. L. Tandon]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151224/entertainment-kollywood/article/musiri-cast-saint-tukaram-maiden-central-studios-movie | title=Musiri cast as Saint Tukaram in maiden Central Studios movie | date=24 December 2015 }}</ref> || [[R. Balasaraswathi]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 17 Sep 1938 ''Shot simultaneously along with the Tamil version''</span> | |||
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| 3 || 1939 || [[Rambaiyin Kaadhal (1939 film)|Rambaiyin Kaadhal]] || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || Central Studios || <span style="font-size:78%">[[K. Sarangkapani]], [[K. L. V. Vasantha]], [[N. S. Krishnan]]</span> || B. Narayan Rao || Central Studios Orchestra || <span style="font-size:78%"> 24 Feb 1939 '' Debut movie for comedian [[T. S. Durairaj]] ''</span> | |||
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| 4 || 1939 || [[Prahalada (1939 film)]] || Tamil || Salem Sankar Films || <span style="font-size:78%">[[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]], [[M. R. Santhanalakshmi]], [[R. Balasubramaniam]], Nagercoil K. Mahadevan,[[M. G. Ramachandran]], [[N. S. Krishnan]], [[T. A. Mathuram]]</span>|| B. Narayan Rao || Sharma Brothers || <span style="font-size:78%"> 12 Dec 1939</span> | |||
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| 5 || 1940 || [[Bhooloka Rambai]] || Tamil || M. Somasundaram (Jupiter Somu) (Salem Shanmugha Films) & M.D. Viswanathan (Vijaya Maruthi Pictures) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> K.L.V. Vasantha, [[T. K. Shanmugam]], [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T.R. Mahalingam]], [[T.S. Balaiah]], [[N.S. Krishnan]], [[T. A. Madhuram]] and Kumari Rukmini</span> || [[B. Narayan Rao]] || [[G. Ramanathan]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 14 Jan 1958 '' [[S.S. Vasan]] had just started Gemini Pictures Circuit as distributor, was looking for movies for distribution, called on Rao at Coimbatore and asked him whether he could complete the film in time for Deepavali if he funded the project.''</span> | |||
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| 6 || 1940 || [[Naveena Vikramadityan]] || Tamil || Ashoka Films || <span style="font-size:78%"> N. S. Krishnan, [[T. A. Mathuram]], [[T. S. Durairaj]], M. R. Swaminathan</span> || K. S. Mani || N. S. Balakrishnan || <span style="font-size:78%"> 29 Jun 1940</span> | |||
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| 7 || 1941 || [[Chandrahari]] || Tamil || Ashoka Films || <span style="font-size:78%"> N. S. Krishnan, [[T. A. Mathuram]], L. Narayana Rao, [[Kaka Radhakrishnan]]</span> || K. S. Mani || N. S. Balakrishnan || <span style="font-size:78%"> '' As this was a short film, it was package as part 2 with another film Izhandha Kadhal (Part 1)''</span> | |||
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| 8 || 1941 || [[Ezhandha Kadhal]] || Tamil || Ashoka Films || <span style="font-size:78%"> N. S. Krishnan, [[T. A. Mathuram]], K. P. Kamatchi</span> || K. S. Mani || N. S. Balakrishnan, K. M. Gowrisan || <span style="font-size:78%"> n/a</span> | |||
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| | | 9 || 1941 || [[Sathi Murali]] || Tamil || Central Studios, Saba Films ||<span style="font-size:78%"> " [[M. K. Radha]], M.R.Santhanalakshmi,[[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]], Nagercoil K. Mahadevan, L. Narayana Rao, Kali N. Ratnam, [[S. Varalakshmi]], [[T. A. Mathuram]]</span> || B. Narayan Rao,[[T. C. Vadivelu Naicker]] || || <span style="font-size:78%"> n/a</span> | ||
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| | | 10 || 1941 || [[Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1941 film)]] || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || Ashoka Films ||<span style="font-size:78%"> "[[N. S. Krishnan]], [[T. A. Mathuram]], [[M. R. Swaminathan]], [[S. V. Sahasranamam]]</span>|| K. S. Mani || N. S. Balakrishnan || <span style="font-size:78%"> 15 Mar 1941</span> | ||
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| 1941 | | 11 || 1941 || [[Aryamala]] || || [[Pakshiraja Films]], K. S. Narayanan Iyengar ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[P. U. Chinnappa ]], M. S. Sarojini, [[M. R. Santhanalakshmi]], [[N. S. Krishnan]]</span> || [[Bomman Irani]] || [[G. Ramanathan]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 19 Oct 1941</span> | ||
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| | | 12 || 1942 || [[Prithivirajan]] || Tamil || Central Studios + Haran Talkies || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[P. U. Chinnappa]], [[C. I. D. Sakunthala|A. Sakunthala]], [[T. S. Balaiah]], [[M. R. Santhanalakshmi]], [[N. S. Krishnan]]</span> || B. Sampathkumar || [[G. Ramanathan]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 29 Apr 1942</span> | ||
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| | | 13 || 1943 || [[Jeevana Nataka]] || Kannada || Gubbi Films (Gubbi Veeranna) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[Gubbi Veeranna]], [[Kemparaj Urs]], [[Shanta Hublikar]], B. Jayamma</span> || Wahab Kashmiri || [[S. V. Venkatraman]], Ramayyar Shirur, Harmonium Sheshagirirao || <span style="font-size:78%"> 01 Jan 1943 ''[[Kemparaj Urs]], the brother of future Chief Minister of Mysore State, [[D. Devaraj Urs]], made his acting debut in the film.''</span> | ||
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| | | 14 || 1943 || [[Sivakavi]] || [[Sivakavi]] || Central Studios, [[Pakshiraja Films]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar]], [[S. Jayalakshmi]], [[T. R. Rajakumari]], [[N. S. Krishnan]]</span> || [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]] || [[Papanasam Sivan]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 10 Apr 1943 ''Shooting started in 1942 with [[P. K. Raja Sandow]] as director. Due to disputes between Raja Sandow and producer S. M. Sriramulu Naidu, later took over direction. Script was by Elangovan''. Was a major blockbuster all over [[Madras Presidency]].</span> | ||
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| | | 15 || 1944 || [[Jagathalaprathapan (1944 film)]] || Tamil || Central Studios, [[Pakshiraja Films]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[P. U. Chinnappa]], [[M. S. Sarojini]], [[M. R. Santhanalakshmi]], P. B. Rangachari, [[U. R. Jeevaratnam]], [[S. Varalakshmi]], T. A. Jayalakshmi, [[T. S. Balaiah]], [[N. S. Krishnan]], [[T. A. Mathuram]]</span> || [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]] || [[G. Ramanathan]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 07 Mar 1944</span> | ||
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| | | 16 || 1944 || [[Haridas (1944 film)|Haridas]] || Tamil || Rayal Talkie Distributors ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar]], [[T. R. Rajakumari]], [[N. C. Vasanthakokilam]], [[N. S. Krishnan]]</span> || Sundar Rao Nadkarni || [[Papanasam Sivan]], [[G. Ramanathan]] || <span style="font-size:78%">16 Oct 1944 ''One of the record setting blockbuster hit, released for 1944 Deepavali, it ran continuously in Madras Broadway Theater with full shows for 110 weeks, crossing 1945 and 1946 Deepavali's''</span> | ||
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| | | 17 || 1945 || [[En Magan (1945 film)]] || Tamil || Central Studios || N. Krishnamoorthi, [[U. R. Jeevarathinam]], [[D. Balasubramaniam]], Kumari Kamala, C. K. Saraswathi || R. S. Mani ||[[Papanasam Sivan]], | ||
| [[ | C. A. Lakshmana Das || <span style="font-size:78%">16 Feb 1945</span> | ||
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| | | 18 || 1945 || [[Saalivaahanan]] || Tamil || Bhaskar Pictures || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[Ranjan (actor)|Ranjan]], [[T. R. Rajakumari]], [[M. G. Ramachandran]], [[K. L. V. Vasantha]], [[N. S. Krishnan]]</span> || B. Narayan Rao ||Nagercoil K. Mahadevan ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 04 Nov 1945 ''The film had a love scene sequence between Ranjan and T. R. Rajakumari, in colour which was achieved manual hand-tinting for each frame. ''</span> | ||
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| | | 19 || 1946 || Valmiki || Tamil || Central Studios ||<span style="font-size:78%"> C. Honnappa Bhagavathar, [[U. R. Jeevarathinam]], [[T. R. Rajakumari]], [[N. C. Vasanthakokilam]]</span> || [[Sundar Rao Nadkarni]] || [[Papanasam Sivan]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 13 Apr 1946 Originally signed with [[M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar]] as lead, shooting commenced in 1944 before his arrest in [[Lakshmikanthan Murder Case]]. Later, all scenes were re-shot with C. Honnappa Bhagavathar.</span> | ||
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| | | 20 || 1946 || Vidhyapathi || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[T. R. Ramachandran]], [[K. Thavamani Devi]], [[D. Balasubramaniam]], [[M. N. Nambiar]], D. Premawathi</span> || A. T. Krishnaswami || Attapalli Rama Rao ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 17 Oct 1946</span> | ||
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| | | 21 || 1946 || [[Sri Murugan]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] || [[Honnappa Bhagavathar]], [[K. Malathi]], [[M. G. Ramachandran]], [[U. R. Jeevaratnam]], [[P. S. Veerappa]], Narasimha Bharathi, [[M. G. Chakrapani]], [[Kali N. Rathnam]] || M. Somasundaram, V. S. Narayanan || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[S. V. Venkatraman]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 27 Oct 1946</span> | ||
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| | | 22 || 1947 || [[Asokamala]] || [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] || Sir Chittampalam A. Gardine ||<span style="font-size:78%"> Shanthi Kumar, Emaline Dimbulana</span> || Shanthi Kumar, T. R. Goppu || Mohammed Ghouse || <span style="font-size:78%"> 09 Apr 1947</span> | ||
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| | | 23 || 1947 || [[Rajakumari (1947 film)]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> M. G. Ramachandran, K. Malathi, M. R. Saminathan, T.S.Balaiah, [[M. N. Nambiar]]</span> || A. S. A. Sami || S. M. Subbaiah Naidu ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 11 Apr 1947</span> | ||
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| [[Tamil | | 24 || 1947 || [[Kanjan]] || Tamil || Jupiter + Central || <span style="font-size:78%"> S. V. Subbaiah, [[M. N. Nambiar]], P. V. Narasimha Bharathi, K. Malathi, M. S. S. Bhagyam</span> || Covai A. Aiyamuthu, T. R. Gopu || || <span style="font-size:78%"> 11 Nov 1947</span> | ||
| M. A. | |- | ||
| [[P. Kannamba]]< | | 25 || 1948 || [[Bilhanan]] || Tamil || TKS Brothers ||<span style="font-size:78%"> T. K. Shanmugam, T. K. Bhagavathi, M. S. Draupathi</span> || K.V. Srinivasan || T. A. Kalyanam ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 23 Apr 1948 ''The story and screenplay by [[A.S.A. Sami]]. The song, "Thoondir Puzhuvinaipol” sung by TKS brothers, used lyrics by poet [[Subramania Bharati]]. Film producer [[A. V. Meiyappan]], who held copyright to all Bharati's work, sued TKS Brothers for infringement. Later resolved by then Madras State Chief Minister [[O. P. Ramaswamy Reddiyar]] when he offered to purchase the rights and make Bharati's works copyright free''</span> | ||
| K. Somu | |- | ||
| [[K. V. Mahadevan]] | | 26 || 1948 || [[Abhimanyu (1948 film)]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> M. G. Ramachandran, S. M. Kumaresan, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, M. G. Chakrapani, P.V.Narasimma bharathi, [[M. N. Nambiar]]</span> || A. S. A. Sami || S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 6 May 1948</span> | ||
| <span style="font-size: | |- | ||
| 27 || 1948 || [[Mohini (1948 film)]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures ]], Central Studios ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[T. S. Balaiah]], [[Madhuri Devi ]], [[M. G. Ramachandran]], [[V. N. Janaki]]</span> || Lanka Sathiyam || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[C. R. Subburaman]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 13 Oct 1948</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 28 || 1949 || [[Velaikkaari]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[K. R. Ramasamy (actor)|K. R. Ramasamy]], [[Janaki Ramachandran]], [[M. N. Nambiar]]</span> || A. S. A. Sami || S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman || <span style="font-size:78%"> 25 Feb 1949 ''The film script was written by [[C. N. Annadurai]] (later chief minister of Tamil Nadu), his second film to be based on his plays. ..''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 29 || 1949 || [[Kanniyin Kaadhali]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[Anjali Devi]], [[Madhuri Devi ]], [[N. S. Krishnan]], [[T. A. Mathuram]]</span> || K. Ramnothand, A. K. Sekhar || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[C. R. Subburaman]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 06 Aug 1949 ''The movie featured a dance sequence by the famed sister duo [[Lalitha (actress)|Lalitha]] and [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]].''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 30 || 1950 || Krishna Vijayam || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> N. C. Vasanthakokilam, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi,</span> || [[Sundar Rao Nadkarni]] || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[C. R. Subburaman]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 14 Jan 1950 The film featured dance by [[Lalitha (actress)|Lalitha]] and [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]]</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 31 || 1950 || [[Vijayakumari (film)]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> K. R. Ramaswamy, T. R. Rajakumari, Serukulathur Sama, T. S. Balaiah, Kumari Kamala, P. K. Saraswathi, [[M. N. Nambiar]]</span> || A. S. A. Sami || C. R. Subburaman || <span style="font-size:78%"> 18 Mar 1950</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 32 || 1951 || [[Marmayogi]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[M. G. Ramachandran]], [[Anjali Devi]], [[Madhuri Devi ]], [[M. N. Nambiar]]</span> || K. Ramnoth || [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[C. R. Subburaman]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 02 Feb 1951 M. G. Ramachandran played the lead role. First Tamil film to receive an "A" (Adults Only) certificate from Central Film Censor Board.''[[Jupiter Pictures]] later remade in Telugu as [[Marmayogi (1964 film)]] starring [[N. T. Rama Rao]] ''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 33 || 1951 || [[Sudharshan (film)|Sudharshan]] || Tamil || Central Studios + Vauhini Studios (Rayal Talkies) || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[P. U. Chinnappa]], P. Kannamba, (Yogam) Mangalam, Lalitha, T. S. Balaia, [[D. Balasubramaniam]], P. B. Rangachari, C. K. Saraswathi</span> || [[A. S. A. Sami]], [[Sundar Rao Nadkarni]] || G. Ramanathan || <span style="font-size:78%"> 28 Nov 1951 ''[[P. U. Chinnappa]] the lead hero, died before the film was released. The same story was filmed simultaneously by [[Gemini Studios]] as [[Chakra Dhari|Chakradhari]] and was released early, while Sudharshan was delayed and was released 3 years later in 1951. Also [[A. S. A. Sami]], Director, was replaced by [[Sundar Rao Nadkarni]].''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 34 || 1951 || [[Kaithi (1951 film)|Kaithi]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[S. Balachandar]], [[S. A. Natarajan]], S. Revathi, S. Meenakshi, [[K. Malathy]]</span>|| [[S. Balachandar]] || [[S. Balachandar]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 23 Dec 1951</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 35 || 1952 || [[Rani (1952 film)]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> S. Balachander, P. Bhanumathi</span> || [[L. V. Prasad]] || [[C. R. Subburaman]], D. C. Dutt || <span style="font-size:78%"> 26 Apr 1952 '' Central + Neptune.''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 36 || 1952 || Rani (1952 film) (Hindi) || Hindi || [[Jupiter Pictures]] ||<span style="font-size:78%"> Anoop Kumar, [[P. Bhanumathi]]</span> || [[L. V. Prasad]] || [[C. R. Subburaman]], D. C. Dutt ||<span style="font-size:78%"> 26 Apr 1952 ''Central + Neptune''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 37 || 1952 || [[Puyal]] || Tamil || Pelican Pictures (K. P. George) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> G. M. Basheer, [[M. V. Rajamma]], G. M. Gulsar, K. R. Ramsingh</span> || G. Viswanath || S. G. K. Pillai, P. S. Diwakar || <span style="font-size:78%"> 25 Jul 1952</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 38 || 1952 || [[Zamindar (1952 film)]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] + Sangeetha Pictures (Central ) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[S. A. Natarajan]]. [[Madhuri Devi ]], [[M. V. Rajamma]], [[D. Balasubramaniam]], T. P. Muthulakshmi</span> || P. V. Krishnan || [[G. Ramanathan]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 30 Aug 1952</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 39 || 1953 || Naalvar || Tamil || M. A. Venu (Sangeetha Pictures) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[A. P. Nagarajan]], Kumari Thangam, N. N. Kannappa, M. N. Krishnan, Muthulakshmi</span> || V. Krishnan || [[K. V. Mahadevan ]]|| <span style="font-size:78%"> 05 Nov 1953</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 40 || 1954 || Mangalyam (film) || Tamil || M. A. Venu (M. A. V Pictures) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[A. P. Nagarajan]], [[Rajasulochana]], [[S. A. Natarajan]], B. S. Saroja, A. Karunanidhi, S. Mohana, [[M. N. Nambiar]], C. T. Rajakantham, M. M. A. Chinnapa Devar</span> || K. Somu || [[K. V. Mahadevan ]]|| <span style="font-size:78%"> 22 May 1954 '' The Tamil movie debut of [[Rajasulochana]]''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 41 || 1954 || [[Sorgavasal]] || Tamil || [[Jupiter Pictures]] + Parimalam Pictures ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[K. R. Ramasamy (actor)|K. R. Ramaswamy]], [[S. S. Rajendran]], [[Anjali Devi]], [[P. S. Veerappa]], [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]]</span>|| A. Kasilingam || [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]] || <span style="font-size:78%"> 28 May 1954 ''The film was partly shot at Central Studios and [[Neptune Studios]], Adyar, Madras. [[C. N. Annadurai]] for the first time was credited for screenplay and dialogues as Arignar Anna.''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 42 || 1954 || [[Manasakshi]]|| Malayalam || K. S. Akhileswarayyar (Ishwar Production) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> "[[Prem Nazir]], P. Bhaskaran, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, Hemalatha, T. R. Omana, Jose Prakash, P. A. Thomas</span>|| G. Viswanath || S. G. K. Pillai || <span style="font-size:78%"> 20 Aug 1954 '' The story of Ammaye Kaanaan (1963) closely resembled this film.''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 43 || 1955 || [[Nalla Thangai]] || Tamil || [[S. A. Natarajan]]- Forward Art Films ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[M. N. Nambiar]], [[Madhuri Devi]], [[Rajasulochana]], [[S. A. Natarajan]] [[T. S. Balaiah]]</span> || [[S. A. Natarajan]]|| [[G. Ramanatha]]n || <span style="font-size:78%"> 5 Feb 1955''Another film with the title Nalla Thangal was produced by Madras Movietones and was released at the end of this year with a different cast and crew.''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 44 || 1955 || [[Mullaivanam]] || Tamil || Arvind Pictures (V. Krishnan) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> Sriram, [[Kumari Rukmini]], [[P. S. Veerappa]], [[A. Karunanidhi]]</span> || V. Krishnan || [[K. V. Mahadevan ]]|| <span style="font-size:78%"> 11 Mar 1955</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 45 || 1955 || [[Pennarasi]] || Tamil || M. A. Venu (M. A. V Pictures) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[A. P. Nagarajan]], [[P. Kannamba]], [[Rajasulochana]], [[M. N. Nambiar]], [[P. S. Veerappa]]</span> || K. Somu || [[K. V. Mahadevan ]]||<span style="font-size:78%"> 07 Apr 1955 ''Story by [[A. P. Nagarajan]]''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 46 || 1955 || [[Asai Anna Arumai Thambi]] || Tamil || [[Srimathi Pictures]] ([[Madhuri Devi ]]) ||<span style="font-size:78%"> [[A. P. Nagarajan]], [[Madhuri Devi ]], [[T. R. Ramachandran ]], [[V. M. Ezhumalai]], [[Rajasulochana]]</span> || G. R. Rao || [[K. V. Mahadevan ]]|| <span style="font-size:78%"> 29 Jun 1955 ''Newtone & Film Center''</span> | |||
|- | |||
| 47 || 1955 || [[Town Bus]] || Tamil || M. A. Venu (M. A. V Pictures) || <span style="font-size:78%"> [[N. N. Kannappa]], [[Anjali Devi]], [[A. Karunanidhi]], [[M. N. Rajam]]</span> || K. Somu || [[K. V. Mahadevan ]]|| <span style="font-size:78%">13 Nov 1955 ''Story by [[A. P. Nagarajan]]''</span> | |||
|} | |} | ||
* The 1947 Sinhala film [[Asokamala]] was also shot in Central Studios <ref>{{Cite | * The 1947 Sinhala film [[Asokamala]] was also shot in Central Studios <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/lester-and-ceylons-films/article23879760.ece|title=Lester and Ceylon's films|first=S.|last=Muthiah|newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 May 2018|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> | ||
* The 1954 Prem Nazir hit movie [[Manasakshi]] was produced here.<ref>{{Cite | * The 1954 Prem Nazir hit movie [[Manasakshi]] was produced here.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/old-is-gold-manasakshi-1954/article5693417.ece|title=OLD IS GOLD: MANASAKSHI 1954|first=B.|last=Vijayakumar|newspaper=The Hindu |date=16 February 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 211: | Line 164: | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050508164351/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/11/17/stories/2003111700890100.htm Reel-time nostalgia The Hindu] | * {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20050508164351/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/11/17/stories/2003111700890100.htm Reel-time nostalgia The Hindu]}} | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040510163921/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/02/stories/2004020201050100.htm Coimbatore Wealth creators - The Hindu ] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20040510163921/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/02/stories/2004020201050100.htm Coimbatore Wealth creators - The Hindu ] | ||
* [http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article451896.ece Baker-turned filmmaker - The Hindu ] | * [http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article451896.ece Baker-turned filmmaker - The Hindu ] | ||
* [http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article417856.ece Samikannu Vincent ,he brought cinema to South - The Hindu ] | * [http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article417856.ece Samikannu Vincent, he brought cinema to South - The Hindu ] | ||
* [Book: Life of a Textile Pioneer Published by Limex Journal] | * [Book: Life of a Textile Pioneer Published by Limex Journal] | ||
* [Book: B.Rangaswamy Naidu - Vazhkai Varalaru] | * [Book: B.Rangaswamy Naidu - Vazhkai Varalaru] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:12, 24 October 2025
 | |
| Industry | Motion pictures |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1935 |
| Defunct | 1958 (de facto)[1] |
| Headquarters | Trichy Road, Singanallur, Coimbatore |
Key people | B. Rangaswamy Naidu, Sriramulu Naidu, Samikannu Vincent, R. K. Ramakrishnan Chettiar, Lakshmi Mills |
Central Studios was an Indian film studio in the neighbourhood of Singanallur, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, started by B.Rangaswamy Naidu (a.k.a. B. R. Naidu) and other prominent industrialists like Swamikannu Vincent of Coimbatore in 1935 to make Tamil and other South Indian language movies. The studio was a major hub of Tamil movie production and notable for its association with many early day Tamil Movie Superstars, directors and script writers etc. and many making their career debuts here. The studio is best remembered for movies like Sivakavi, Velaikari and Haridas.
History[edit | edit source]
Movie industry in Coimbatore[edit | edit source]
Samikannu Vincent
Movies became a major industry in Coimbatore when in 1905 a South Indian Railways employee Samikannu Vincent purchased a film projector along with some silent films from a Frenchman named Du Pont who had fallen ill on his touring exhibition. Samikannu Vincent then built a business as film exhibitor first by traveling around the country and finally erecting tents theatres for screening films. His tent cinema became popular as he traveled all over the state with his mobile unit. In 1917, Samikannu Vincent built South India's first permanent cinema theatre, Variety Hall Cinema, at TownHall; it is now called ad Delite theatre. As Samikannu Vincent also generated his own electric power for his theatres, he built a series of theatres in and around the city to screen silent films. He also became a distributor for the French Pathé Frères movie projectors. In the early 1930s he launched the Variety Hall Talkies banner to make sound film (a.k.a. talkies) and released a few movies which were mainly shot in Calcutta. Feeling a need to have a movie studio, he was instrumental, along with other industrialists and movie makers, in establishing a fully equipped studio in Coimbatore.
Also during the late 1920s, another firm under Sabapathy was involved in the distributorship of an Italian movie projector company, eventually leading to the manufacture of their own brand of movie projectors in Coimbatore. By the early thirties Coimbatore already had a studio named Premier Cinetone Studio [3] (later renamed Pakshiraja Studios). In 1935 a London-educated graduate, T. R. Sundaram, built a fully equipped movie studio, Modern Theatres, in Salem, and the region became the central hub for movie activity.
Studio beginnings[edit | edit source]
Catalogue of Central Studios, Coimbatore
Central Studio was founded by a group of prominent industrialists B. Rangaswamy Naidu, R. K. Ramakrishnan Chettiar (brother of India's first Finance Minister R. K. Shanmukham Chetty), Samikannu Vincent, and another new movie director S. M. Sriramulu Naidu (who joined as a working partner). Studio commenced its operation in 1936 with their first release being Thukkaram in 1937 directed by S. M. Sriramulu Naidu. By the early 1940s the Studio became the central hub of Tamil Movie industry.
Facilities[edit | edit source]
The Studio is located at Singanallur, near to the Trichy Road in Coimbatore city. The Studio had almost all modern facilities required for a Movie studio along with Sound and film editing labs and technical workshops. The sound engineers and cameramen were all Germans during the 30s and most of the Make-Up team were from Mumbai.[4] The studio also had a music department headed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. The studio also boasted the BNC Mitchell Camera, then a Hollywood standard, which cost a whopping Rs 500,000 in the 1930s and the Studio was equipped with 10 KW, 5 KW AND 2 KW lights. Most of the artists and technicians were on monthly payroll.
Studio system[edit | edit source]
The Silver Jubilee hit movie of 1936 Sivakavi starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, was an in-house production, as well as several socially significant movies. Central Studio released few movies, but the Studio housed lot of other production banners. The most popular being Jupiter Pictures and Pakshiraja Films. Other production houses that operated inside the studio were Narayanan and Company, Manorama Pictures and Venu Pictures. The then popular comedian trio N. S. Krishnan and T. Mathuram had their independent production unit, Ashoka Films inside the premises. They often made their comedy track independently and sold to other Movie producers who later released as ‘side reel’.
Notable film personalities[edit | edit source]
The studio was a central hub during the early days for Tamil movies first 'Superstars' P. U. Chinnappa and M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and the popular comedian N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Mathuram. The studio was also a starting point for four of Tamil Nadu state Chief Ministers C. N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi,[5] M. G. Ramachandran[6] and V. N. Janaki. The Studio housed famous musicians S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, while G. Ramanathan along with Papanasam Sivan and K. V. Mahadevan composed for some of the Studio Movies. The popular music composer M. S. Viswanathan was an assistant to S. M. Subbiah Naidu. Playback singer T. M. Soundararajan[7] made his early foray as playback singer here so was Lyricist Kannadasan in his initial career. Central Studio was a launch pad for many later day directors like Muktha Srinivasan who was an associate director for 1954 release Sorgavasal.[8] and K. Shankar who was in the editing department. T. R. Rajakumari, Anjali Devi, U. R. Jeevarathinam, Madhuri Devi and Rajasulochana featured in many films shot in Central Studioc.[9] Actress Sachu as childhood artist appeared in few films shot here.
Famous directors who operated out of the Studio were S. M. Sriramulu Naidu, Ellis R. Dungan, A. S. A. Sami, A. P. Nagarajan and popular duo Krishnan–Panju of Parasakthi fame who directed their first movie in Central Studios. India's pioneering Cinematographer Adi Merwan Irani[10] worked in this studio for Sivakavi and Haridas. Sando Chinnappa Thevar, of Devar Films living nearby in Ramanathapuram was a body builder who worked as stunt actor before becoming one of Indias successful movie producers.
Final years[edit | edit source]
In 1945 S. M. Sriramulu Naidu left Central Studios to start his own Studio called Pakshiraja Studios and B. Rangaswamy Naidu family bought out majority of its shares. During the late 1940s the management leased the Studio to Jupiter Pictures. After B. R. Naidu's demise the Studio management passed on to Lakshmi Mills family who closed it in 1959 as Chennai by then emerged as the major Movie hub and also as a result of other lobbying groups who wanted to keep movie industry out of Coimbatore, as it was then emerging into an Industrial and Educational hub. The Studio with its equipments were leased to other producers in 1958 and continued Film distribution till 1962.
Present day[edit | edit source]
Most of the Studio structure is still intact as the B. R. Naidu family uses the premises for various industrial activities. Some of the buildings houses Textile production units and small workshops. During the 70s and 80s race car constructor and driver S. Karivardhan used the studio premises to build and test his race cars.
Till 2009 the text impression ‘ Central Studios’ can found at their main entrance gate. Recently in 2010 some structures were pulled down to make way for new developments. Post 2013 the studio premises was split between the family members of B. R. Naidu and though the buildings remain as it, the approach roads are different and still remain private.
List of major releases[edit | edit source]
| # | Year | Title | Language | Production | Lead Cast | Director | Music composer | Release date & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1938 | Thukkaram | Tamil | Central Studios | Musiri Subramania Iyer, Chokkalinga Bhagavathar, K. Seetha, Meenambal | B. Narayan Rao | R. Balasaraswathi | 17 Sep 1938 The iconic Carnatic musician Musiri Subramania Iyer's only movie. . |
| 2 | 1938 | Thukkaram | Telugu | Central Studios | C. S. R. Anjaneyulu, Chokkalinga Bhagavathar, Kamalabai, Balasaraswathi | M. L. Tandon[11] | R. Balasaraswathi | 17 Sep 1938 Shot simultaneously along with the Tamil version |
| 3 | 1939 | Rambaiyin Kaadhal | Tamil | Central Studios | K. Sarangkapani, K. L. V. Vasantha, N. S. Krishnan | B. Narayan Rao | Central Studios Orchestra | 24 Feb 1939 Debut movie for comedian T. S. Durairaj |
| 4 | 1939 | Prahalada (1939 film) | Tamil | Salem Sankar Films | T. R. Mahalingam, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, R. Balasubramaniam, Nagercoil K. Mahadevan,M. G. Ramachandran, N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram | B. Narayan Rao | Sharma Brothers | 12 Dec 1939 |
| 5 | 1940 | Bhooloka Rambai | Tamil | M. Somasundaram (Jupiter Somu) (Salem Shanmugha Films) & M.D. Viswanathan (Vijaya Maruthi Pictures) | K.L.V. Vasantha, T. K. Shanmugam, T.R. Mahalingam, T.S. Balaiah, N.S. Krishnan, T. A. Madhuram and Kumari Rukmini | B. Narayan Rao | G. Ramanathan | 14 Jan 1958 S.S. Vasan had just started Gemini Pictures Circuit as distributor, was looking for movies for distribution, called on Rao at Coimbatore and asked him whether he could complete the film in time for Deepavali if he funded the project. |
| 6 | 1940 | Naveena Vikramadityan | Tamil | Ashoka Films | N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram, T. S. Durairaj, M. R. Swaminathan | K. S. Mani | N. S. Balakrishnan | 29 Jun 1940 |
| 7 | 1941 | Chandrahari | Tamil | Ashoka Films | N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram, L. Narayana Rao, Kaka Radhakrishnan | K. S. Mani | N. S. Balakrishnan | As this was a short film, it was package as part 2 with another film Izhandha Kadhal (Part 1) |
| 8 | 1941 | Ezhandha Kadhal | Tamil | Ashoka Films | N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram, K. P. Kamatchi | K. S. Mani | N. S. Balakrishnan, K. M. Gowrisan | n/a |
| 9 | 1941 | Sathi Murali | Tamil | Central Studios, Saba Films | " M. K. Radha, M.R.Santhanalakshmi,T. R. Mahalingam, Nagercoil K. Mahadevan, L. Narayana Rao, Kali N. Ratnam, S. Varalakshmi, T. A. Mathuram | B. Narayan Rao,T. C. Vadivelu Naicker | n/a | |
| 10 | 1941 | Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1941 film) | Tamil | Ashoka Films | "N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram, M. R. Swaminathan, S. V. Sahasranamam | K. S. Mani | N. S. Balakrishnan | 15 Mar 1941 |
| 11 | 1941 | Aryamala | Pakshiraja Films, K. S. Narayanan Iyengar | P. U. Chinnappa , M. S. Sarojini, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, N. S. Krishnan | Bomman Irani | G. Ramanathan | 19 Oct 1941 | |
| 12 | 1942 | Prithivirajan | Tamil | Central Studios + Haran Talkies | P. U. Chinnappa, A. Sakunthala, T. S. Balaiah, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, N. S. Krishnan | B. Sampathkumar | G. Ramanathan | 29 Apr 1942 |
| 13 | 1943 | Jeevana Nataka | Kannada | Gubbi Films (Gubbi Veeranna) | Gubbi Veeranna, Kemparaj Urs, Shanta Hublikar, B. Jayamma | Wahab Kashmiri | S. V. Venkatraman, Ramayyar Shirur, Harmonium Sheshagirirao | 01 Jan 1943 Kemparaj Urs, the brother of future Chief Minister of Mysore State, D. Devaraj Urs, made his acting debut in the film. |
| 14 | 1943 | Sivakavi | Sivakavi | Central Studios, Pakshiraja Films | M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, S. Jayalakshmi, T. R. Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan | S. M. Sriramulu Naidu | Papanasam Sivan | 10 Apr 1943 Shooting started in 1942 with P. K. Raja Sandow as director. Due to disputes between Raja Sandow and producer S. M. Sriramulu Naidu, later took over direction. Script was by Elangovan. Was a major blockbuster all over Madras Presidency. |
| 15 | 1944 | Jagathalaprathapan (1944 film) | Tamil | Central Studios, Pakshiraja Films | P. U. Chinnappa, M. S. Sarojini, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, P. B. Rangachari, U. R. Jeevaratnam, S. Varalakshmi, T. A. Jayalakshmi, T. S. Balaiah, N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram | S. M. Sriramulu Naidu | G. Ramanathan | 07 Mar 1944 |
| 16 | 1944 | Haridas | Tamil | Rayal Talkie Distributors | M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, T. R. Rajakumari, N. C. Vasanthakokilam, N. S. Krishnan | Sundar Rao Nadkarni | Papanasam Sivan, G. Ramanathan | 16 Oct 1944 One of the record setting blockbuster hit, released for 1944 Deepavali, it ran continuously in Madras Broadway Theater with full shows for 110 weeks, crossing 1945 and 1946 Deepavali's |
| 17 | 1945 | En Magan (1945 film) | Tamil | Central Studios | N. Krishnamoorthi, U. R. Jeevarathinam, D. Balasubramaniam, Kumari Kamala, C. K. Saraswathi | R. S. Mani | Papanasam Sivan,
C. A. Lakshmana Das || 16 Feb 1945 | |
| 18 | 1945 | Saalivaahanan | Tamil | Bhaskar Pictures | Ranjan, T. R. Rajakumari, M. G. Ramachandran, K. L. V. Vasantha, N. S. Krishnan | B. Narayan Rao | Nagercoil K. Mahadevan | 04 Nov 1945 The film had a love scene sequence between Ranjan and T. R. Rajakumari, in colour which was achieved manual hand-tinting for each frame. |
| 19 | 1946 | Valmiki | Tamil | Central Studios | C. Honnappa Bhagavathar, U. R. Jeevarathinam, T. R. Rajakumari, N. C. Vasanthakokilam | Sundar Rao Nadkarni | Papanasam Sivan | 13 Apr 1946 Originally signed with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar as lead, shooting commenced in 1944 before his arrest in Lakshmikanthan Murder Case. Later, all scenes were re-shot with C. Honnappa Bhagavathar. |
| 20 | 1946 | Vidhyapathi | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | T. R. Ramachandran, K. Thavamani Devi, D. Balasubramaniam, M. N. Nambiar, D. Premawathi | A. T. Krishnaswami | Attapalli Rama Rao | 17 Oct 1946 |
| 21 | 1946 | Sri Murugan | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | Honnappa Bhagavathar, K. Malathi, M. G. Ramachandran, U. R. Jeevaratnam, P. S. Veerappa, Narasimha Bharathi, M. G. Chakrapani, Kali N. Rathnam | M. Somasundaram, V. S. Narayanan | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, S. V. Venkatraman | 27 Oct 1946 |
| 22 | 1947 | Asokamala | Sinhala | Sir Chittampalam A. Gardine | Shanthi Kumar, Emaline Dimbulana | Shanthi Kumar, T. R. Goppu | Mohammed Ghouse | 09 Apr 1947 |
| 23 | 1947 | Rajakumari (1947 film) | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | M. G. Ramachandran, K. Malathi, M. R. Saminathan, T.S.Balaiah, M. N. Nambiar | A. S. A. Sami | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | 11 Apr 1947 |
| 24 | 1947 | Kanjan | Tamil | Jupiter + Central | S. V. Subbaiah, M. N. Nambiar, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi, K. Malathi, M. S. S. Bhagyam | Covai A. Aiyamuthu, T. R. Gopu | 11 Nov 1947 | |
| 25 | 1948 | Bilhanan | Tamil | TKS Brothers | T. K. Shanmugam, T. K. Bhagavathi, M. S. Draupathi | K.V. Srinivasan | T. A. Kalyanam | 23 Apr 1948 The story and screenplay by A.S.A. Sami. The song, "Thoondir Puzhuvinaipol” sung by TKS brothers, used lyrics by poet Subramania Bharati. Film producer A. V. Meiyappan, who held copyright to all Bharati's work, sued TKS Brothers for infringement. Later resolved by then Madras State Chief Minister O. P. Ramaswamy Reddiyar when he offered to purchase the rights and make Bharati's works copyright free |
| 26 | 1948 | Abhimanyu (1948 film) | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | M. G. Ramachandran, S. M. Kumaresan, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, M. G. Chakrapani, P.V.Narasimma bharathi, M. N. Nambiar | A. S. A. Sami | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman | 6 May 1948 |
| 27 | 1948 | Mohini (1948 film) | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures , Central Studios | T. S. Balaiah, Madhuri Devi , M. G. Ramachandran, V. N. Janaki | Lanka Sathiyam | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman | 13 Oct 1948 |
| 28 | 1949 | Velaikkaari | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | K. R. Ramasamy, Janaki Ramachandran, M. N. Nambiar | A. S. A. Sami | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman | 25 Feb 1949 The film script was written by C. N. Annadurai (later chief minister of Tamil Nadu), his second film to be based on his plays. .. |
| 29 | 1949 | Kanniyin Kaadhali | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | Anjali Devi, Madhuri Devi , N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Mathuram | K. Ramnothand, A. K. Sekhar | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman | 06 Aug 1949 The movie featured a dance sequence by the famed sister duo Lalitha and Padmini. |
| 30 | 1950 | Krishna Vijayam | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | N. C. Vasanthakokilam, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi, | Sundar Rao Nadkarni | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman | 14 Jan 1950 The film featured dance by Lalitha and Padmini |
| 31 | 1950 | Vijayakumari (film) | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | K. R. Ramaswamy, T. R. Rajakumari, Serukulathur Sama, T. S. Balaiah, Kumari Kamala, P. K. Saraswathi, M. N. Nambiar | A. S. A. Sami | C. R. Subburaman | 18 Mar 1950 |
| 32 | 1951 | Marmayogi | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi, Madhuri Devi , M. N. Nambiar | K. Ramnoth | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subburaman | 02 Feb 1951 M. G. Ramachandran played the lead role. First Tamil film to receive an "A" (Adults Only) certificate from Central Film Censor Board.Jupiter Pictures later remade in Telugu as Marmayogi (1964 film) starring N. T. Rama Rao |
| 33 | 1951 | Sudharshan | Tamil | Central Studios + Vauhini Studios (Rayal Talkies) | P. U. Chinnappa, P. Kannamba, (Yogam) Mangalam, Lalitha, T. S. Balaia, D. Balasubramaniam, P. B. Rangachari, C. K. Saraswathi | A. S. A. Sami, Sundar Rao Nadkarni | G. Ramanathan | 28 Nov 1951 P. U. Chinnappa the lead hero, died before the film was released. The same story was filmed simultaneously by Gemini Studios as Chakradhari and was released early, while Sudharshan was delayed and was released 3 years later in 1951. Also A. S. A. Sami, Director, was replaced by Sundar Rao Nadkarni. |
| 34 | 1951 | Kaithi | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | S. Balachandar, S. A. Natarajan, S. Revathi, S. Meenakshi, K. Malathy | S. Balachandar | S. Balachandar | 23 Dec 1951 |
| 35 | 1952 | Rani (1952 film) | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures | S. Balachander, P. Bhanumathi | L. V. Prasad | C. R. Subburaman, D. C. Dutt | 26 Apr 1952 Central + Neptune. |
| 36 | 1952 | Rani (1952 film) (Hindi) | Hindi | Jupiter Pictures | Anoop Kumar, P. Bhanumathi | L. V. Prasad | C. R. Subburaman, D. C. Dutt | 26 Apr 1952 Central + Neptune |
| 37 | 1952 | Puyal | Tamil | Pelican Pictures (K. P. George) | G. M. Basheer, M. V. Rajamma, G. M. Gulsar, K. R. Ramsingh | G. Viswanath | S. G. K. Pillai, P. S. Diwakar | 25 Jul 1952 |
| 38 | 1952 | Zamindar (1952 film) | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures + Sangeetha Pictures (Central ) | S. A. Natarajan. Madhuri Devi , M. V. Rajamma, D. Balasubramaniam, T. P. Muthulakshmi | P. V. Krishnan | G. Ramanathan | 30 Aug 1952 |
| 39 | 1953 | Naalvar | Tamil | M. A. Venu (Sangeetha Pictures) | A. P. Nagarajan, Kumari Thangam, N. N. Kannappa, M. N. Krishnan, Muthulakshmi | V. Krishnan | K. V. Mahadevan | 05 Nov 1953 |
| 40 | 1954 | Mangalyam (film) | Tamil | M. A. Venu (M. A. V Pictures) | A. P. Nagarajan, Rajasulochana, S. A. Natarajan, B. S. Saroja, A. Karunanidhi, S. Mohana, M. N. Nambiar, C. T. Rajakantham, M. M. A. Chinnapa Devar | K. Somu | K. V. Mahadevan | 22 May 1954 The Tamil movie debut of Rajasulochana |
| 41 | 1954 | Sorgavasal | Tamil | Jupiter Pictures + Parimalam Pictures | K. R. Ramaswamy, S. S. Rajendran, Anjali Devi, P. S. Veerappa, Padmini | A. Kasilingam | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | 28 May 1954 The film was partly shot at Central Studios and Neptune Studios, Adyar, Madras. C. N. Annadurai for the first time was credited for screenplay and dialogues as Arignar Anna. |
| 42 | 1954 | Manasakshi | Malayalam | K. S. Akhileswarayyar (Ishwar Production) | "Prem Nazir, P. Bhaskaran, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, Hemalatha, T. R. Omana, Jose Prakash, P. A. Thomas | G. Viswanath | S. G. K. Pillai | 20 Aug 1954 The story of Ammaye Kaanaan (1963) closely resembled this film. |
| 43 | 1955 | Nalla Thangai | Tamil | S. A. Natarajan- Forward Art Films | M. N. Nambiar, Madhuri Devi, Rajasulochana, S. A. Natarajan T. S. Balaiah | S. A. Natarajan | G. Ramanathan | 5 Feb 1955Another film with the title Nalla Thangal was produced by Madras Movietones and was released at the end of this year with a different cast and crew. |
| 44 | 1955 | Mullaivanam | Tamil | Arvind Pictures (V. Krishnan) | Sriram, Kumari Rukmini, P. S. Veerappa, A. Karunanidhi | V. Krishnan | K. V. Mahadevan | 11 Mar 1955 |
| 45 | 1955 | Pennarasi | Tamil | M. A. Venu (M. A. V Pictures) | A. P. Nagarajan, P. Kannamba, Rajasulochana, M. N. Nambiar, P. S. Veerappa | K. Somu | K. V. Mahadevan | 07 Apr 1955 Story by A. P. Nagarajan |
| 46 | 1955 | Asai Anna Arumai Thambi | Tamil | Srimathi Pictures (Madhuri Devi ) | A. P. Nagarajan, Madhuri Devi , T. R. Ramachandran , V. M. Ezhumalai, Rajasulochana | G. R. Rao | K. V. Mahadevan | 29 Jun 1955 Newtone & Film Center |
| 47 | 1955 | Town Bus | Tamil | M. A. Venu (M. A. V Pictures) | N. N. Kannappa, Anjali Devi, A. Karunanidhi, M. N. Rajam | K. Somu | K. V. Mahadevan | 13 Nov 1955 Story by A. P. Nagarajan |
- The 1947 Sinhala film Asokamala was also shot in Central Studios [12]
- The 1954 Prem Nazir hit movie Manasakshi was produced here.[13]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Commissioner Of Income-Tax vs Central Studios (P.) Ltd. on 16 August, 1972". indiankanoon.org. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ↑ "CENTRAL STUDIOS AND TEXTILES PRIVATE LIM ITED - Company, directors and contact details". Zauba Corp. 2 March 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ↑ Guy, Randor (29 January 2017). "Sathi Anusuya (1937)". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Rao, Subha J. (17 July 2012). "In the limelight". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Kalaignar's tryst with cinema began in Coimbatore". The Times of India. 9 August 2018.
- ↑ Jeshi, K. (20 March 2014). "Celluloid stories". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Jeshi, K. (25 December 2013). "Notes on an icon". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Guy, Randor (4 February 2010). "Sorgavaasal 1954". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Guy, Randor (15 March 2014). "Sree Andal (1949)". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Muthiah, S. (13 May 2012). "A scholar's pauper's death". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Musiri cast as Saint Tukaram in maiden Central Studios movie". 24 December 2015.
- ↑ Muthiah, S. (14 May 2018). "Lester and Ceylon's films". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Vijayakumar, B. (16 February 2014). "OLD IS GOLD: MANASAKSHI 1954". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Reel-time nostalgia The Hindu[usurped]
- Coimbatore Wealth creators - The Hindu
- Baker-turned filmmaker - The Hindu
- Samikannu Vincent, he brought cinema to South - The Hindu
- [Book: Life of a Textile Pioneer Published by Limex Journal]
- [Book: B.Rangaswamy Naidu - Vazhkai Varalaru]