Tribute Paid at the Centenary Celebration of R.M. Veerappan – A Stalwart of Politics and Cinema
The centenary celebration of the late former Minister R.M. Veerappan—a prominent figure in the history of Tamil Nadu politics and the Tamil film industry—was held in grand fashion yesterday at Vani Mahal in T. Nagar, Chennai. Organized by his family, the event saw the participation of dignitaries from various fields, including politics, cinema, education, and the judiciary, who paid tribute by recalling his life, political journey, and contributions to the film industry.
R.M. Veerappan shared a close association with key leaders of the Dravidian movement, such as Periyar and Anna. Later, when M.G.R. parted ways with the DMK to launch the AIADMK, Veerappan joined him and continued his political journey. Having served in the cabinets of former Chief Ministers M.G.R. and Jayalalithaa, he held the post of Minister in Tamil Nadu five times between 1977 and 1996. Additionally, he served three terms as a member of the Legislative Council and two terms as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Beyond politics, R.M. Veerappan made significant contributions to the film industry. He produced over 30 films across languages ​​such as Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu, and also wrote the screenplays for and produced more than 20 successful movies. He was affectionately known in the film fraternity as “Thiraikkadhai Siddhar” (Master of Screenplay).
R.M. Veerappan left an indelible mark through his productions across various generations of Tamil cinema, starting from the era of M.G.R. He played a pivotal role in supporting M.G.R.’s cinematic career by producing films such as Rickshawkaran, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, and Deiva Thai. Notably, he holds the distinction of having delivered numerous hit films starring Rajinikanth, such as Moondru Mugam and Baashha. R.M. Veerappan was a personality who carved a unique legacy for himself in the distinct realms of both politics and cinema.
T.G. Thyagarajan, R.M. Veerappan’s son-in-law, is the producer behind Sathya Jyothi Films, a leading production house that has spanned several generations of the Tamil film industry. Sathya Jyothi Films stands as a prominent production company, having produced films for top stars—from the era of M.G.R. to contemporary icons like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ajith Kumar, Dhanush, and Vijay Sethupathi—consistently delivering quality works alongside commercial success. In this regard, T.G. Thyagarajan continues his own production journey while remaining closely connected to the legacy left behind by R.M. Veerappan in the film industry.
Against this backdrop, T.G. Thyagarajan spearheaded the organization of the centenary celebrations. He delivered the welcome address, greeting the special guests and celebrities who attended the event. The celebration served as an occasion to reflect on R.M. Veerappan’s political journey, his contributions to cinema, his personal qualities, and his guiding principles in life.
Speaking at the event, Jagathrakshakan, Member of Parliament and President of the Chennai Kamban Kazhagam, remarked, “One cannot find a person as untainted as R.M.V. in politics. He was driven by a genuine desire to do something for the people. While sharing memories of him, one cannot help but feel the void left by his absence.”
Dr. M.G.R. University Chancellor Shanmugam noted that while R.M. Veerappan was known as a “political Chanakya” (political strategist), he lived a life that transcended that label, serving as an exemplary model of how a human being ought to live. Speaking at the event, former Madras High Court Judge Suresh Kumar remarked that while the current generation often overlooks the importance of sacrifice, love, and personal integrity, R.M. Veerappan excelled in all these areas. Noting that the credit for molding his associates into individuals of high moral character belongs to him, he urged the Tamil Nadu government to name the road where R.M. Veerappan lived after him.
Veteran film director S.P. Muthuraman said, “All sorts of things happen in politics today, but R.M.V. conducted politics with dignity and civility. The objective of this event is to inspire the creation of more politicians like him.”
Prominent figures from various fields participated in the event, including film director S.P. Muthuraman, poet Muthulingam, MGR Kazhagam General Secretary Ramalingam, film director P. Vasu, former Madras High Court Judge Suresh Kumar, Dr. MGR University Chancellor Shanmugam, Chennai Kamban Kazhagam President Jagathrakshakan, and former Union Minister Thirunavukkarasar.
The centenary celebration of R.M. Veerappan—a multifaceted personality who championed purity, civility, and personal integrity in politics, delivered numerous hit films, and served as a role model to those around him—was not merely an occasion to cherish his memory but also a platform to convey his life values ​​to the next generation.
