While there have been rumours and speculation surrounding the cast and commencement of the much anticipated biopic on the life of legendary actress Savitri, nothing had been finalised. However, the makers dropped a big bomb on the internet yesterday by announcing that the film, christened Mahanati in Telugu, was very much on track. They also named the two leading players in the film, with Keerthy Suresh set to star as the eponymous actress.
However, the biggest shock was when the makers named Dulquer Salmaan as the actor set to play Gemini Ganesan in it. This would incidentally mark DQ’s debut in Tollywood. Vyjayanthimala Films, who are producing it, also revealed the Tamil title of the film — Nadigaiyar Thilagam. Dulquer earlier starred in Mani Ratnam’s OK Kanmani, which had been dubbed as OK Bangaram into Telugu.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been long rumoured to be playing Jamuna, Savitri’s contemporary back in the day, in the film, but is currently speculated to be playing a journalist in it. Anushka Shetty’s name has also been associated with Jamuna’s role. To be helmed by Nag Ashwin, the casting coup has ensured that the film will be one of the most anticipated ones down south, in recent times. The music for the film will be composed by Mickey J. Meyer. Dulquer’s next outing in Malayalam is Comrade in America, directed by Amal Neerad.
