Blast From The Past: When M.G.R Stopped Jayalalitha From Sharing Screen Space With Rajinikanth!

When Padayappa was released, it was speculated that Ramya Krishnan's character could've been designed based on J Jayalalitha's alleged tiff with Rajinikanth. But did you know that the former CM of Tamil Nadu almost shared screen space with the Superstar? According to an interesting piece of information revealed by R Thyagarajan,
the director of Rajinikanth's 1982 film Ranga, Jayalalitha was finalized to play Rajinikanth's on-screen sister. After the yesteryear actress had liked her character, she had expressed her desire to work in the movie and everything

including her costumes had been arranged. Just two days before the shoot could commence, in came a call from then Chief Minister, MG Ramachandran(MGR), who suggested Jayalalitha not to take part in the film, 

according to the director. "I have decided to bring Ammu(Jayalalitha) into politics and hence do not cast her in this film. I've spoken to KR Vijaya and she has accepted to replace Jayalalitha in the film", 

Thyagarajan said recollecting MGR's conversation. Later, the crew had no problems in roping in KR Vijaya as she was asked to take part in the film by one of Tamil Nadu's most influential personalities at that time. 

As they say, what went on to happen post that incident is history and till today we haven't had the opportunity to see 

Rajinikanth and Jayalalitha together on-screen which is unlikely to happen in the future as well. Stay locked for many such interesting updates from the world of Kollywood.

Aayirathil Oruvan Directed by B. R. Panthulu, Aayirathil Oruvan was considered as a swashbuckling action-adventure at that time. Forty-nine years after the original theatrical release, the film was digitally enhanced for a planned re-release in January 2014.