BOMBAY TIMES (March 23, 2019)

Over the years, Kangana Ranaut has beaten many odds to establish herself as a name to reckon with, in Bollywood. So, it’s only befitting that on her birthday, an official announcement has been made that the actress is all set to portray the late Jayalalithaa, a legendary actress-turned-politician, who is fondly referred to as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’ (revolutionary leader).

Titled Thalaivi in Tamil and Jaya in Hindi, the film will be bilingual and directed by Vijay, one of South’s leading filmmakers, who has made movies like Madrasapattinam and Deiva Thirumagal. Talking about the biopic, Vijay said, “Jayalalithaa madam was one of the most prominent leaders of our country. Making a film on her life is a big responsibility and we are going to do it with utmost care and honesty. I am proud and happy that a talented actress like Kangana Ranautji will portray the dynamic role of this dynamic leader.”

The film will be written by K V Vijayendra Prasad, who has also penned Baahubali and Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi, and will be produced by Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Shaailesh R Singh under the banners of Vibri and Karma Media and Entertainment. “This is my fifth collaboration with Kangana. Working with her is always an enriching experience. I’m glad that Vishnu and I are producing a film that is based on an eminent personality,” Shaailesh shared.

When asked about the film, Kangana said, “Jayalalithaa ji is one of the biggest female success stories of this century. She was a superstar and went on to become an iconic politician, it’s a great concept for a mainstream film. I am honoured to be a part of this mega project.”