A pan-India film based on the life of India’s legendary singer M.S. Subbulakshmi, who mesmerized listeners across the world for decades with her divine voice, is being made. Producers Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu have officially launched the film based on the life of Bharat Ratna awardee M.S. Subbulakshmi. Kannada girl Rashmika Mandanna will portray the role of M.S. Subbulakshmi, while Gautham Tinnanuri will direct the film. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music for the film.
The film was launched on Wednesday at the Music Academy in Chennai, on the occasion of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary. Renowned actor Kamal Haasan officially launched the film by clapping for the first scene featuring Rashmika Mandanna. Members of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s family, renowned Carnatic music artistes and several prominent personalities from the film industry were present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, director Gautham Tinnanuri said, “For the past one year, the name M.S. Subbulakshmi has been like a mantra for our entire team. When we started this project, we thought we were creating a film about one of India’s greatest musical legends. But when we began researching her life, we realised that she was not just a great singer, but also a personality who made many sacrifices. Our intention was to bring the woman behind all her achievements onto the screen. Subbulakshmi attained her greatness through lifelong discipline, patience and dedication. Through our film, we aim to convey this powerful message to this generation.”
Producer Rockline Venkatesh said, “This biopic has been a dream of all of us for many years. Seven to eight years of hard work and research have gone into this project. I am extremely happy to be producing this film along with Allu Aravind Garu and Bunny Vasu. Choosing the right artiste for the role of Subbulakshmi was the biggest challenge before us. We had several discussions about who would be suitable to truly do justice to such a prestigious personality. Finally, Rashmika Mandanna has proved to be the perfect choice.”
Renowned Telugu producer Allu Aravind said, “The moment I saw the portrait of M.S. Subbulakshmi inside this auditorium, I became emotional. I believe that she chose us to make this film, and she herself chose Rashmika to represent her on screen. Director Gautham Tinnanuri travelled for an entire year, met several people and conducted research into every aspect of Subbulakshmi’s life. Rockline Venkatesh, meanwhile, has been determined to make this biopic for the past seven years. He succeeded in acquiring the rights to the film from Subbulakshmi’s family. Her family members have stood in support of this project.”
Another producer, Bunny Vasu, said, “Rockline Venkatesh and Allu Aravind brought all of us together and played a significant role in turning this dream project into reality. I have produced around 25 films in my career. I have experienced both failures and successes. I believe that producing this film has given me the true meaning of being a producer. I feel that producing this film and bringing such an incredible story to life was what I truly wanted to do.”
Rashmika Mandanna said, “As an actor, my heart is full to have received such a wonderful opportunity. Standing on this stage where M.S. Subbulakshmi once stood feels like being in the presence of the divine. I feel immensely proud and honoured to have the opportunity to become a small part of Subbulakshmi’s extraordinary life journey. I believe that her blessings will always be with us throughout the journey of this film. I will make every effort to portray this role on screen in a way that everyone appreciates.”
Kamal Haasan said, “M.S. Subbulakshmi was an empress of music who united India, especially South India, through her voice. She sang in several languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Whichever language she sang in, she elevated the beauty of that language further through her music. That is the timeless message her music has given us. Whenever I listen to her Suprabhatam, Lalitha Sahasranamam or Rangapura Vihara, my heart fills with happiness. Mahatma Gandhi too was a great admirer of her music. My best wishes and congratulations to Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu for taking up this project.”
Several prominent personalities from the film industry and the field of classical music were present at the event, including artistes Suhasini, Shivakumar, director Mahendran, actor-director Samuthirakani, producers Kalaippuli S. Thanu, Rajendran and Katragadda Prasad, M.S. Subbulakshmi’s grandson Chandrashekar and his wife Mala, among others.
