Positive reviews are pouring in for the Savitri biopic Mahanati which released on Wednesday. Director SS Rajamouli of the Baahubali series fame said that actor Keerthy Suresh, who played the role of the legendary south actor, brought her back to life with her performance.
Rajamouli went on to say that he the movie had made him a fan of Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan, who made his Telugu debut through Mahanati. In the film Dulquer essayed the role of popular yesteryear Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan.
. @KeerthyOfficial’s potrayal of Savitri garu is one of the finest performances I've ever seen. It is not just imitating. She brought the legendry actress back to life. @dulQuer is absolutely fantastic. I am his fan now.
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) May 9, 2018
Besides Rajamouli, another director, Atlee of Raja Rani and Mersal fame, also appreciated the Keerthy Suresh’s performance and called the movie “inspirational”.
Overwhelmed by the appreciation, Keerthy thanked both the directors.
I still can’t believe my eyes sir!! Means a LOT to me . Thanks a TON sir !!!! https://t.co/6pjtFz3RsP
— Keerthy Suresh (@KeerthyOfficial) May 9, 2018
Thanks a lotttt Nanbaaa!! Thank you for coming all the way and watching with us @priyaatlee https://t.co/V1mEyA2PV7
— Keerthy Suresh (@KeerthyOfficial) May 9, 2018
Even Telangana Minister for IT, KT Rama Rao showered appreciation on the film, performances of the actors, and the direction.
What an incredible movie!! Truly blown away by #Mahanati@KeerthyOfficial just lived the role, Stunning performance
— KTR (@KTRTRS) May 9, 2018
My Compliments to outstanding direction by Nag Ashwin, Swapna and terrific performances by @Samanthaprabhu2 @dulQuer @TheDeverakonda @chay_akkineni
Mahanati is a bilingual film shot in Tamil and Telugu. Although the Telugu version released on Wednesday, the Tamil version, Nadigaiyar Thilagam, will be releasing on Friday.
The film has a huge star cast comprising Samantha Akkineni, Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salmaan and senior actors such as Prakash Raj, Rajendra Prasad, Mohan Babu and many others.
In the film, Mohan Babu plays the role of versatile actor SV Ranga Rao, while Prakash Raj plays late writer, director and producer Alluri Chakrapani.
Mahanati, one of the most awaited films in recent times, is based on the life of late actor Savitri, who began her acting career in 1950 with the release of Samsaram. She then went on to star in several movies in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and even Hindi.
The actor ruled both the Tamil and Telugu industry during the 1950s-60s, which was considered the golden age of south Indian cinema. She also won several prestigious awards in her long career before her life ended abruptly due to substance abuse.
The film is directed by Nag Aswin and bankrolled by Vyjayanthi Films. Director of Photography is Spanish technician Dani Sanchez-Lopez while the music for the film has been composed by Mickey J Meyer.