Filmmaker AL Vijay is all set to direct a biopic on the life of late actor-politician J Jayalalithaa titled Thalaivi starring Kangana Ranaut in the titular role. If industry sources are anything to go by, the makers have signed actor Arvind Swami to play the role of former Tamil Nadu CM and legendary film star MGR, who played an important role in the political career of Jayalalithaa.

With the project due to go on the floors in a couple of months, Vijay and his team are busy finalising the rest of the cast and crew. There are already reports doing the rounds that actors such as Jagapathi Babu, Jayasudha and Sathyaraj will be playing crucial roles.

In an interview to Times of India, Vijay had said that he thinks Kangana is apt to play Jayalalithaa. “This is a pan India film, and Kangana is apt for the role. She is one of the biggest stars in India today and I think it is right that a top star plays the role of an important politician. This way, the story will also reach audiences across India. We consider this a pan-Indian film, not a regional one,” Vijay said, and added that the decision to cast Kangana was not made easily. “There was a lot of discussions before the decision was made to cast Kangana; we met several people as well. She is extremely excited about the project and wants to portray her with utmost honesty. She is learning Tamil for the film and will also be part of a one-month workshop to get into the character.”

The project was announced on February 24, Jayalalithaa’s 71st birth anniversary, along with its title and first look poster. To be shot and released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, the film is bankrolled by Vishnu Induri. While GV Prakash has been roped in to compose the music, Nirav Shah will crank the camera.

(Content provided by Digital Native)