Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Rashmika Casting Defended for MS Subbulakshmi Biopic
Rashmika Mandanna will play famous singer M. S. Subbulakshmi in a new film.
The film is called M.S – A Legacy On Screen.
Some people online think Vidya Balan would have been better for the part.
Vidya had previously been linked to a possible Subbulakshmi biopic.
Producer Allu Aravind defended the decision to cast Rashmika.
He said, in a spiritual way, that Subbulakshmi had chosen Rashmika.
Rashmika said she feels grateful and sees Subbulakshmi’s voice as something divine.
The film will be directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and released in several languages.
Rashmika Mandanna will portray legendary Carnatic singer M. S. Subbulakshmi in M.S – A Legacy On Screen.
Producer Allu Aravind defended the casting amid social media criticism and comparisons with Vidya Balan.
Aravind said he believes Subbulakshmi had spiritually “chosen” Rashmika for the role.
Kamal Haasan compared the acting challenge with portraying Michael Jackson and offered encouragement to Rashmika.
The Gowtam Tinnanuri-directed film will feature music by Anirudh Ravichander and receive a multilingual pan-India release.
- Who
- Rashmika Mandanna will play M. S. Subbulakshmi; Allu Aravind is one of the producers, and Gowtam Tinnanuri is directing.
- What
- The team launched M.S – A Legacy On Screen and defended Rashmika’s casting as the lead.
- When
- The film’s launch took place on Wednesday; the articles do not specify the release date.
- Where
- The articles identify the event as a movie launch but do not specify its location.
- Why
- Allu Aravind defended the casting after social media users questioned why Vidya Balan was not chosen.
Supporters of Rashmika’s Casting
Supporters of Vidya Balan’s Casting
Suitability for Subbulakshmi
Supporters of Rashmika’s Casting
Allu Aravind supports Rashmika and said Subbulakshmi had chosen her for the role; Rashmika expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Supporters of Vidya Balan’s Casting
Several social media users argued that Vidya Balan would have been better suited, with one fan calling her a perfect fit for the character.
Earlier Biopic Plans
Supporters of Rashmika’s Casting
The current production has cast Rashmika and is moving forward under Geetha Arts, Rockline Entertainment, and Bunny Vas Works.
Supporters of Vidya Balan’s Casting
Reports in 2013 said Rajiv Menon was planning a Subbulakshmi biopic with Vidya Balan, but that project was later dropped; Vidya’s 2024 tribute renewed fan speculation.
- Film
- M.S – A Legacy On Screen
- Lead actor
- Rashmika Mandanna
- Subject
- Carnatic singer M. S. Subbulakshmi
- Producer defense
- Allu Aravind said Subbulakshmi had spiritually chosen Rashmika for the role.
- Director
- Gowtam Tinnanuri
- Music
- Anirudh Ravichander
- Release plan
- The film is being positioned as a pan-India release in multiple languages.