‘Thalaivi’ will be remembered forever, says Kangana
At a recent press meet, the lead actors express happiness over the film's theatrical release in Telugu
Bollywood queen Kangana Ranaut may not be a scholar or a political pandit, but she is someone who could carry the same grace as that of former Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa.
The first glimpse, motion posters and the theatrical trailer of the much-awaited movie ‘Thalaivi’ — all gave an uncanny resemblance of the legendary actor and political leader. “The film will always be remembered. I don’t know anything about Tamil Nadu and its political landscape. I wasn’t sure I would fit into the character in the first place. When writer Vijayendra Prasad garu told me that I could play this role, I had still had a doubt whether I would be able to do justice to the project of such a humongous scale. It seemed so strange to me. But after watching the movie, Vijayendra Prasad really felt that only I was able to do proper justice to it,” said an elated Kangana while adding that ‘Thalaivi’ will be a birthday gift to producer Vishnu Induri.
Arvind Swamy, who is playing the role of mentor MG Ramachandran, said, “I have acted in many films but being a part of ‘Thalaivi’ is a wonderful experience. It is a pleasure to come before all of you after a long time. I felt happy working with this film’s team. The movie unit is special, including Vijay sir.”
Vijayendra Prasad, who penned the story, said ‘Producer Vishnu met me three years ago. When I was asked to write a story for the film, I told him to pick Kangana for the role of Jayalalithaa. When the story was narrated, they thought of a different female lead while Kangana came to my mind. But who would dare to approach her to ask the big question? If she doesn’t like the story, she won’t let us live. But, she loved the story. I told Kangana ‘Be like you, behave like you. That’s enough to relive the character Jayalalithaa’. I know you will rise to great heights. Kangana Ranaut as Jayalalithaa will reach new heights after ‘Thalaivi’.”
Extending greetings to everyone, producer Vishnu Induri said it was the idea of creative producer Brinda Prasad to make the film ‘Thalaivi’. “She is a fan of Jayalalithaa. When she was in Chennai, she was deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Jayalalithaa. We thought none could have done more justice than director AL Vijay. The title ‘Thalaivi’ itself gives the pan-India appeal. When writer Vijayendra Prasad came aboard the project, its outlook was changed. When he entered, he said let’s select Kangana to play on-screen Jayalalithaa. We have finalised the MGR character Arvind Swamy to cast opposite Kangana. I believe that Kangana Ranaut will win the fifth National Award with this film.”
AL Vijay said, “I have a lot of respect for the Telugu audience. We are happy that our film is also being released in Telugu. GV Prakash’s music is going to be a major highlight. Arvind sir is the big pillar of this movie. Kangana lived the character Jayalalithaa on-screen. She will surely get a National Award. After finishing college in 2000, I went straight to Vijayendra Prasad and attended his classes. I had a lot of learning and unlearning. I thank everyone who contributed to the film.”
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