Rashmika Mandanna Takes On Role Of A Lifetime As M S Subbulakshmi

Not just in India, particularly South Indian homes but in the U.S. too mornings are ushered in by that magical voice waking up Lord Rama…“Kausalya Supraja Rama Poorva Sandhya Pravarthathe.” The evenings resonate in temples and homes with the legendary Carnatic vocalist M S Subbulakshmi’s sublime recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranamam.  Is it then surprising that a production team launched a biopic on her titled M.S. – A Legacy On Screen? The decision to cast Rashmika Mandanna in the title role did not create waves of talk, surprise and surmise. Whoever played that role was bound to draw audience, magnetically, going beyond a heroine to remember Bharat Ratna recipient M S Subbulakshmi and her beauty. MS would come on stage in her custom woven Kanchipuram silk, diamond studded nose and earrings…glinting, glittering and gleaming in the arc lights. When Kamal Haasan sounded the first clap for the official launch of the biopic at Chennai’s music academy, Rashmika Mandanna must have felt goosebumps and trepidation. Can I play this legendary artist? Director Gowtam Tinnanuri must have calculated the gains and risks …knowing fully well that Rashmika or anyone else with the right makeup, jewellery and stunning saris would carry the biopic on her shoulders. Vidya Balan too had been “look tested” earlier. Though Vidya looked stunning, the casting coup did not happen. Rashmika has announced that after the biopic hits the cinemas, she would take a five-year break…to stay home and enjoy family life to the fullest. She would start her second innings after that hiatus ….Rashmika is wise beyond her age …after playing MS, even if she retired she could still cherish the role of her life. Legends come rarely.