Rashmika Mandanna has landed one of the most prestigious roles of her career, stepping into the life of legendary Carnatic icon MS Subbulakshmi in a new biopic that was officially launched on September 16, 2026, marking the singer’s 110th birth anniversary. The film instantly drew attention not just for its scale, but for the emotional weight of the occasion, with Kamal Haasan leading the launch and paying glowing tribute to the music legend.
The ambitious biopic is being directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and backed by producers Allu Aravind, Rockline Venkatesh, and Bunny Vas. With a towering cultural figure at its centre and Rashmika taking on the title role, the film begins its journey with significant expectations.
Kamal Haasan’s Tribute At The Launch
At the event, Kamal Haasan reflected on MS Subbulakshmi’s unmatched legacy and the way her music crossed regions and languages. He said, “MS Subbulakshmi Amma was the musical empress who united India, especially South India, through her voice. She sang in Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and several other languages. No matter which language she sang in, she elevated its beauty through her music. That is the timeless message her music has given all of us.”
He also spoke about the personal impact of her work, adding, “MS Amma has been a tremendous source of inspiration in my life. Whenever I listen to her Suprabhatam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, or Rangapura Vihara, my heart is filled with peace and joy. Even Mahatma Gandhi was a great admirer of her music. I also believe Anirudh Ravichander’s musical journey will reach another level with this film. Looking at Rashmika Mandanna, I am not jealous that she got this role. Even if I shaved my beard, I couldn’t portray MS Amma the way she deserves to be portrayed.”
Rashmika Mandanna On Playing Ms Subbulakshmi
Rashmika did not hold back her emotion while addressing the launch. She said, “My heart is filled with gratitude for receiving this incredible opportunity as an actress. On the occasion of MS Subbulakshmi Amma’s 110th birth anniversary, I offer my heartfelt wishes and respects. Standing on this stage feels like standing in the presence of the divine.”
She added, “I feel immensely proud and honored to become a small part of MS Amma’s extraordinary life journey. We truly believe her blessings will always be with us throughout this film. I promise to give my complete dedication to this role and do everything I can to portray MS Subbulakshmi Amma in a way that all of you will cherish and appreciate.”
Rashmika Mandanna’s Career Turn Meets A Landmark Biopic
The launch also arrives at an interesting moment in Rashmika’s career, as she continues to move between commercial star vehicles and more performance driven material. That makes this casting feel especially notable, placing her inside a story rooted in discipline, devotion, and one of Indian music’s most revered legacies.
In recent years, Rashmika has balanced big-ticket mainstream films with projects that ask for a distinct emotional register, and this biopic adds a very different dimension to that trajectory. With Chhaava and Sikandar behind her, and titles such as Mysaa and Ranabaali on her broader slate, she is clearly shaping a filmography that stretches across genres, languages, and audience expectations. In that lineup, portraying MS Subbulakshmi stands apart as a role tied as much to cultural memory as screen presence.
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