Sai Pallavi is set to step into one of the most revered legacies in Indian music: Bharat Ratna awardee M S Subbulakshmi. The new film, a biopic on the Carnatic legend, is being mounted with Telugu filmmaker Gowtam Tinnanuri attached as director, marking a high profile intersection of a performance driven star and a director known for emotionally textured storytelling.
M S Subbulakshmi, born in Madurai in 1916 and widely celebrated for taking Carnatic music to global stages, remains an icon whose life has long been seen as ripe for a definitive big screen treatment. She was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, and her career included milestone appearances such as a performance at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.
Sai Pallavi Steps Into The Role Of M S Subbulakshmi
The biopic has been in the works for a while, but the latest development firmly places Sai Pallavi in the titular part. While an official announcement is still awaited, the project is described as confirmed with Tinnanuri set to direct.
In preparation, the actor has reportedly already begun training. As stated in the report, “While Gowtam is completing his research on the subject, Sai is watching all the footage she can lay her hands on to get to know the great singer.”
The same report also notes that Sai Pallavi has started taking lessons in Carnatic vocals, signalling a commitment to embodying Subbulakshmi’s musical discipline rather than approaching the role as a conventional screen transformation.
Gowtam Tinnanuri’s Research Led Approach
For Gowtam Tinnanuri, the project adds a new chapter after his acclaimed sports drama Jersey and other work across Telugu and Hindi cinema. The director is currently said to be deep into research, which is crucial given Subbulakshmi’s stature and the cultural responsibility tied to portraying her life.
The choice of Tinnanuri suggests the film may focus as much on the emotional and personal dimensions of Subbulakshmi’s journey as it does on recreating famous concerts and public milestones.
Shooting Timeline And What To Expect
According to the update, the biopic is expected to go on floors later this year. Casting details beyond Sai Pallavi have not been announced, and the makers have not yet confirmed a title, language plan, or release window.
For Sai Pallavi, who has built a career on roles that demand authenticity and intensity, the M S Subbulakshmi biopic could become a defining project, especially if the film leans into performance, voice work, and period detail.
(Also read: Tamannaah Bhatia And Junaid Khan In Talks For Ekta Kapoor’s Ragini 3; Shashanka Ghosh To Direct)
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