Rashmika Mandanna to Play MS Subbulakshmi in Biopic

Rashmika Mandanna is set to take on one of the most challenging roles of her career. The actor will play legendary Carnatic musician and Bharat Ratna awardee MS Subbulakshmi in a new biopic titled MS A Legacy on Screen.

The film will be formally launched in Chennai on September 16, marking the 110th birth anniversary of MS Subbulakshmi. Actor Kamal Haasan is expected to attend the event as the chief guest, according to the film team.

Music will also have a major place in the launch programme. The Indian Choral Ensemble is set to pay tribute to MS Subbulakshmi by performing some of the memorable songs associated with the celebrated musician.

The project brings together a notable team from the Indian film industry. Gautham Tinnanuri, known for Jersey, is directing the film, while Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music. Rockline Venkatesh is producing the project along with Allu Aravind and Bunny Vasu.

Rashmika was not the only actor considered for the central character. The makers had reportedly looked at Sai Pallavi and Rukmini Vasanth during the casting process. Sai Pallavi is said to have stepped away because of other commitments. Rashmika was later selected after a screen test.

Playing MS Subbulakshmi will require more than simply recreating her appearance. Her voice, stage presence and contribution to Indian classical music made her a towering figure over several decades. The role is therefore expected to demand considerable preparation from Rashmika.

MS Subbulakshmi also had a connection with cinema. Before becoming one of the most celebrated names in Carnatic music, she appeared in films including Sevasadanam, Sakuntalai, Savithri and Meera. Her portrayal of Meera remains particularly remembered among audiences.

For Rashmika, the project arrives at an important stage in her career. Taking on a real life personality of such stature gives her an opportunity to explore a completely different performance style from the commercial roles she has played in recent years.

The actor already has several major projects in the pipeline. Her action thriller Maisa is scheduled for release on November 27. She will also appear alongside Vijay Deverakonda in Ranabaali, a pan India action drama slated to reach theatres on October 16.

With the official launch approaching, attention will now turn to Rashmika’s preparation for the role and how the filmmakers plan to present the life and musical journey of MS Subbulakshmi on screen.