Sathyaraj is the front runner to play MGR in an upcoming biopic. Director Balakrishnan told DC:
“Sathyaraj is an ardent fan of MGR and follows his ideals. He himself has admitted this on several occasions. He would perform fervently, and with a little bit of makeup, would fit in the role to a T.”
The director admits to being fascinated by MGR’s life. “MGR’s life really fascinated me. He started as a stage actor in Madras and was also interested in politics. He was drawn by Congress policies and was a simple man, who used to always wear khadi veshti and shirt those days. After he became a huge star in films — to make use of his fame and name — DMK lured him to join their party. But later, he branched out and started his own party AIADMK. After Kamarajar, MGR was the only leader who strived hard for education for all and even reintroduced the ‘Noon Meal Scheme’ in schools to attract children to attend school. I am bringing all these episodes into my film — including a portion on the late Madam Jayalalithaa.”
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Balakrishnan says that comparisons to Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar are baseless. “Mani sir’s film is a fiction and a commercial movie — I have seen the film and like it. My movie, on the other hand, is an engaging biopic, which registers the facts as it is without adding any of my thoughts. I am not using any real-life clippings or footage related to his cinema or political careers in my film,” he signs off.
Sathyaraj has not officially signed on for the project yet. An official announcement is expected soon.