Chitralaya Gopu

Sadagopan (better known as Chitralaya Gopu) is an Indian screenwriter and director who works in Tamil cinema. He has written nearly 60 films, and directed 27 of them. He scripted dramatic films such as Moondru Dheivangal and Shanti Nilayam and comedies such as Kadhalikka Neramillai, Galatta Kalyanam, Patti Sollai Thattathe and Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa.

Career C. V. Sridhar and Sadagopan were childhood friends since their schooldays in St. Joseph's High School, Chengalpattu. Both were playwrights; Sridhar wrote stage plays and played the hero while Sadagopan wrote the humorous parts and played the comedian. Later, when Sridhar had the opportunity to direct a film, he asked Sadagopan to join him and produce the comedy track. The film Kalyana Parisu (1959) was a hit and Sridhar started his own production house, Chitralaya. Sadagopan became popularly known as 'Chitralaya' Gopu.

He received the Kalaimamani Award from Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa in 1992.

He directed and acted in television forays, such as Washingtonil Thirumanam, which was shot in the U.S.

Personal life Gopu is married to Kamala, a novelist.

Partial filmography

Year Film Credited as Notes Director Writer 1959 Kalyana Parisu 1962 Nenjil Or Aalayam 1964 Kadhalikka Neramillai 1964 Kalai Kovil 1966 Pyar Kiye Jaa Remake of Kadhalikka Neramillai 1966 Kodimalar 1967 Nenjirukkum Varai 1967 Ooty Varai Uravu 1967 Anubavam Pudhumai 1968 Galatta Kalyanam 1969 Shanti Nilayam 1970 Veettuku Veedu 1971 Moondru Deivangal 1971 Sumathi En Sundari 1971 Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa 1972 Kasethan Kadavulada 1974 Athaiya Mamiya 1974 Penn Ondru Kanden 1974 Galate Samsara 1977 Kalamadi Kalam 1977 Rasi Nalla Rasi 1979 Alankari 1979 Aasaikku Vayasillai 1979 Dhairyalakshmi 1984 Raja Veettu Kannukkutty 1985 Thanga Mama 3D 1985 Vellai Manasu 1985 Thendrale Ennai Thodu 1988 Vasanthi 1988 Paatti Sollai Thattathe 1989 Dilli Babu 1990 Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga Last film