From the court halls of justice, as we peep out, we come to Popham’s Broadway as it was then known — today’s Prakasam Salai. Broadway’s cinema connect goes beyond just the place featuring in many films. In Broadway was Mrs Klug’s Bioscope, the city’s first permanent cinema, according to historian Stephen Hughes. This functioned for a brief period from 1911, and since 1944, became the premises for the Sukrutha Lakshmi Vilasa Sabha. There on, it is the famous Parry’s Corner, again featured in many films, followed by the Reserve Bank building and the subway outside.
Then comes Fort St George, where modern Madras began, which is shown as the seat of the government, along with the national flag proudly fluttering on the mast, in many films, especially when it involves a character who is the chief minister. As we move further south along the coast, the next monuments we come across are close to each other — the Victory War Memorial and the Napier Bridge. Till the late 19th century, there was a pathway from the Fort leading to a circular space, where the high society used to meet in the evening, dressed in all their finery. Later, lights were added and a bandstand came up in this place. As it became increasingly popular for those seeking romance, it came to be known as Cupid’s Bow, notes historian V Sriram. In fact, there are many tales of people eloping down this pathway, including the then police commissioner, Edward Elliot, eloping with the wife of Colonel Napier!
The War Memorial was built on this site to acknowledge the sacrifice made by many during World War I. Later, commemorating World War II victory, and the Indo-Pak wars and the Indo-China war, structures were added. As it is a picturesque spot, many films have used this as a backdrop. The circular road around the memorial lends itself admirably for many a chase. A long shot from Thyaga Bhoomi (1939) shows how desolate this place must have been in the pre-independence era.
As we cross that, we come to the Napier Bridge. Built originally in 1869 by Francis Napier, this was supported by iron girders, which attracted lightning. There was a standalone lightening rod next to the bridge for many years after. In 1943, the present concrete edifice was built with its classic bow-shaped structure. Many decades later, a pair was added and the bridge was widened. We can see many songs covering this structure. From Nagesh singing Madras Nalla Madras (Anubavi Raja Anubavi, 1967) to Azhagiya Mithilai Nagarinile, a song from Annai (1962), they all have lovely images of this bridge.
As we cross the bridge over the River Cooum, we come to two modern structures. One is the Anna Samadhi, the tusk-shaped archway of which has been shown in many movies. It is not just an aesthetic backdrop, but in many cases, a political one, too. The tusk-shaped entrance was replaced with an arch in the late 90s. Next door is the MGR Samadhi.
Memorials
to J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, too, have come up in these premises, making this area even more politically charged for future films. Further down was the aquarium, Buhari Restaurant and the swimming pool, all favourite backdrops. We will travel along the Marina tomorrow.
Meanwhile, thanks to readers who pointed out that the Nayakan climax was shot in the College of Engineering, Guindy. The Presidency College has featured in many films like Mouna Ragam as an educational institution. My debut film, Idhayam, too, featured this but as a medical college.
Mohan Raman is a popular Tamil film
and TV actor, and a film historian
Start a Conversation
Post comment