Maruthur Gopalan Neelakandan M. G. Chakrapani stage name (13 January 1911 – 17 August 1986), commonly known as Eattan ("elder brother" in Malayalam), was an Indian actor and producer based in the Tamil film industry. He was the elder brother of actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran.
Early life Chakrapani was born in Vadavannur, Palakkad (Madras Presidency now Kerala), on 13 January 1911. His parents, Gopala Menon and Sathyabhama, named him Neelakantan, but this was soon changed to Chakrapani because of his father's religious beliefs. Soon after his birth, the family migrated to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where Chakrapani's two younger siblings (brother M. G. Ramachandran and a sister) were born. Gopala Menon worked as a magistrate in Kandy, until he suffered an early death. Chakrapani's sister also died while they were in Ceylon.
Sathyabhama took her sons to Kumbakonam to be close to her brother. Chakrapani studied at Yanaiadi School, but left after the seventh grade. His mother then enrolled him and Ramachandran in the Madurai Original Boys Company (MOBC), a professional Tamil theatre company.
Career Chakrapani made his Tamil cinema debut in Iru Sahodarargal in 1936. Maya Machhindra and Tamizhariyum Perumal came next, where he began to be known as a character actor. His breakout role came in 1944 with Mahamaya. His character, Neelan, is believed to have been modelled after the Indian philosopher Chanakya. Though Mahamaya was a box office failure, Chakrapani's lines continue to be spoken. His acting in the role of police inspector in Malai kallan and as villain in En Thangai are notable. He had a very good role in Nadodi Mannan. His big success came some years later with Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali, where he again played a villain.
Later in his career, Chakrapani transitioned from actor to director and producer, managing his brother's career. Chakrapani worked with his brother on several projects which failed to see the light of day. One such film, Bhavani had Ramachandran in the lead role. It was written by A. K. Velan, directed by Masthan, with Chakrapani producing. Years later, Chakrapani tried again, this time taking the director's seat in the renamed Arasa Kattalai. It was a success.
Personal life and death Chakrapani was married to Meenakshi. They had 10 children together including seven sons and three daughters. Chakrapani died on 17 August 1986 at the age of 75.
Filmography YearFilm RolesNotes Ref. 1936Iru SahodarargalPolice inspectorBilled as G. Chakrapani1939Maya Machhindra1939Jothi1942Tamizhariyum Perumal1944MahamayaNeelan1946Sri Murugan19471000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani1948AbhimanyuBalaraman1948Raja MukthiMinister1950PonmudiTribal Chief1950Thigambara SamiarMagistrate Pattabhirama Pillai1950Maruthanad ElavaraseeMinister1950Ithaya GeethamMinister1951Vanasundari1952Amarakavi1952En ThangaiRajendran's uncle1952KalyaniDoctor1953NaamSanjeevi Genova General Annas Malayalam-Tamil film1954MalaikkallanSub Inspector1954En MagalMirasdar1956Alibabavum 40 ThirudargalumAmir Kasim Khan1957Raja RajanUthselan Kavirayar1958Nadodi MannanKarmegam1959Thaai Magalukku Kattiya ThaaliSundara Mudaliar1959Nalla Theerpu1960Raja DesinguNawab of Arcot1960Mannathi MannanKing Karikala Chozhan1962Raani Samyuktha1967Arasa KattalaiAlso director1969Nam NaaduAlso producer1972Idhaya VeenaiSivaraman1974Netru Indru NaalaiManavalan Thangappapuram1975Naalai Namadhe
References
External links