Chennai: Rashmika Mandanna is set to portray legendary Carnatic singer and Bharat Ratna awardee MS Subbulakshmi in the upcoming film MS – A Legacy On Screen. Speaking at the film’s launch event, the actor described the opportunity as a blessing and became emotional while expressing her gratitude for being chosen to play the iconic musician.

The film was announced on September 16, coinciding with the 110th birth anniversary of MS Subbulakshmi. The announcement event brought together the film’s team and chief guest Kamal Haasan, who encouraged Rashmika to approach the challenging role with confidence and focus on portraying the legendary singer’s compassion.

Rashmika calls the opportunity a blessing

During the launch, Rashmika spoke about the responsibility of portraying a figure as revered as MS Subbulakshmi. She said gratitude was the strongest emotion she was experiencing at the moment.

“I feel very proud to speak in front of you all. Right now, I have only one feeling in my heart, and that is gratitude,” Rashmika said.

The actor also spoke about the distinctive quality of Subbulakshmi’s voice and the spiritual impact it has had on listeners.

“There is a unique divine power in your voice. When listening to it, I genuinely feel like I am sitting in the presence of God. It’s a blessing,” she said.

Addressing MS Subbulakshmi directly, Rashmika expressed her gratitude for getting the opportunity to become a small part of the singer’s story.

“Amma, you chose me to be a small part of your life – for that, I am always grateful, and I always will be. I will definitely give my best, I promise,” she added.

Kamal Haasan encourages Rashmika

Kamal Haasan, who attended the launch as the chief guest, offered words of encouragement to Rashmika as she prepares for the role.

The veteran actor highlighted the importance of capturing Subbulakshmi’s compassion through her performance. He told Rashmika that bringing that quality into her portrayal would be crucial to the role.

“If you bring that compassion in your eyes, you have won half the battle. You have to do it bravely,” Kamal Haasan told her.

His advice underlined the challenge of portraying an iconic personality whose musical legacy and public image have remained influential across generations.

Gowtam Tinnanuri directs the film

MS – A Legacy On Screen is being directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, who is known for the National Award-winning sports drama Jersey.

The filmmaker will take on the task of bringing MS Subbulakshmi’s life and legacy to the screen, although details about the film’s storyline and the period of her life that will be explored have not been revealed.

Anirudh Ravichander is composing the film’s soundtrack and background score. The makers have kept several aspects of the project under wraps, including further details about the cast, storyline and release plans.

For Rashmika, the project represents a significant acting challenge, given the stature of the personality she is set to portray. Her comments at the launch suggest that she is approaching the role with a strong sense of responsibility rather than treating it simply as another performance.

Rashmika’s upcoming projects

The actor has several other major projects in the pipeline. Rashmika will next be seen in the historical action film Ranabaali, where she stars opposite her husband Vijay Deverakonda.

She is also part of the period action thriller Mysaa. In addition, she will feature in Atlee’s upcoming science-fiction action film Raaka, which also stars Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone.

With MS – A Legacy On Screen, Rashmika is now preparing for a very different kind of role. Portraying MS Subbulakshmi will require her to recreate not only the presence of one of India’s most celebrated musicians but also the qualities that shaped her public legacy.

A role carrying a major responsibility

The announcement of MS – A Legacy On Screen has placed the focus on Rashmika’s preparation for the role, particularly after her emotional remarks at the launch. Her repeated emphasis on gratitude reflects the significance she attaches to portraying MS Subbulakshmi.

While the makers have not yet revealed extensive details about the film, the combination of Gowtam Tinnanuri’s direction, Anirudh Ravichander’s music and Rashmika’s central performance makes the project one to watch as further information emerges.

For now, Rashmika has made it clear that she sees the opportunity as a privilege and intends to approach the portrayal with sincerity and commitment.