Rashmika Mandanna will play legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi in the biopic M.S. - A Legacy On Screen, which was officially launched at The Music Academy in Chennai on September 16. The ceremony was held on Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary, with Kamal Haasan attending as chief guest and giving the ceremonial first clap.
The launch formally confirmed Rashmika in the lead role after months of speculation around the project. The makers also presented the film as a screen account of Subbulakshmi’s life, music and the person behind one of the most celebrated careers in Indian classical music.
Kamal Haasan on Rashmika’s challenge
Kamal Haasan spoke about the responsibility of portraying Subbulakshmi and compared the pressure surrounding the role to what an actor could experience while playing a global music figure such as Michael Jackson. He told Rashmika that capturing Subbulakshmi’s compassion and presence would be as important as the performance itself.
Haasan also described Subbulakshmi as a musical figure who connected audiences across India through performances in different languages. Rashmika, speaking at the event, expressed gratitude for being selected for the role and said Subbulakshmi’s voice had a deeply spiritual quality for her. She promised, “I will definitely give my best.”
The launch also included a live musical tribute featuring compositions associated with Subbulakshmi, performed by the Indian Choral Ensemble.
Gowtam Tinnanuri reveals the film’s approach
The biopic is directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, who said his team has spent the past year researching Subbulakshmi’s life. He said the film will look beyond her honours and major concert appearances to portray her as a daughter, artiste and woman whose life included dreams, success, setbacks and sacrifices.
Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music. The project is backed by Geetha Arts, Rockline Entertainment and Bunny Vas Works, with Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu associated with the production.
Subbulakshmi, born on September 16, 1916, became one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. She performed at the United Nations in 1966 and became the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna in 1998.
The makers have not yet announced a release date or the wider cast for M.S. - A Legacy On Screen.