Actor, singer and politician, M. K. Muthu has passed away at the age of 77.
Muthu was born on 14 January 1948 as the eldest son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi. His mother was Karunanidhi’s first wife, Padmathi, the sister of actor-singer C.S. Jayaraman, She passed away shortly after Muthu was born.
In 1972, MG Ramachandran was ousted from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) after publicly opposing corruption within the party following the death of C.N. Annadurai.
Prior to this incident, Muthu was being groomed as the political heir to Karunanidhi, but when MGR was ousted from the DMK, Karunanidhi decided to launch Muthu as an actor to rival M.G. Ramachandran.
Using MGR’s style of dressing, screen mannerisms and screen image, Muthu was launched as a lead actor in the film, Pillaiyo Pillai as Mu.Ka. Muthu or M.K. Muthu. The film was written by M. Karunanidhi and produced by Muthu’s first cousin, Murasoli Maaran and directed by the popular duo, Krishnan-Panju. The film was a major hit and some section of the press predicted a looming end to MGR’s career.
Krishnan-Panju also directed Muthu’s second film – Pookaari – where he starred opposite Manjulla. The film, however, bombed at the box-office.
Despite major publicity drives, M.K. Muthu’s successive films – Samayalkaaran and Annaitaa Villakku also failed at the box-office. Muthu also sang playback for all songs from Annaiyaa Villakku.After increased efforts to promote Nambikkai Natchathiram, Ingeyum Manithargal and Ellam Avalle, it was decided to end his film career, a move that left Muthu out of politics and now also out of films.
Disillusioned with what had happened in the family after his mother’s death, Muthu turned against his family and joined the opposition party AIADMK under Jayalalitha.
In 2008, after falling seriously ill, he reconciled with his father and with most of the family.
Muthu passed away this morning after a prolonged illness.
His son, Arulnidhi, is now a well-established actor in Kodambakkam.
K. Bhagyaraj Special 4: Classic Film Review: “Darling Darling Darling”
Post Views: 9 K. Bhagyaraj’s ninth directorial was a marked move away from his previous films. While his earlier films focused on story and content,
TOP 20 Tamil Songs for the week ending 03 July 2026
Post Views: 10 We start off the second half of 2026 with three new entries and a new number 1. Don’t forget to vote for
K. Bhagyaraj Special 3: Classic Film Review: Thooral Ninnu Pochu
Post Views: 14 K. Bhagyaraj’s seventh directorial, Thooral Ninnu Pochu, sees him play the lead role opposite Sulakshana. The supporting cast includes M.N. Nambiar, Senthamarai,
History of Tamil Cinema – Episode 15
Post Views: 12 MGR as villain in Saalivaahanam This film released on 16 February 1945 and starred Ranjan opposite T.R. Rajakumari. Directed by B.N. Rao,
K. Bhagyaraj Special 2: Classic Film Review: Andha 7 Naatkal
Post Views: 13 Inspired by the life of J.P. Chandrababu, K. Bhagyaraj’s sixth directorial. Andha 7 Natkal, is a moving love story with lots of
K. Bhagyaraj Special 1: Classic Review: “Vidiyumvarai Kaathiru”
Post Views: 18 K. Bhagyaraj’s Vidiyumvarai Kathiru, released theatrically on 08 May 1981, was his fifth directorial and was a film that was decades ahead