Director Priyadarshini’s biopic on late CM J Jayalalithaa, starring Nithya Menen, is likely to being soon.
The film was scheduled to go on floors in February, but faced delays. It was speculated that the project may be shelved. However, Nithya Menen recently clarified these were rumours.
She told Daily Thanthi, “Work is progressing in full swing. Director Priyadarshini is determined to make an excellent film, and the producer is clear that there should be no compromises. Pre-production work is on, and the shoot will begin soon.”
Priyadharshini earlier told Silverscreen that the film will detail the life of Jayalalithaa. “We are going to film her entire life starting from 1948 to 2016. We have balanced her personal, film, and political career. Each part of the film will highlight different periods and aspects of her life. Because she has spent nearly 20 years in cinema, and longer in politics, no aspect of her life can be eliminated. We have all the elements in it equally.”
The director released a poster on December 5 2018, on Jayalalithaa’s second death anniversary.
கருணை கொண்ட மனிதரெல்லாம்
கடவுள் வடிவம் ஆகும் !! #2ndYearCommemoratingDay @MenonNithya @Priyadhaarshini @onlynikil #THEIRONLADY #WeMissUAmma #Jayalalithaa #JJayalalithaabiopic #Amma pic.twitter.com/fjgXkSNni3— A Priyadhaarshini (@priyadhaarshini) December 5, 2018
The film is scheduled to begin in Chennai, and parts of it will be shot in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The rest of the cast and crew is yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, director AL Vijay’s Jayalalithaa biopic starring Kangana Ranaut is likely to begin in October this year. Kangana is reportedly preparing for her role by learning Tamil and also Bharatanatyam. Latest reports say that actor Arvind Swami has been approached to play MG Ramachandran, the actor-politician who founded AIADMK and mentored Jayalalithaa. His confirmation is awaited, reports Times Now News.
Directors Bharathiraja and Lingusamy are also making biopics on Jayalalithaa’s life, and Gautham Vasudev Menon has announced a web-series. Ram Gopal Varma recently said he is making a film focusing on Sasikala’s relationship with Jayalalithaa, and director Kathireddy announced a film called Sasilalitha. More announcements on these projects are awaited.
