MS Subbulakshmi was a pan-India superstar, says Kamal Haasan at biopic launch

Rashmika Mandana plays the late legendary singer in the biopic that will have music by Anirudh Ravichander

Published - September 16, 2026 09:40 pm IST

Kamal Haasan and Rashmika Mandanna during the launch of MS Subbulakshmi biopic in Chennai on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The MS Subbulakshmi story will soon be told on the big screen. In a grand event held at Music Academy, Chennai on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) on the occasion of the legendary singer’s 110th birth anniversary, a biopic on MS, as she was fondly called, was launched. “MS Subbulakshmi was an iconic woman and a pan-India superstar. She has been the uniting factor of India through her music. She sung in several languages, with pronounciation being perfect in all,” said veteran actor Kamal Haasan, who presided over as chief guest for the function.

Kamal recalled times of listening to her work and ultimately meeting her while working on his popular film, Hey Ram. “I wanted her to sing ‘Vaishav Janato’ for Hey Ram but she was unwell. I feel blessed to have been in close proximity with stalwarts like MS Subbulakshmi, DK Pattamal and ML Vasanthakumari,” added the actor-producer.

Rashmika Mandanna will play the late Carnatic singer and Bharat Ratna recipient in the project, to be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Music for the biopic will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Rashmika said, “This is a celebration of the singer’s life. Her voice was divine and I’m grateful that I got the opportunity to play her in this big film.”

The event also featured a live performance of the singer’s songs by The Indian Choral Ensemble. “We want to capture the human side of MS amma’s life. Today, we live in a time when success is measured by likes and shares, but MS amma’s greatness was built by sheer discipline. That’s a powerful message to the younger generation,” said director Gowtham, known for his Telugu films like Nani’s Jersey and Vijay Devarakonda’s Kingdom.

Gowtham added, “We’ve been working on this project for the past one year. As we explored MS Subbulakshmi Amma’s story, we discovered many beautiful aspects beyond what the world already knows.”

Veteran actor Sivakumar, present on the occasion, said, “There cannot be another artiste like MS amma. I have read many stories about her journey and it is thrilling to see that come to life in theatres.”

The project will be bankrolled by Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh and Bunny Vasu under their Geetha Arts, Rockline Entertainment, and Bunny Vas Works banners.

Published - September 16, 2026 09:40 pm IST

entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / Indian cinema / Tamil cinema / cinema / Telugu cinema

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