Mahanati: A labour of love

Here is a legend, whose life is not a mystery; if at all it is one of the most well-known stories of triumph and tragedy. This is the story of an actress who is worshipped by generations of Telugu audience and the iconic scenes from her films are well noted in the minds of the people.

To make an engaging biopic on the actor who belonged to the 1950s and 60s to appeal to her admirers, and at the same time make it palatable to the current generation and ensure the film is a hit – One would say it is a tall order. But young director Nag Ashwin chose to brave it and with ‘Mahanati’ based on legendary actress Savitri’s life, he comes out with flying colours.

From the casting of Keerthy Suresh as Savitri, who has not just acted but it seemed like she lived the role and Dulquer Salman as Gemini Ganesan, to the extent of research of the unknown and a few well-known facets of Savitri’s life, balancing her on-screen career and off-screen story that are equally vital to the film and trimming it into a workable screenplay – the film scores high on all these aspects.

The film has an the exciting star cast of Krish as KV Reddy, Prakash Raj as Chakrapani and ‘Pellichoopulu’ director Tharun Bhasker as Singeetam Srinivas Rao. With SV Ranga Rao and his ‘Vivahabhojanambu’ song from ‘Mayabazar’ re-enacted amazingly well by Mohan Babu; and some memorable scenes from Savitri’s films have been recreated to give the film a nostalgic edge.

Finally, the film has turned out to be a fitting tribute to the legendary actress. While Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao was shown just in one scene with the help of a few graphics, ANR’s role was enacted by his grandson Naga Chaitanya, who could have been better in the few scenes that he was shown in, had he tried. Rajendra Prasad as Savitri’s uncle was as usual perfect with his comic timing.

The film traces the actress’ life history from the time she was a fun-loving kid reluctantly introduced to dance and then theatre, who finds her way into the world of cinema and soon becomes the choice of top directors, and heroes like NT Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

She simultaneously gets to act and earn name and fame in Tamil cinema. On the personal front her secret wedding to Tamil film actor Gemini Ganesan, and a life of domestic strife and disappointment that follows is in stark contrast with her film career where she continues to climb the peak of success.

The story of her life is being investigated by a young reporter Madhuravani (Samantha) assisted by Vijay Anthony (Vijay Devarakonda) in 1980 during the time when Savitri is in coma and kept at her home. They begin discovering the real-life story of the great actress.

Even though there can be a few differences of opinion in representation of a few facts like how Savitri’s family comes to know of her marriage, and if Gemini who had eventually married again while Savitri was still in coma was as much in love with her as the film proclaims – the movie with its brilliant performances, especially by Keerthy Suresh (she is dazzling in the rendition of “Aha Na Pellanta” that evoked instant applause from the audience), superbly executed period scenes, beautiful costumes and styling, stunning sets. The lilting music and background score by Mickey J Meyer warrant a special mention.

The cinematographer – Dani Sanchez-Lopez has captured the tone and essence of the yesteryears very well. Above all, it is a film that is made with love and commitment; and this comes through in every frame.

By Rajeshwari Kalyanam