Sharanya C R (BOMBAY TIMES; February 26, 2020)

Actress Madhoo, of Roja fame, will be essaying the role of V N Janaki, MGR’s wife, in Thalaivi. Vijay, who is helming the project, says, “I first wanted to cast Madhoo ma’am for the role of Sandhya, J Jayalalithaa’s mother, but once I met her in person, I felt that she would be apt as Janaki.” Meanwhile, the second look of the film, which has Kangana Ranaut in the title role, was recently revealed to the audience.

While there were reports that South actress Priyamani would essay the role of Sasikala in the film, now, another South actress Shamna Kasim has been roped in for the part. A L Vijay says, “We had some date issues with Priyamani. Our immediate choice was Shamna. I have seen her work and she’s a phenomenal performer. We did a make-up test and she was perfect for the role. Both, Shamna and Madhoo, have begun shooting. Casting is crucial for any film, and even more so when it’s a biopic. I am happy to have such good performers on board.” The team is presently shooting in Chennai. “It will be a long schedule and will go on until March,” says Vijay.