Rashmika Mandanna is set to portray legendary Carnatic vocalist and Bharat Ratna awardee M S Subbulakshmi in an upcoming biographical film. The project is scheduled to be officially launched at the Music Academy in Chennai on Wednesday, coinciding with celebrations marking Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary. The announcement has generated considerable interest because the film brings together a prominent contemporary actor, filmmaker Gowtam Tinnanuri and music composer Anirudh Ravichander for a story centred on one of India’s most celebrated musical figures.
Anirudh Ravichander joins the project
Production house Geetha Arts has confirmed that Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music for the film. Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for his work in Telugu cinema, will direct the project, while Geetha Arts is producing it alongside Rockline Entertainment and Bunny Vas Works.
The production team formally announced the project through social media, describing the launch as a celebration of Subbulakshmi’s legacy. The announcement also confirmed Rashmika Mandanna as the lead actor and listed Kamal Haasan as the chief guest for the launch event. The function is scheduled to take place at 6 pm on Wednesday at the Music Academy.
Kamal Haasan to attend launch event
Actor, filmmaker, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan is expected to attend the launch as the chief guest. His presence adds another prominent name to a project that already has an established creative team attached to it.
The launch has been planned around Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary celebrations, giving the event a direct connection with the singer’s enduring cultural legacy. For the makers, the occasion provides an opportunity to formally introduce the project while paying tribute to the musician whose career left a lasting mark on Indian classical music.
Rashmika’s casting had been the subject of reports
Interest in the film began building several months ago when reports about a possible M S Subbulakshmi biopic started circulating. At the time, there was speculation that a number of actresses were being considered for the central role. Rashmika Mandanna’s name eventually emerged as the likely choice, although the casting was initially discussed through unconfirmed reports.
With Geetha Arts now officially announcing her involvement, Rashmika will take on a character very different from many of her recent mainstream film roles. The biopic is expected to focus on the life and artistic journey of Subbulakshmi, although the filmmakers have not yet disclosed detailed information about the storyline or the period of her life that will receive the greatest attention.
Who was M S Subbulakshmi?
Born Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, the singer became one of the most influential voices in Carnatic music. She was widely respected for her command of classical and devotional compositions and built a reputation that extended far beyond the traditional concert circuit.
Subbulakshmi also appeared in films during the early part of her career, making her a notable figure across both music and cinema. Her achievements included several major honours, culminating in the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. She was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna.
A landmark international achievement
Subbulakshmi also achieved an important international milestone when she performed at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. That appearance helped introduce her music to a global audience and remains one of the defining moments of her career.
The upcoming biopic now aims to bring her extraordinary journey to a new generation through cinema. With Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, Gowtam Tinnanuri directing and Anirudh Ravichander handling the music, the project has already attracted attention well before production details are fully revealed.