Mahanati

Mahanati
Torso of Keerthy Suresh in the look of Savitri in centre and the title appears at bottom in Telugu script.
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Nag Ashwin
Produced by
Screenplay by Nag Ashwin
Starring
Music by Mickey J. Meyer
Cinematography Dani Sanchez-Lopez
Edited by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Production
company
Distributed by Trident Arts (Tamil)
Release date
  • 9 May 2018 (2018-05-09) (Telugu)
  • 11 May 2018 (2018-05-11) (Tamil)
Running time
  • 173 minutes (Telugu)
  • 172 minutes (Tamil)
Country India
Language
Budget ₹250 million[1][2]
Box office ₹780 million[3]

Mahanati (transl. The great actress; Telugu pronunciation: [maha:naʈɪ]) is a 2018 Indian bilingual biographical film, written and directed by Nag Ashwin. It was produced by C. Ashwini Dutt, Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt under the banners Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema, made simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, with the latter as Nadigaiyar Thilagam (transl. The pride of an actress). The film stars Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Akkineni, and Vijay Devarakonda. It follows the life of Indian actress Savitri (Keerthy), depicting her turbulent rise to prominence, marriage with Gemini Ganesan (Salmaan), and subsequent fall from grace, viewed from the perspective of a journalist (Akkineni) and a photographer (Deverakonda).

Production began in May 2017 and music for the film is composed by Mickey J. Meyer. Mahanati was released on 9 May 2018, and Nadigaiyar Thilagam on 11 May 2018. The film was also dubbed in Malayalam.

Plot

In Bangalore, India, popular yesteryear actress Savitri is found unconscious by her young son and hospitalised, spending a year in coma. The incident receives heavy media attention, but Savitri's initial life and whereabouts remain unknown to the public. A newspaper editor appoints Madhuravani, a stuttering journalist, and Vijay Anthony, a photographer, to write a memoir on Savitri. Madhuravani recovers a letter written by Savitri, in which she wishes to take her son to someone called Shankaraiya. Madhuravani continues her research even after she is relieved from writing the memoir by her editor, and sneaks into Savitri's house, overhearing her aunt talk about her childhood.

In 1942 Vijayawada, a widowed Subhadramma and her daughter Savitri are taken in by Subhadramma's sister, Durgamamba, and husband, K. V. Chowdary, much to the latter's chagrin. Magnanimous in speech, thought and action, Savitri befriends Susheela, and they become best friends. She becomes an accomplished dancer and later earns a profit for Chowdary by acting in plays with Susheela. On one such occasion, she is praised by the Bollywood actor Prithviraj Kapoor for her performance.

The increasing popularity of cinema leads to less attendance for plays, and Chowdary incurs huge losses. He tries to have Savitri join the film industry centred in Madras, but her young age and inability to speak Tamil hinder her prospects. She, however, succeeds in meeting Ramasamy "Gemini" Ganesan who works in the casting department and has her photograph taken for a casting directory. A year later, a director comes across the directory and wants to launch Savitri, but she gets the dialogue wrong and is thrown out. However, she successfully earns a role in a film song, and her distinguished performance helps her in getting major roles.

Savitri is offered a role opposite Ganesan, now an actor, and he teaches her the Tamil language. The two actors together rise as superstars and Savitri falls in love with the married Ganesan. They secretly marry, which leads to a clash with Savitri's family. Reluctant to act in films after marriage, Savitri gives in to the persuasion of filmmakers and Ganesan, and the films turn out to be successful. Savitri gives birth two children– a girl and a boy. Initially supportive of her career, Ganesan starts to feel jealous, with Savitri's fame overshadowing his, and starts consuming alcohol. Savitri tries to stop him, but Ganesan instead introduces her to drinking.

A few ladies urge Savitri to both direct and star in an all-woman cast and crew film. On the day of her film's release, Savitri finds Ganesan in their guesthouse with another woman. Feeling cheated, she angrily refuses to talk to him and shuts him out of their house. Savitri becomes an alcoholic, and also gains weight. Meanwhile, her mother dies, and poor financial decisions lead to a raid by the Income Tax Department, resulting in the loss of her wealth. One day, Savitri fights with her daughter about her excessive alcohol consumption and faints, accidentally setting their house on fire. They learn that Savitri has diabetes.

Chowdary visits Savitri, and she asks both her daughter and uncle for forgiveness and gets her daughter married. Savitri stops drinking and loses weight. She begins living in a smaller house with her son and starts acting in low-budget films. She sets aside money for opening a rehabilitation centre but discovers that she still owes income tax, strongly refusing to part with any more money. She visits Bangalore with her son the next day; feeling lost, she calls Ganesan but cuts the line before speaking. Angry with him and with herself, she drinks alcohol again, before collapsing into a coma.

Madhurvani realizes her love for Anthony via Savitri's story. She interrupts what is supposedly Anthony's engagement and speaks strongly without a stutter, but discovers it is his sister's engagement and that Anthony loves her. Madhurvani writes the memoir about Savitri, which reveals that Shankaraiya is a statue in her hometown that she talked to as though he was her father and that she always had an unsatisfied wish to see her father. Madhurvani visits the comatose Savitri, and places a picture of her father in her hands, retrieved from a newspaper archive.

Cast

Guest appearances

Production

Development

In May 2016, director Nag Ashwin, who had previously made Yevade Subramanyam (2015), announced that his next film would be a biopic of South Indian actress Savitri and that it would be shot simultaneously in Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil. Titled Mahanati, Ashwin revealed that he had finished work on the script and was in the middle of casting actors to be a part of the project.[4] During the pre-production phase, Ashwin spent six months in research by reading articles and books, while meeting old journalists and actors who had been associated with the actress. Explaining why he chose to turn Savitri's career into a film script, he stated "from a penniless origin to the first female superstar, her life is quite a story" and that it was a "moment in time where it has been long enough that film legends have left us" and "that we will have to revisit them and understand why they are legends".[5] He didn't use the conventional biopic format.[6] He was inspired to create a film after listening to the radio about Savitri.[7] Ashwin said the film made him more responsible.[8]

Cast and crew

Soon after the announcement of the film, the media carried speculative reports that either Anushka Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha or Vidya Balan would be cast in the lead role. Denying the developments in August 2016, Ashwin stated he was still editing the script and intended to cast the lead actress with an audience poll.[9][10]

The team continued to hold talks with actresses for the lead role, and despite extended discussions with Nithya Menen, the actress did not agree to sign the film.[11][12] Samantha was the first lead actor to be cast in the film during December 2016 and revealed she would portray a character from whose point of view the story is narrated, rather than the role of Savitri.[13][14] Reports also suggested that she may be appearing as another actress from the era, Jamuna, a close friend of Savitri.[15] Subsequently, Keerthy Suresh was cast in the lead role of Savitri in early January 2017.[16][17] The film's first look poster featuring both actresses was released in March 2017 to coincide with International Women's Day.[18] For the role of Gemini Ganesan, Savitri's husband, Ashwin had considered Suriya or Madhavan, before finalising Dulquer Salmaan for the character.[19][20] Vijay Deverakonda, who had also earlier been considered for Gemini Ganesan's role, was then selected to portray another role in the film.[21][22] Keerthy and Savitri's daughter held conversations for working on the film.[23]

Filming

The principal shoot of the biopic began on 29 May 2017 at Ramakrishna Studios in Hyderabad, with the Telugu title confirmed as Mahanati and the Tamil title confirmed as Nadigaiyar Thilagam.[24][25] Actor Rajendra Prasad joined the cast during the first schedule, while Mickey J Meyer and Dani Sanchez-Lopez was confirmed as music composer and cinematographer respectively.[26] Ashwin revealed that Dulquer's portrayal of Gemini Ganesan would go beyond just the physical resemblance and the character's emotional side would also be depicted.[27] Keerthy Suresh was requested to put on weight for the film and shot for a vintage song in early June 2017 as a part of the first schedule.[28] Prakash Raj also joined the team in August 2017 to play the role of producer Aluri Chakrapani.[29] Deni Sanchez Lopez was the cinematographer.[30]

Music

Mahanati
Soundtrack album by Mickey J. Meyer
Released 1 May 2018 (2018-05-01)
Recorded 2017
Length 20:31
Label Aditya Music
Producer Mickey J. Meyer
Mickey J. Meyer chronology
Mister
(2017)		 Mahanati
(2018)		 Srinivasa Kalyanam
(2018)

All music composed by Mickey J. Meyer.

Telugu track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Mooga Manasulu"Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
4:19
2."Sada Nannu"Sirivennela Sitarama SastryCharulatha Mani3:37
3."Mahanati"Ramajogayya SastryAnurag Kulkarni4:44
4."Aagipo Baalyama"Sirivennela Sitarama SastryRamya Behara2:33
5."Chivaraku Migiledi"Sirivennela Sitarama SastrySunitha Upadrashta2:58
6."Gelupuleni Samaram"Sirivennela Sitarama SastryRamya Behara3:41
Total length:20:31

All lyrics written by Madhan Karky.

Tamil track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Mauna Mazhaiyilae"
4:19
2."Thandhaay"Charulatha Mani3:37
3."Mahanadi"Anurag Kulkarni4:44
4."Kutti Rani"Nayana Nair2:33
5."Irudhiyil Enna Enjum"Nayana Nair2:58
6."Amudhai Pole Kidaithaai"Nayana Nair3:10
Total length:20:01

Scroll.in review said, "soulful and dramatic, just like Savitri".[31]

Release

Mahanati and Nadigaiyar Thilagam were awarded a 'U' (universal) certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification, notwithstanding its long runtime of 176 minutes.[32] On 6 April and 10 April 2018 respectively, the first look posters featuring Akkineni and Devarakonda's characters were released, and received positive response.[33] On 14 April, the film's teaser and first look poster were released digitally.[33] They were positively received, and the teaser crossed 1 million views on YouTube within half a day.[33] 20 different looks of the 110 played by Keerthy in Mahanati were released by the makers through publicity posters, first looks and film stills.[34] The following week, a series of teasers revealed the various special appearances in the film.[35] Mahanati and Nadigaiyar Thilagam did not have theatrical trailers released, which was rare for an Indian film.[36]

Mahanati was released on 9 May 2018 worldwide,[37] while Nadigaiyar Thilagam was released on 11 May 2018.[38] The overseas distribution rights of Mahanati and all future films produced by Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema were acquired by Nirvana Cinemas,[39] with the amount for the former being ₹45 million.[40] Chandrababu Naidu, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, was impressed with the film and offered to exempt Mahanati from taxes in Andhra Pradesh, but Ashwini Dutt politely declined it.[41] Mahanati was pirated on torrent websites on 17 May, taking a toll on its box office.[42] This was partly due to the inavailability of film tickets from holdovers of the year's previous releases Bharat Ane Nenu, Rangasthalam and Naa Peru Surya.[42] The number of screens were increased in the second week.[1] From the third week of June, Mahanati had free screenings conducted in old age homes.[43]

After Mahanati's release, Ganesan's first daughter Kamala Selvaraj alleged that the film was distorted and disagreed with his characterisation. Ashwin responded by stating that Selvaraj was made aware of the plot during its development.[44] Chamundeswari also defended the film, suggesting that Selvaraj may have watched the film through a different perspective.[45] The film's digital rights were acquired by Amazon Prime.[46] The television broadcast rights of Mahanati were acquired by Star India's subsidiary Star Maa; upon its initial run, the film registered a record target rating point (TRP) rating of 20.16.[47]

Reception

Critical response

Mahanati received positive reviews from critics.[48] Writing for The Times of India, Neeshita Nyayapati gave the film four stars out of five and commented, "To call Mahanati a celebration of Savitri’s life would be an understatement, because the film breathes her life in a span of almost 3 hours. There are few films in the Telugu film industry that make you feel the way this one does – empathize and fall head over heels in love with the protagonist even in her lowest of lows."[49] A review carried by Sify opines, "As a director, Nag Ashwin has told the story of Savitri in an emotional and poignant manner. His direction, his grip on emotions is outstanding". They found Keerthy "pitch perfect" as Savitri and felt Salmaan "gives the best performance".[50] Referring to the importance given to seemingly minor events, Janani K of India Today writes, "It is these little things that make Mahanati/Nadigaiyar Thilagam, one of the best biopics of all time".[51]

Woman facing the camera, smiling
Smiling man in a red suit, with a trophy in his right hand
Keerthy (left) and Salmaan were praised for their performances as Savitri and Gemini Ganesan, respectively.[48][52]

Manoj Kumar of The Indian Express gave the film four stars out of five, praising the performances, writing, "The four best things to happen to Nag's film are Dulquer Salmaan, Keerthy Suresh, Samantha Akkineni and the costume designers. These three actors are in top form and equally shoulder this film".[53] Priyanka Sundar of The Hindustan Times gave Mahanati 3.5 stars out of five and applauded Salmaan's performance "whether it is a frustrated and rude Ganesan when Savitri succumbs to coma or his cheesy Romeo avatar wooing Savitri".[54] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu writes, "The film belongs to Keerthy and Dulquer as they imbibe the mannerisms of the legendary actors they’re portraying but don’t end up as caricatures. Dulquer scores with his effortless ease, and Keerthy owns every moment on screen."[55]

Suresh Kavirayani, in his review for Deccan Chronicle, gave the film four stars out of five and praised the aspects of production, writing, "Avish deserves a pat on the back for creating the right atmosphere and old-world feel, and Mickey J. Mayer’s music and background score elevate the film".[56] Writing for Scroll.in, Archana Nathan particularly praised the execution: "The 176-minute movie is evenly paced, and the director ensures that the cameo-heavy screenplay is not reduced to a series of entries and exits."[57] Mridula Ramadugu of Firstpost felt the best part of the film was the lack of dramatising Savitri's life, opining, "It's hard not to be biased towards such a film".[58] Krishna Sripada of The News Minute writes, "[T]he story of Mahanati, probably south Indian film industry’s most revered female figure, is a once-in-a-lifetime epic. It is safe to say we are indebted now to Nag Ashwin, who has pulled off a stunner". She suggested that the film "will make you smile through the tears".[59]

Hemnath Kumar of Firstpost gave Mahanati three stars out of five; he felt that the film "leaves you craving for more drama", writing, "It is like reading a Wikipedia page of a famous person. You might get all that you are looking for but it is not the same as reading an in-depth book about the same person".[60] Akshara K. V. of Mathrubhumi also gave the film three stars out five and writes, "The length of the film could have been reduced because the second part after the interval gets lagging".[61] Reviewing Nadigaiyar Thilagam, Sudhir Srinivasan of Cinema Express was critical, calling it "a dubbed film in disguise" since, despite being promoted as a straight Tamil film, it retained many scenes from Mahanati without changing the lip-sync scenes.[62] Writing for Film Companion, Baradwaj Rangan said, "Mahanati, despite its numerous failings, cannot be easily dismissed – because it remembers a forgotten era, whose clips are lovingly recreated via scratchy prints and computerised colour".[63]

Box office

Mahanati and Nadigaiyar Thilagam became the highest-grossing South Indian film that started a woman as the primary character.[64] It became the fourth-best Telugu opener in the United States in 2018, earning more money than in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana combined on its first day.[65]

References

  1. 1 2 Hooli, Shekhar H. "Mahanati 14-day box office collection: Keerthy Suresh's film crosses Rs 60-crore mark".
  2. ↑ "Rangasthalam, Bharat Ane Nenu and Mahanati emerge as biggest Telugu hits in first half of 2018- Entertainment News, Firstpost".
  3. ↑ Hooli, Shekhar H. "Mahanati 50-day total box office collection: Keerthy Suresh's film crosses Rs 75 crore mark worldwide".
  4. ↑ "Nag Ashwin plans biopic on the legendary actress Savitri". The News Minute. 28 May 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  5. ↑ "Nag Ashwin's next a biopic on legendary actress Savitri". The Indian Express. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  6. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (1 May 2018). "Nag Ashwin: There was a rockstar side to Savitri" – via www.thehindu.com.
  7. ↑ "Nag Ashwin on Mahanati: Keerthy, Dulquer, Samantha and Vijay had no problem working in a multi-starrer". India Today.
  8. ↑ "'Mahanati made me more responsible as a filmmaker': Nag Ashwin on directing the Savitri biopic- Entertainment News, Firstpost".
  9. ↑ "Savitri biopic: Haven't approached Vidya Balan, says Nag Ashwin". www.hindustantimes.com. 4 August 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  10. ↑ "Vidya Balan Hasn't Been 'Approached' For Film on South Actress Savitri – NDTV Movies". NDTVMovies.com. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  11. ↑ "Nithya Menen hasn't signed Mahanati yet". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  12. ↑ "Nithya Menon s conditions frustrate the director – Telugu Movie News – IndiaGlitz". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  13. ↑ "Samantha in Savitiri's biopic?". Sify. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  14. ↑ "Samantha will be acting in Savitri biopic but not in the lead role – Tamil Movie News – IndiaGlitz". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  15. ↑ "Samantha may be essaying Jamuna – Telugu Movie News – IndiaGlitz". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  16. ↑ "Keerthy Suresh, Samantha in Savitri's biopic?". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  17. ↑ "Confirmed: Keerthy Suresh to play Savitri in Mahanati". Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  18. ↑ Desk, The Hindu Net (8 March 2017). "Savitri biopic poster unveiled". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  19. ↑ "Dulquer to play Gemini Ganesan – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  20. ↑ "Dulquer pips Suriya and Madhavan, set to play Gemini Ganesan in Savitri biopic". www.hindustantimes.com. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  21. ↑ "A new addition to Savitri biopic". www.deccanchronicle.com. 15 May 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  22. ↑ "'Pelli Choopulu' hero in Savithri biopic!". Sify. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  23. ↑ "Mahanati actor Keerthy Suresh: Savitri's children watched the film and they are really happy". 9 May 2018.
  24. ↑ "Mahanati, biopic on iconic actress Savitri, officially launched – Pinkvilla South". Pinkvilla South. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  25. ↑ "Mahanati starts rolling in Hyderabad today – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  26. ↑ "Mahanati, Hollywood Touch For Tollywood Past". greatandhra.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  27. ↑ Ians (30 July 2017). "Dulquer to not mimic Gemini Ganesan in 'Mahanati'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  28. ↑ "Keerthy Suresh to put on some weight to play Savithri in 'Mahanati', a biopic on Savithri by Nag Ashwin – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  29. ↑ "Prakash Raj joined the sets of 'Mahanati' – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  30. ↑ Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (16 April 2018). "Using film is a different way to capture reality, says 'Manahati' cinematographer Dani Sanchez Lopez" – via www.thehindu.com.
  31. ↑ Nathan, Archana. "'Mahanati' music review: Soulful and dramatic, just like screen legend Savitri".
  32. ↑ "'Mahanati' run time locked - Times of India".
  33. 1 2 3 Hooli, Shekhar H. "Mahanati teaser, first look get rave reviews, take internet by storm [Video+Photos]".
  34. ↑ "Keerthy Suresh sports 110 different looks to recreate life of legendary actress Savitri in biopic Mahanati- Entertainment News, Firstpost".
  35. ↑ Staff, Scroll. "All you need to know about Savitri biopic 'Mahanati' ahead of its May 9 release".
  36. ↑ "Trailer Cut Would Have Done Wonders for 'Mahanati'". Radio Mirchi. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  37. ↑ "Mahanati box-office collections: Keerthy Suresh-starrer crosses half million at the US box-office". The Times of India. 2018-05-11. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  38. ↑ "'Nadigaiyar Thilagam' censored, to release in Tamil on May 11".
  39. ↑ "Mahanati Press Note - USA - Nirvana Cinemas". nirvanacinemas.
  40. ↑ "Heavy demand for distribution rights of Savitri biopic 'Mahanati'". 1 September 2017.
  41. ↑ "Mahanati makers deny tax exemption: CM's gesture means more than National Awards". 27 May 2018.
  42. 1 2 Hooli, Shekhar H. "Mahanati leaked on torrent sites: Full movie download to affect its collection at box office".
  43. ↑ "Special screenings of Nag Ashwin's 'Mahanati' to be held at old age homes in June - Times of India".
  44. ↑ "'Nadigaiyar Thilagam' is based on gossip, reality is distorted: Gemini Ganesan's daughter Kamala Selvaraj on the Savitri biopic".
  45. ↑ "After Gemini Ganesan's family slammed Mahanati, Savitri's daughter speaks in film's defence". 23 May 2018.
  46. ↑ "Prime Video: Mahanati (Telugu)". www.primevideo.com.
  47. ↑ "Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan and Nag Ashwin's Mahanati rakes in staggering TRP - Times of India".
  48. 1 2 Hooli, Shekhar H. "Mahanati review roundup: Naga Ashwini, Keerthy Suresh wow critics".
  49. ↑ Mahanati Movie Review {4/5}: Watching ‘Mahanati’ is an experience one won’t forget soon, retrieved 2018-05-11
  50. ↑ "Review : Mahanati review: Nag Ashwin pulls off Savitri's biopic (2018)". www.sify.com.
  51. ↑ "Mahanati Movie Review: Nag Ashwin crafts a soulful ode to Savitri's life". India Today.
  52. ↑ "Dulquer and Ram Pothineni to team up for Ajay Bhupathi's film". 17 September 2018.
  53. ↑ "Mahanati movie review: Savitri's Devdas-esque story makes for good drama". 11 May 2018.
  54. ↑ "Mahanati movie review: Keerthy Suresh breathes life into Savitri's beautiful tragedy". Hindustan Times. 2018-05-10. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  55. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (9 May 2018). "'Mahanati' review: celebration of a legend" – via www.thehindu.com.
  56. ↑ "Mahanati movie review: A great tribute to Savitri". 10 May 2018.
  57. ↑ Nathan, Archana. "'Mahanati' review: Keerthy Suresh is stunning as Savitri".
  58. ↑ https://www.firstpost.com/world/mahanati-exemplifies-benefits-of-championing-good-content-paving-the-way-for-other-tollywood-biopics-4468393.html
  59. ↑ "'Mahanati' review: This Savitri biopic will make you smile through the tears". 9 May 2018.
  60. ↑ "Mahanati movie review: Savitri's life is laid down with authenticity, but lacks drama that it inherently demands- Entertainment News, Firstpost".
  61. ↑ V., Akshara K. "Mahanati: Here is a 'great actress' - Movie rating: 3/5".
  62. ↑ "Viewfinder: The big, bilingual scam".
  63. ↑ "Southern Lights: Great Actress, Middling Biopic - Film Companion". 31 May 2018.
  64. ↑ "Mahanati completes 50-day theatrical run, becomes highest grossing woman-led South Indian film- Entertainment News, Firstpost".
  65. ↑ Hooli, Shekhar H. "Mahanati 1-day box-office collection: Keerthy's film fares better in US than AP/T".
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