Rashmika Mandanna set to play legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi in upcoming biopic M.S – A Legacy On Screen

Rashmika Mandanna is preparing for one of the most challenging roles of her career as she takes on the legendary Carnatic vocalist and Bharat Ratna, M.S. Subbulakshmi in the upcoming biopic. M.S – A Legacy On Screen, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, has already gained much attention with the announcement of Rashmika Mandanna as the lead.

The biopic was launched on September 16 which marked the 110th birth anniversary of M.S. Subbulakshmi. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan gave the first clap at the launch, which was attended by Rashmika Mandanna, producer Allu Aravind and others in the film fraternity.

“M.S. Subbulakshmi ‘chose’ Rashmika”

Producer Allu Aravind, who is backing the project along with Bunny Vas, spoke emotionally about the legendary singer during the launch. Allu Aravind said the film was not just a filmmaking decision, but that, in a sense, M.S. Subbulakshmi had chosen the people involved in bringing her story to the screen.

On Rashmika's casting he said that the legendary vocalist had "chosen Rashmika" for the role and that the actress had been sent to the filmmakers as though she had been chosen by Subbulakshmi.

The discussion comes as the casting of Rashmika in the highly anticipated biopic is a subject of much discussion. Previously, the roles had been linked to actors including Sai Pallavi, Rukmini Vasanth, while the earlier, separate attempt at making an M.S. Subbulakshmi biopic had been linked to Vidya Balan.

Rashmika Mandanna expresses gratitude

• In turn, Rashmika Mandanna has spoken about the significance of portraying M.S. Subbulakshmi. At the launch event, actress Rashmika expressed her gratitude for being given the opportunity to become part of the legendary singer's life story.
• She described Subbulakshmi's voice as having a unique divine quality, and that she would give her best to the role. She also expressed hope that the legendary singer's blessings would stay with them throughout the filming.
• For Rashmika, the role is a stark contrast to many of her recent commercial movies. To play a real-life cultural icon is to embody not just her appearance, but also her personality, emotion, presence and musical legacy.

Kamal Haasan backs Rashmika's challenging role

Kamal Haasan also spoke of the immense responsibility that Rashmika has taken on to play an internationally recognised personality like M.S. Subbulakshmi. He compared it to the challenge that an actor would have to face while playing a global icon like Michael Jackson.

Haasan acknowledged that it would be a challenging role, as Rashmika would have to bring the legendary singer's personality and emotion to life on-screen. He encouraged her to embrace the character with courage, and said that capturing the compassion in her eyes would be a key part to portraying Subbulakshmi.

His comments have brought increased attention to Rashmika's transformation for the biopic, as M.S. Subbulakshmi remains one of the most respected figures in Indian classical music.

Gowtam Tinnanuri to direct the M.S. Subbulakshmi biopic

• The film will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for films such as Jersey. It has a team of major creatives, with Anirudh Ravichander working on the music.
• M.S – A Legacy On Screen was announced as the title at the launch, kickstarting the film's journey. The film is expected to focus on the life, music and legacy of M.S. Subbulakshmi.
• The casting has naturally been a discussion topic due to the stature of the personality being portrayed. However, both the filmmakers and Rashmika have publicly expressed confidence in the collaboration and their responsibility to uphold the legendary vocalist's legacy.

Why Rashmika's casting has attracted attention

M.S. Subbulakshmi's contribution to Carnatic music and Indian culture is particularly significant. Her music has reached audiences across language barriers and Kamal Haasan talked about how her songs in several languages had united people.

Rashmika now has the challenge of bringing that legacy to a new generation of movie audiences. With Allu Aravind backing her casting and Kamal Haasan encouraging her to embrace the role bravely, expectations for M.S – A Legacy On Screen are high.

The film's journey has just begun but Rashmika Mandanna's portrayal of M.S. Subbulakshmi is already one of the most awaited upcoming performances in Bollywood.