Arvind Swami shares his first look as MGR in Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivi, see pics, teaser | Bollywood - Hindustan Times
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Arvind Swami shares his first look as MGR in Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivi, see pics, teaser

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Jan 17, 2020 11:50 AM IST

Arvind Swami has shared pictures from Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivi where he plays former Tamil Nadu chief minister MGR.

Actor Arvind Swami has shared his first look from Thalaivi, confirming he is playing the role of former Tamil Nadu CM MG Ramachandran (MGR) in the film headlined by Kangana Ranaut.

Arvind Swami as MGR in Thalaivi.
Arvind Swami as MGR in Thalaivi.

Two pictures of Arvind Swami as MGR have been revealed on the occasion of MGR’s birthday on Friday. The Roja actor looks uncannily similar as MGR replicating two of his popular poses. “Here is my first look as Puratchi Thaliavar, Makkal Thilagam MGR in #Thalaivi . A teaser follows at 10.30 am today. Hope u like it,” Arvind wrote alongside the pictures.

 Watch Arvind Swami‘s first look Thalaivi teaser

 

Popularly known as Puratchi Thalaivar and Makkal Thilagam, MGR played a very instrumental role in the life and career of Jayalalithaa. Apparently, it was after great contemplation the makers zeroed in on Arvind Swami.

Thalaivi, which is being directed by Vijay, will be made in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu. It has been titled Thalaivi in all the languages. Speaking about casting Arvind, Vijay said in a press statement, “As I have said before, it’s an honour for me to be getting an opportunity to direct a film like Thalaivi. To delve into the lives of legends, who have shaped Tamil Nadu in a greater way of what it is today is an amazing experience. But what has been a blend of exciting and challenging process was the casting of the actors to essay these gigantic roles. In particular, after Kangana Ranaut was brought onboard for the character of honourable former Late CM Jayalalitha, we had to consider several artistes for the role of honourable MGR. Finally, we felt Arvind Swami would befittingly look perfect.”

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“In simple words, we are now completely drenched in extreme astonishment to find him give immense life to the legendary character. Apart from our inputs, he spent sumptuous time and energy in getting to know more deeply about the legend’s life. Of course, MGR is still the most loved leader of zillions or else how would he become the only actor to be the recipient of Bharat Ratna Award. So, it’s been a journey of intense dedication for all of us in team to pictorially represent his adorable deeds in celluloid version,” he added.

Kangana, who was last seen in Judgmental Hai Kya, spent close to six months on prepping for this project. She took Bharatanatyam classes, learnt Tamil and even spent hours in the prosthetic make up sessions.

The project was announced and first look poster last year on February 25th, on the 71st anniversary of Jayalalithaa.

Also read: Javed Akhtar on 75th birthday: ‘I don’t feel like a retired, tired person at all’

It’s worth mentioning that when Kangana was announced for the titular role, the choice was received with some backlash. Soon after the announcement, Vijay clarified his stand on roping in Kangana in an interview to Times of India. “This is a pan India film, and Kangana is apt for the role. She is one of the biggest stars in India today and I think it is right that a top star plays the role of an important politician. This way, the story will also reach audiences across India. We consider this a pan-Indian film, not a regional one,” Vijay said.

The film has music by GV Prakash Kumar while Nirav Shah will crank the camera. Veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad of Bajrangi Bhaijaan fame has been roped in to oversee the writing process.

The project has gone on floors despite Jayalalithaa’s niece J. Deepa filing a civil suit in the Madras High Court to restrain the team from making a biopic based on her aunt’s life.

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