Renowned Telugu and Hindi actress Rashmika Mandanna is set to step into the shoes of legendary Carnatic vocalist and Bharat Ratna recipient MS Subbulakshmi in an upcoming biopic that will chronicle the life and legacy of one of India’s most decorated musicians. The film will officially be launched at the Music Academy in Chennai on Wednesday, coinciding with the singer’s 110th birth anniversary. 

Veteran Tamil actor, filmmaker, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan has been invited as the chief guest on the occasion. The event is slated to kick off at 6 pm and will also feature a live performance of MS Subbulakshmi’s songs by The Indian Choral Ensemble. 

Anirudh Ravichander entrusted with music composition

The high-stakes project will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, who has already garnered accolades for films like Jersey and Kingdom. Meanwhile, critically acclaimed music composer Anirudh Ravichander has been roped in to create the music for the biopic. 

Geetha Arts announced the project on social media, taking the wraps off the principal cast and crew. The production house called the launch a celebration of Subbulakshmi’s enduring legacy and confirmed Rashmika as the lead actor. 

The film shall jointly be produced by Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu under the banner of Geetha Arts, Rockline Entertainment and Bunny Vas works. As per a report, several other actresses, including Sai Pallavi and Rukmini Vasanth, had been considered for the role, but Rashmika was finalised later. 

Makers promise Subbulakshmi’s authentic portrayal

The film’s makers said that bringing MS Subbulakshmi’s extraordinary life to the big screen has involved years of work, particularly in securing the rights, permissions, literary sources and family associations required to narrate her story with respect and authenticity. 

A press release issued by the makers read, “Bringing a legend of such stature to the silver screen has been a journey of immense perseverance,” adding that an extensive effort had gone into assembling the resources and associations necessary for the project. 

While Rashmika’s casting has already generated significant buzz, the makers are yet to announce more details about the supporting cast and other members of the crew.

Rashmika’s upcoming projects

Rashmika’s last appearance on the silver screen was Cocktail 2, and she has several other projects lined up too. She is all set to share the screen with her husband, Vijay Deverakonda, in the period drama Ranabaali. 

Moreover, she will also feature in the upcoming action film Mysaa. Meanwhile, Subbulakshmi’s biopic marks another feather to her diverse filmography’s cap.