It is safe to say Amaidhi Padai is an important page in the annals of political cinema history. From Ammavasai to Nagaraja Chozhan MLA, there was one constant - Ex MLA Manimaran
Sathyaraj and Manivannan's similar political ideologies came to the fore in multiple films. No wonder Sathyaraj's directorial debut, Villathi Villain, had Manivannan play Minister KuppuswamyManivannan as by-election Paramasivam joined hands with Sathyaraj and Goundamani in Thaai Maaman to rip into the existing political climate of the State. As always, no holds barred.Being an honest secretary to a crony politician, it took Chief Secretary Mayakrishnan to give Arjun's Pugazhendi the proverbial push to take up the responsibility of cleaning the systemEvery political crusader would like to see his legacy being carried forward to the next generation. It is important that revolution continues to be relevantManivannan's performances in serious roles were noteworthy too. Be it as a villain, or an important cameo, the 'Manivannan' touch became an integral part of many moviesRighteous anger is something Manivannan frequently aced. In Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, his anger comes from a place of love, and he understands that it is all about loving the parentsIn Gokulathil Seethai, Manivannan plays a cool boss, who doles out life advice as easily as he delivers a wisecrack. As Karthik's conscience keeper of sorts, Manivannan delivers a measured performanceIn Ji, Manivannan plays the fly on the wall, who one day, decides to come down and shake the cobwebs in the mind of the protagonist. A balanced role in a politically-charged filmVillain to Rajinikanth. Acting in his guru Bharathiraja's film. There were a lot of things that would have made Manivannan say 'yes' for Kodi Parakkudhu. Was it the right decision? Well...Not just AR Rahman's music, but Manivannan was also one of the highlights of Sangamam. As a doting father, and the well-respected guardian of an art, Manivannan as Aavudapillai was outstandingIn Sullan, Manivannan plays an understanding father who meets an untimely gruesome end due to his love for his son, Dhanush.Shouting at Sivaji Ganesan, and later squirming when the 'garjanai' is returned, Manivannan beautifully sells the role of a scheming relative, who later repents for his actions in PadayappaThere is a very thin line between being a sarcastic villain and becoming a funny villain. Not many walked this tightrope with as much efficiency as Manivannan.In recent times, one of the most shared memes was of Manivannan smoking the beedi like a boss. In Ettupati Rasa, he plays Napoleon's sidekick who looks for ways to ruin his lifeIn this hilarious film starring Parthiban and Goundamani, Manivannan plays yet another version of a scheming relative. To remain a straight-faced villain in a comedy film is no mean achievementHow many different ways can one play a scheming relative? Manivannan seems to say, 'Well, one more' His performance in Vallal's climax is equal parts villainy and funny.Saving the best for last, Manivannan was brilliant in almost every comedy outing. Be it situational humour or slapstick comedy, the actor-director was comfortable with every genreAs Mudaliar, every dialogue Manivannan utters in Avvai Shanmugi was quote-worthy. An inspired casting choice that paid rich dividendsManivannan acted in a number of family entertainers, where he was part of an ensemble cast. Budget Padmanabhan ranks as one of his better outings, where he plays the role of...... ungrateful relativeAs father of chef Pandiarajan, Manivannan makes his way into the film quite late. However, he compensates the lost time with increasing humour thanks to his role as a Military chefReintroducing Kabhie Kabhie to us in a hilarious way, Manivannan aced the role of a henpecked husband in Maaman Magal. Even now in YouTube, the comedy scenes from this film is popularAs Karthik's friend and guide, Manivannan lands each of those wisecracks with amazing consistency. Not just as a comedian, that one scene when Nagma slaps him, instantly makes us shed a tearA timeless classic. To carve your own space opposite Goundamani and Senthil isn't the easiest of things, but again, not everyone is Manivannan. Tamil Cinema misses you...