Rashmika Mandanna's anticipated biopic of illustrious Tamil singer and legend MS Subbulakshmi was launched at a Chennai event recently, with Kamal Haasan sounding off the clapboard.
Speaking about the project, Haasan likened the biopic and Mandanna's effort to that of a Michael Jackson biopic. "MS Amma was the pan-Indian lady superstar. She'd sing, she'd play the veena and dance. Emulating her would be as difficult and nerve-wracking as the performer who played Michael Jackson [in his recent biopic]. But you have a great team to support you," he said, addressing Mandanna.
“Right now, I have only one feeling in my heart, and that is gratitude. You all came here to especially celebrate Amma, so thank you so much,” Mandanna said. “Amma, you chose me to be a small part of your life. For that, I am always grateful, and I always will be. I will definitely give my best, I promise."
MS: A Legacy on Screen stars Rashmika Mandanna as M.S. Subbulakshmi and is directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Music for the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. No further cast details, production timeline or release date have been announced alongside the launch.
M.S. Subbulakshmi, born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai, is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of Carnatic classical music. She was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, which she received in 1998. She was also awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974, the Padma Bhushan in 1954 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1975. Subbulakshmi performed at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, and was the first Indian musician to do so. She died in December 2004 at the age of 88.
Rashmika Mandanna, who is recovering from a hip injury sustained during a dance sequence on a separate film set, is currently working on Mysaa, a Telugu-language action thriller, and Ranabaali, a Telugu-language historical period drama directed by Rahul Sankrityan. She sustained a serious hip injury while filming on set, with doctors advising her to take six weeks of complete rest before beginning a structured rehabilitation programme. The injury involved a complete tendon detachment in her hip.