M. G. Ramachandran & Cho Movies Together List — 5 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
M. G. Ramachandran and Cho appeared together in 5 Tamil films between 1968 and 1972. Their highest-rated collaboration was Neerum Neruppum (1971 — 7.5/10). Films span Kanavan (1968) through Sange Muzhangu (1972).
The M. G. Ramachandran & Cho partnership
Between 1968 and 1972, they barely worked apart — 5 films in 4 years. For 4 years, a M.–Cho film arrived almost every year. They saved their best for last — Neerum Neruppum (7.5/10) came 3 years in.
From Kanavan (1968) to Sange Muzhangu (1972). The spanned closed with Sange Muzhangu in 1972.
The shape of the work
The 1970s account for 60% of everything they made together. The 1960s belonged to Kanavan; the 1970s to Neerum Neruppum. M. G. Ramachandran acted in every film; Cho acted in all of them. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
Partnership facts
- Cho said in a 2005 interview: 'MGR knew I was against his politics, but he still gave me space to perform. He never once tried to change my dialogue or my stance. That's why I did five films with him.'
- Cho was a fierce political satirist and critic of MGR's party. When MGR cast him in Kanavan (1968), fans were shocked. Cho later admitted he took the role because MGR personally called him and said, 'Let's show them we can work together.'
- In Adimaippenn (1968), MGR played the hero and Cho played the villain. But Cho's dialogue delivery was so sharp that MGR started rewriting his own lines on set to match Cho's rhythm. The director said MGR wanted to 'keep up' with Cho's pace.
- Despite being political rivals, MGR and Cho would share a cup of tea between shots. Cho once said MGR never discussed politics on set — they only talked about films and food. Their off-screen friendship lasted long after the films ended.
- Their pairing in Neerum Neruppum (1971) was so popular that it inspired a wave of 'hero vs. villain with sharp tongue' roles in Tamil cinema. Directors started casting real-life political opposites just for that tension on screen.
- In Engal Thangam (1970), MGR insisted Cho play a comedic role instead of a villain. Cho improvised most of his scenes, and MGR would deliberately pause his own lines to let Cho's punchlines land. That film became a hit largely because of their comic timing together.
5 films across 2 decades
The 1960s accounted for 2 films.
The 1970s brought 3 films together, anchored by Neerum Neruppum (7.5/10).
- Kanavan0
- Adimaippenn0
- Neerum Neruppum
- Engal Thangam
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
5 films across 4 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
When they first worked together, M. G. Ramachandran had 50 films behind them; Cho had 3.
Before Kanavan, M. G. Ramachandran had starred in 50 films, including Anbe Vaa (1966) and Ayirathil Oruvan (1965).
After Sange Muzhangu, M. G. Ramachandran went on to appear in 20 more films, including Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973) and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973).
Before Kanavan, Cho had starred in 3 films, including Manam Oru Kurangu (1967) and Ninaivil Nindraval (1967).
After Sange Muzhangu, Cho went on to appear in 22 more films, including Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979) and Thanga Pathakkam (1974).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of M. G. Ramachandran & Cho's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Jayalalitha is the through-line — cast on 4 of their 5 films. M. S. Viswanathan scored 3 of them. Jayalalitha appears alongside them in 4 films — practically a third lead.
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