Chennai: Producer Allu Aravind has addressed the ongoing discussion around Rashmika Mandanna’s casting as legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi, saying the late singer had, in a spiritual sense, “chosen” Rashmika for the role.
Rashmika has been officially announced as the lead actor in M.S – A Legacy On Screen, an upcoming biopic directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. The project was launched in Chennai on September 16, coinciding with the 110th birth anniversary of MS Subbulakshmi.
The casting announcement has generated discussion on social media, particularly because actor Vidya Balan had previously been associated with an earlier proposed MS Subbulakshmi biopic. Addressing the reactions, Allu Aravind defended the decision and explained why Rashmika was chosen for the project.
Allu Aravind says MS Subbulakshmi ‘chose’ Rashmika
Speaking at the film’s launch, Allu Aravind said the filmmakers viewed their association with the project as something that had been chosen by MS Subbulakshmi herself.
He first addressed the late singer, saying the team was not simply making a biopic on their own terms but felt that she had “chosen” them to tell her story.
Aravind then extended that sentiment to Rashmika’s casting, saying that Subbulakshmi had, in the same sense, chosen Rashmika for the role.
His remarks were presented as a spiritual belief rather than a literal claim that the late singer had participated in the casting process.
The producer’s comments came amid discussion about whether Rashmika was the right choice to portray one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians.
Rashmika Mandanna to portray MS Subbulakshmi
Rashmika Mandanna has been officially confirmed to play MS Subbulakshmi in M.S – A Legacy On Screen.
The film is being directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for films including Jersey, while Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music. The project is being jointly produced by Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vas under Geetha Arts, Rockline Entertainment and Bunny Vas Works.
The film is being positioned as a pan-India project, although further details about its release date, complete cast and storyline remain under wraps.
The launch event was held at the Music Academy in Chennai, an institution closely associated with the history of Carnatic music.
Why Rashmika’s casting sparked debate
The announcement prompted discussion because Vidya Balan had previously been linked to a planned MS Subbulakshmi biopic.
In 2013, reports indicated that filmmaker Rajiv Menon was developing a project on the legendary singer with Vidya Balan in the lead. That project was subsequently shelved. Balan’s association with the proposed film resurfaced in 2024 after she participated in a photoshoot paying tribute to MS Subbulakshmi.
Some social media users therefore questioned the decision to cast Rashmika instead of Balan.
These reactions represent opinions expressed online and do not constitute an official assessment of either actor’s suitability for the role. The filmmakers have publicly stood by their casting decision.
Earlier reports had also linked Sai Pallavi to the project, but Rashmika is now the confirmed lead.
Kamal Haasan backs Rashmika
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, who attended the launch and gave the ceremonial first clap, also spoke about the challenge facing Rashmika.
Haasan compared the responsibility of portraying MS Subbulakshmi with the challenge an actor would face while portraying an internationally recognised figure such as Michael Jackson.
He encouraged Rashmika to approach the role with courage and focus on capturing the essence of the legendary vocalist.
His comments came as the film’s team acknowledged the scale of portraying a figure whose musical legacy extends across generations.
Rashmika calls the opportunity a blessing
Rashmika has also spoken emotionally about being cast as MS Subbulakshmi.
At the launch, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and described the role as a major responsibility. She also addressed the late singer as “Amma”, echoing the affectionate way in which Subbulakshmi is remembered by many admirers.
Rashmika said that listening to Subbulakshmi’s voice gave her a sense of being in the presence of something divine, highlighting the impact the singer’s music has had on her.
The actor’s comments suggest that the preparation for the role will involve engaging closely with Subbulakshmi’s music, personality and public legacy.
Who was MS Subbulakshmi?
MS Subbulakshmi was one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists and received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
She was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna and also became the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974. She performed at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, further expanding her international recognition.
Subbulakshmi also had a connection with Indian cinema. She appeared in the lead role in the 1945 bilingual film Meera, which became an important part of her cultural legacy.
Her devotional recordings, including works such as Venkateswara Suprabhatam, Vishnu Sahasranamam and Bhaja Govindam, became familiar to generations of listeners.
Film brings together major names
The MS Subbulakshmi biopic has brought together a prominent team from the Telugu and Tamil film industries.
Gowtam Tinnanuri will direct the film, while Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music. Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vas are producing the project.
The collaboration between Tinnanuri and Anirudh also follows their previous work together, adding interest around the musical treatment of a story centred on one of India’s most influential classical singers.
The filmmakers have yet to reveal extensive details about the screenplay, supporting cast and release plans.
A major acting challenge for Rashmika
Portraying MS Subbulakshmi represents a significant change in character type for Rashmika, who has primarily appeared in mainstream commercial films across Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi cinema.
The role requires the actor to portray a historical figure whose identity is strongly associated with her distinctive voice, stage presence, expressions and contribution to Carnatic music.
The film’s eventual approach to Subbulakshmi’s musical performances, including how the singing will be presented on screen, is expected to be closely watched once more details are released.
For now, the filmmakers have confirmed Rashmika as the lead and have publicly defended the casting amid the discussion surrounding the announcement.
What to expect from M.S – A Legacy On Screen
The biopic is expected to explore the life and musical legacy of MS Subbulakshmi, though the makers have not yet disclosed the full narrative.
With the project being directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and featuring music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film is attracting attention beyond its casting debate.
Allu Aravind’s latest comments have added another dimension to the discussion, particularly his statement that MS Subbulakshmi had, in a spiritual sense, “chosen” Rashmika for the role.
The film’s launch has now formally begun the next phase of production, with audiences awaiting further details about Rashmika’s transformation and the way the legendary singer’s life will be brought to the screen.