Rashmika Mandanna To Portray Legendary Singer MS Subbulakshmi In Biopic

Rashmika Mandanna is set to portray legendary Carnatic vocalist and Bharat Ratna awardee M.S. Subbulakshmi in the upcoming biopic M.S – A Legacy On Screen. The film was officially launched on September 16, coinciding with Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary.

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan gave the ceremonial first clap at the launch in Chennai, marking the beginning of the project. Speaking about the challenge of portraying Subbulakshmi, Haasan compared it to the pressure of playing a global icon such as Michael Jackson.

Haasan also described Subbulakshmi as a pan-Indian musical icon whose music brought people together across regions and languages.

Mandanna, who became emotional while speaking at the event, called the opportunity an honour and expressed gratitude for being chosen to portray the legendary singer. She also spoke about the spiritual quality of Subbulakshmi’s voice and promised to give her best to the role.

Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for Jersey and Kingdom, the film features music by Anirudh Ravichander. The project is being positioned as a pan-India film, with further cast details and its release date yet to be announced.

Subbulakshmi, regarded as one of India's most influential Carnatic vocalists, was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna and the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. Her legacy continues to span Indian classical music and popular culture.