Rashmika in MS: A Legacy On Screen, Kamal Haasan likens role to Michael Jackson

Actor Rashmika Mandanna is set to star as MS Subbulakshmi in the biopic MS: A Legacy On Screen. Superstar Kamal Haasan launched the film and compared the pressure of the performance to playing Michael Jackson.

In Short

• Rashmika Mandanna will play MS Subbulakshmi in biopic MS: A Legacy On Screen
• The film was launched on MS Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary
• Kamal Haasan compared the role’s pressure to portraying Michael Jackson

Actor Rashmika Mandanna will play legendary singer MS Subbulakshmi in the biopic MS: A Legacy On Screen, a role superstar Kamal Haasan said carries the kind of pressure an actor would feel while portraying a global icon such as Michael Jackson. The film was officially launched on MS Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary, when the makers also unveiled the title and first look.

Kamal Haasan gave the first clap at the launch event, which was attended by Rashmika Mandanna, Kamal Haasan and veteran producer Mani Ratnam. At the event, Rashmika spoke about her gratitude for being part of the project, while Kamal reflected on MS Subbulakshmi’s musical legacy and the challenge of bringing her to the screen.

Speaking at the event, the Ranabaali actor expressed her gratitude for being part of the project and spoke about the impact of MS Subbulakshmi’s voice.

“I feel very proud to speak in front of you all. Right now, I have only one feeling in my heart, and that is gratitude. You all came here to join us to specially celebrate Amma, so thank you so much. Amma, happy birthday, Amma. Today, we are going to celebrate you, Amma. When you sit and watch this, if a small smile appears on your face, I will be so happy. There is a unique divine power in your voice. When listening to it, I genuinely feel like I am sitting in the presence of God,” she said.

Rashmika also promised to give her best to the role. “Amma, you chose me to be a small part of your life—for that, I am always grateful, and I always will be. I will definitely give my best, I promise,” she added.

Kamal Haasan on MS Subbulakshmi’s legacy

Kamal Haasan spoke about MS Subbulakshmi’s enduring legacy and her contribution to music, saying her songs in different languages helped bring people together.

“M.S. Amma has been a uniting factor with her music. Not only for the whole of India, especially for the South of India. She has sung in Sanskrit, Hindi, and many other languages at that time,” he said.

On Rashmika taking on the role

Kamal Haasan also praised Rashmika Mandanna for taking on the challenge of portraying MS Subbulakshmi, noting that the responsibility extends beyond acting because she will also have to perform as the legendary singer. Comparing the task to portraying Michael Jackson, he said an actor would feel immense pressure while playing such a personality.

“The tension an actor would have felt when acting in a Michael Jackson film—you will have that tension, I know. But there is a good team to help relieve that. They will support you. And I don’t envy you because I couldn’t have done this role, even if I removed my beard. I can’t. I can put on however many disguises I want, but like M.S. Amma, if you bring that compassion in your eyes, you have won half the battle. You have to do it bravely,” he said in Tamil, loosely translated into English.

MS: A Legacy On Screen stars Rashmika Mandanna as MS Subbulakshmi and marks the official start of the biopic’s journey to the screen. Directed by Jersey-fame Gowtam Tinnanuri with music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film was launched with Kamal Haasan’s first clap, Rashmika’s promise to give her best to the role, and reflections on the singer’s legacy.

Rashmika Mandanna’s other upcoming films include Ranabaali, Mysaa, Raaka, Pushpa 3 and Animal Park.

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