New Delhi: Producers Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh, and Bunny Vas have launched their long-awaited pan-India biopic on Bharat Ratna MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic vocalist whose voice captivated audiences the world over for decades. Rashmika Mandanna will step into the role of the iconic singer, with Gowtam Tinnanuri directing and Anirudh Ravichander composing the music.
Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, addressing the gathering, said, “First of all, I would like to thank MS Subbulakshmi Amma’s family members and all the Carnatic musicians who joined us for this special occasion. Kamal Haasan presided over the event and gave the customary clap for the film’s first shot, featuring Mandanna. Members of Subbulakshmi’s family, several noted Carnatic musicians, and a host of film personalities were present. For the past one year, M.S. Subbulakshmi Amma’s name has become a mantra for our entire team. When we first began this project, we thought we were making a film about India’s greatest musical legend. But as we researched her life, we realized she was much more than a legendary singer. She was a daughter, an artist, a woman who dreamed big, faced victories and setbacks, and made countless sacrifices. Born in Madurai, she mesmerized not just South India but the entire world with her music. During our research, we came across incredible concert stages, unforgettable musical journeys, and the Bharat Ratna, one of India’s highest civilian honors which became milestones in her remarkable life. But beyond all those achievements, we wanted to bring the woman behind the legend to the screen. We truly believe this is a very important film. But MS Amma earned her greatness through lifelong discipline, patience, and dedication. That is the powerful message we want to pass on to this generation through our film. Producer Rockline Venkatesh remarked that the film had been years in the making: “This biopic has been a dream for all of us for many years. Behind this project lies seven to eight years of effort, dedication, and research into the life of MS Subbulakshmi Amma. I am extremely happy to be producing this film alongside Allu Aravind garu and Bunny Vas. I truly believe MS Amma herself chose all of us, the producers, the director, the actors, and every technician – to tell her story. The way all of us came together feels destined. We all know MS Amma as a legendary musician, but when we learned about the challenges, courage, discipline, and determination in her life, we became even more inspired to make this biopic. From the age of ten, she pursued music with unwavering focus and extraordinary dedication. Many people don’t know how difficult her life journey was. Gowtam Tinnanuri spent an entire year traveling, meeting people, and researching every aspect of her life. He and his team have done remarkable work. Gowtam was in discussions for another big film, but the moment we approached him with this project, he chose this film instead. Rockline Venkatesh garu has been determined to make this biopic for the last seven years and secured the rights from MS Amma’s family, who have stood firmly behind this project. We are not attempting to recreate her timeless music. Instead, we are creating a powerful biopic where Anirudh’s music will be beautifully intertwined with her life story. This film will be made in all four South Indian languages. MS Amma has been a tremendous source of inspiration in my life. Whenever I listen to her Suprabhatam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, or Rangapura Vihara, my heart is filled with peace and joy. Even Mahatma Gandhi was a great admirer of her music. I congratulate Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh, and Bunny Vas for taking up this wonderful project. This is a truly special film in your production journey.
The launch was held on Wednesday at Chennai’s Music Academy, coinciding with what would have been Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary. Today, recognition often comes overnight through likes, shares, and subscribers. We felt Anirudh Ravichander was the only composer who could build a bridge between MS Amma’s legacy and today’s generation.
