Eight years ago, Keerthy Suresh made a breakthrough with her performance of late yesteryear actor Savitri in Mahanati, helmed by Nag Ashwin. The film, which hit theatres on May 9, was dubbed in Tamil and released as Nadigaiyar Thilagam three days later on May 11. The film won Keerthy her maiden National Award at the 66th National Film Awards, solidifying and establishing her career in the South Indian film industry.
Mahanati was a massive commercial success and also won accolades for the songs by Mickey J Meyer, along with Ashwin's screenplay and direction. The film, which was also dubbed and released in Tamil and Malayalam, also won the Best Feature Film as well as Costume Design awards.
Eight years on, the film's legacy continues as audiences still remember Keerthy Suresh by the role. But did you know the actor initially rejected it? Speaking to Cinema Express in 2020, Keerthy revealed that she first said 'no' to director Nag Ashwin.
Speaking about how the film changed her professionally, she said, "Mahanati gave me a very nice opening to women-centric films. The film was an opportunity to prove myself as a performer. I was mostly doing commercial roles until then."
On why she initially hesitated to take it up, she added, "In the beginning I actually said no to the film. I told him [Nag Ashwin], 'I love it, but I'm not doing it.' I was very scared. She is a very well-known actor. Everybody loves her. I didn't know if I had the capacity to bring that persona onscreen and do justice to the actor she was. Anybody would want to do such a project. But my only thought was I shouldn't spoil it. But Nagi had so much confidence in me, so I thought if the director believes in me, I should believe in myself a little more."
Mahanati is a biographical drama that traces the extraordinary journey of iconic actor Savitri, charting her transformation into one of South Indian cinema’s biggest stars before her life spiralled into personal and professional turmoil. Framed through the lens of a journalist’s investigation in the 1980s after Savitri falls into a coma, the film delves into her celebrated film career, troubled relationship with actor Gemini Ganesan, battle with alcoholism and eventual financial collapse.
The film also stars Dulquer Salmaan as Gemini Ganesan, Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha, Rajendra Prasad and Bhanupriya, among others.