M.G.Ramachandran is a phenomenon that has unarguably ruled Tamil cinema for more than 3 decades. His movies have always been energy boosters for his fanbase that exist even today. What about the current generation? Many youngsters watch old films enthusiastically today but a section of youth is yet to get into the classic world. To the 'Mass Masala' loving young people, here are the 13 must-watch MGR films to get started.

1. Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum

If you are a fan of fantasy films, this is MGR's offering for you. The movie has action and magic throughout to amaze the viewer. Being the first South Indian film to be fully shot in Gevacolor, this film can be thoroughly enjoyed with your kids.

2. Nadodi Mannan

A King is kidnapped and replaced by his look-alike who brings in a lot of changes in Governance. Sounds interesting? This MGR directorial runs for more than 3 hours but you will never get bored. The razor-sharp dialogues and an introduction to the Dravidian ideology for the common man are worth mentioning. 

3. Vettaikaaran

It is an MGR show all the way. As a cowboy, he does every routine stuff done by a commercial hero but in a new exciting avatar. The famous 'Unnai Arindhaal' song is from this film and this one is highly recommended for people who love cowboy films with the required dose of action.

4. Dheiva Thaai

One of the biggest hits in the year 1964, Dheiva Thaai has an energetic MGR playing Maaran, the C.I.D officer. With a proper mix of commercial ingredients, wonderful songs, and crisp screenplay, this is a film not to be missed. The iconic K.Balachander wrote the dialogues for this film.

5. Padagotti

This blockbuster deals with the daily issues faced by the fishing community and the impact of the zamindari system in their lives. Watch this film to see MGR essaying the role of a fisherman with ease, for some unforgettable songs like 'Thottaal Poo Malarum' and colorful visuals. 

6. Enga Veettu Pillai

Arguably the most loved film of MGR ever, Enga Veettu Pillai is a treat for every action film lover. With a very usual and predictable storyline, what made this an unforgettable movie is MGR's charisma and dominance in the screen throughout the runtime. As Ramu and Ilango, he showed great variety as an innocent and brave man in his acting, well supported by a racy screenplay and chartbuster songs like 'Naan Aanaiyittaal'. This one is worth repeated viewings.

7. Aayirathil Oruvan

As a doctor who fights against slavery, AayirathilOruvan is one of the most talked about films in MGR's career. Directed by B.R.Panthulu, this film had Jayalalithaa pairing with MGR for the very first time. Shot extensively in Goa, Aayirathil Oruvan is a splendid watch for the high octane sword fight scenes between MGR and M.N.Nambiar, fantastic comedy from Nagesh, scintillating music and Jayalalithaa-MGR duo's on-screen chemistry. 

8. Anbe Vaa

Very few could have imagined MGR starring in a completely non-political, feel-good romantic comedy film in 1966, just a year before the 1967 assembly elections. AVM's 'Anbe Vaa' is one landmark MGR film where MGR uttered no political punchlines, didn't seek revenge on villains to save the heroine and people and didn't forcefully add any philosophical song. As a big change, MGR plays a 'rich' JB who hides his own identity and involves in an interesting love game with Saroja Devi. The role of M.S.Viswanathan in providing classical songs like 'Rajavin Paarvai', 'Love Birds' and the comic support by Nagesh makes 'Anbe Vaa' an ever enjoyable film with a 'different' MGR. 

9. Ragasiya Police 115

For those who love 'James Bond' kind of films, this one is a must-watch as MGR plays a secret agent unraveling mysteries and detecting culprits in his own style. The plot is commercial and colorful and there is no dull moment in the film that could bore the audience. Watch this and you will not regret if you love MGR in an uncompromising action role. 

10. Kudiyirundha Koyil

MGR in a double role again. A very sweet and dutiful Anand raised by his mother and a ruthless criminal Sekhar raised by M.N.Nambiar, who's a don involved in illegal activities. What follows is a fantastic screenplay with ample twists and turns that keeps the viewer on the edge of his seats. After EngaVeettu Pillai, MGR has shown a great variety for his dual roles and its impressive. Watch out for the most popular 'AadaludanPaadalaiKaettu' number where MGR excels in Bhangra dance along with L. Vijayalakshmi. KudiyirundhaKoyil is sheer entertainment. 

11. Adimai Penn

With MGR and Jayalalithaa both playing dual roles, Adimai Penn is a delightful film made on a large scale. MGR's ardent fans find this film so special for its swashbuckling stunt sequences, particularly the scene where MGR fights aggressively with a lion. The film showcases raw action in some real hot locations. The musical surprises include Jayalalithaa making her singing debut with the song 'Amma Endraal Anbu' and a young S.P.Balasubrahmanyam making his mark with the song 'Aayiram Nilave Vaa'. 

12. Maattukara Velan

An innocent villager Velan on one side and a well-educated lawyer Raghu on the other. MGR carries this film on his shoulders with dual roles showing significant variations for both the characters and wins big time. In Maattukara Velan, there is an emotion binding the entire film which is rare in other MGR films where only the action is focused. It can be classified as one of the most entertaining films in MGR's career with the right commercial values. Watch it right now without second thoughts.

13. Ulagam Sutrum Valiban

This magnum opus is MGR's second directorial after Nadodi Mannan and he once again proved his ability in directing complicated stories and coming out with flying colors. Ulagam Sutrum Valiban is all about travel, private investigation, and drama. The film was shot in Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore which was a rarity on those days. The film became an all-time blockbuster for its splendid locations, lovely songs and the untiring tempo in which the screenplay was written. Watch it on your big screens and relish the wonderful making.