In our childhood and teenage years, one of our entertainments was watching film cutouts erected in front of the Jaffna movie theatres. Many artists drew cutouts for the then-superstars MGR and Sivaji Ganeshan. MGR (Maruthuur Gopalamenon Ramachandran) was known for his stunts, songs, and the social justice themes in movies and songs, while Sivaji Ganeshan was known for his acting, portraying various characters.
The major theatres during that time were Rani, Raja, Wellington, Lido, Windsor, Regal, Manohara, and Rio. Among the artists who drew the cutouts, the most prominent one was Artist Maniyam, known as 'Oviyar Maniyam.' His cutouts for MGR and Sivaji's films were fan favorites. Here, you can see some of his famous cutouts.
MGR's own production was 'Adimaip Pen.' A huge cutout, affectionately remembered by his fans, was drawn by artist Maniyam and erected in front of the Rani Theatre located near Jaffna Bus Terminal.
This cutout was created for MGR's movie 'Kavalkaran,' erected in front of the Raja Theatre in Jaffna. 'Kavalkaran' was MGR's first released film after he was shot by a fellow actor, M.R.Radha. Although his voice was damaged due to a bullet remnant lodged in his throat, fans accepted him with his altered voice, making the film a huge hit.
This is another cutout, smaller in comparison to others, drawn by Oviyar Maniyam and erected in front of the Windsor Theatre in Jaffna.
Another cutout was drawn for Sivaji Ganeshan's 'Pattikaada Pattama,' erected in front of the Rani Theatre in Jaffna.
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