M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, often hailed as the first superstar of Tamil cinema, experienced a meteoric rise to fame, only to see his career and reputation tarnished by a dramatic fall from grace. His story, filled with both dazzling success and tragic misfortune, continues to captivate audiences, inspiring a forthcoming film titled "Kaantha," starring Dulquer Salmaan.
Bhagavathar's journey began with a foundation in Carnatic music, which he seamlessly integrated into his acting. His films, including "Chintamani" (1937), "Ambikapathi" (1937), "Thiruneelakantar" (1940), "Ashok Kumar" (1941), and "Sivakavi" (1943), achieved monumental success, establishing him as one of the highest-paid and most adored stars in Indian cinema. Notably, his film "Haridas" ran for 784 days in theaters. Bhagavathar's unique acting style, deeply rooted in musicality, set a new standard for emotional storytelling on screen, earning him a devoted fan base. His lifestyle reflected his stardom; he was known to have dined on gold plates.
However, his flourishing career abruptly ended in 1944 when he was arrested as a prime suspect in the Lakshmikanthan murder case. Lakshmikanthan was a journalist. The trial and subsequent imprisonment severely damaged his public image. Although he was acquitted in 1947 by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, his career never fully recovered from the scandal.
After his release, Bhagavathar attempted a comeback with films like "Raja Mukthi" (1948), "Shyamala," "Amarakavi," and "Pudhu Vazhvu," but none achieved the same level of success as his earlier works. His final movie, "Sivagami" (1960), released after his death, also failed to revive his former glory.
Bhagavathar's legacy remains significant in Tamil cinema history. His innovative fusion of music and performance laid the groundwork for future generations of stars in the industry. The upcoming film "Kaantha," directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, starring Dulquer Salmaan as T.K. Mahadevan, is reportedly based on Bhagavathar's life, exploring both the brilliance and the heartbreak that defined the legendary performer. "Kaantha," also featuring Rana Daggubati and Bhagyashri Borse, is set to release on November 14, aiming to rekindle the memory of a man whose voice once defined an era.
In a more recent case, another Tamil actor, Powerstar Srinivasan, also faced legal troubles, being arrested in July 2025 by the Delhi Economic Offences Wing for allegedly arranging a ₹1000 crore loan for a businessman through financial institutions and receiving a commission of ₹5 crore for it. When the loan didn't come through, the businessman suspected fraud and filed a complaint. Further investigations revealed that Srinivasan had been avoiding court appearances since 2018 in connection with six other fraud cases pending in Chennai.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of fame and fortune in the film industry, where success can be fleeting, and even the most celebrated figures can face unexpected challenges and legal battles.
