Rashmika Mandanna is set to take on one of the most challenging roles of her career. The actor will portray legendary Carnatic vocalist M S Subbulakshmi in an upcoming biopic, which is set to be officially launched in Chennai on September 16.

The launch will take place at the Music Academy as part of the celebrations marking M S Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary. Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan will attend the event as the chief guest. The film is being directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, best known for films including Jersey, and Anirudh Ravichander has been confirmed as its music composer.

The project had been generating buzz for several months, with several names reportedly being considered for the lead role before Rashmika was finalised. While the casting was previously the subject of industry reports, the makers have now officially announced her as the actor who will bring M S Subbulakshmi to the screen.

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The film is being produced by Geetha Arts, Rockline Entertainment and Bunny Vas Works. Geetha Arts announced the project on social media as MS – A Legacy On Screen, describing the film as a celebration of Subbulakshmi’s life and legacy.

The biopic is expected to explore the journey of one of India's most celebrated voices in classical music, rather than simply focusing on her career as a performer.

Anirudh Ravichander joins the team

Another major announcement surrounding the project is Anirudh Ravichander's involvement as composer. Known for his work across Tamil and Telugu cinema, the composer will be responsible for creating the music for a film centred on one of India's most recognisable Carnatic voices.

The combination of Rashmika, Gowtam Tinnanuri and Anirudh has already generated considerable interest among film audiences, even before the film's production gets underway.

Remembering M S Subbulakshmi

M S Subbulakshmi, born Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, remains one of the most influential figures in Indian classical music.

Her repertoire included Carnatic and devotional music, and her career also extended to cinema in her early years.

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She was awarded the Bharat Ratna and became the first musician to receive India's highest civilian honour. She also became the first Indian to perform at the United Nations General Assembly, where she performed in 1966.

With agency inputs