Kamal defends Rashmika

Amidst backlash as actress is set to portray legendary Carnatic vocalist in MS Subbulakshmi biopic

Rashmika Mandanna will portray legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi in the upcoming biopic, which was officially launched in Chennai on September 16, coinciding with Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan gave the first clap at the launch event.

The film will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, with Anirudh Ravichander composing the music. Producers Allu Aravind, Bunny Vasu and Rockline Venkatesh are backing the project. The first look of Mandanna as Subbulakshmi and the official title of the film was unveiled on Spetember 17.

‘You have to do it bravely’

There has been a lot of criticism over casting Rashmika for the coveted role. Kamal spoke at the event and spoke in favour of the actress. “The tension an actor would have felt when acting in a Michael Jackson film, you will have that tension, I know. But there is a good team to help relieve that,” he said.  “I don’t envy you because I couldn’t have done this role, even if I removed my beard. I can’t. I can put on however many disguises I want, but like MS Amma, if you bring that compassion in your eyes, you have won half the battle. You have to do it bravely,” Haasan added.

Subbulakshmi’s legacy

Subbulakshmi, widely known as MS Subbulakshmi or "MS Amma", was one of India's most celebrated Carnatic musicians. She became the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna in 1998. In 1974, she became the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, while in 1968 she became the first woman to be awarded the Sangeetha Kalanidhi title by the Madras Music Academy.

Vidya, the OG choice?

Around 2013, it was reported by various media outlets that Rajiv Menon was planning to make a biopic on Subbulakshmi with Vidya Balan as the lead. However, the film was shelved. In 2024, Vidya shared a post on social media where she paid tribute to the legend with a photoshoot.