Audio launch event of ‘Mahanati’- bilingual biopic on Savitri, was a grand affair held on May 1 in Hyderabad. Young Tiger NTR graced the event as chief guest and launched the audio CDs by presenting the first CD to Savitri’s daughter Vijaya Chamundeswari and son Sathish.
Wishing all the best to ‘Mahanati’ team, King Nagarjuna said, “NTR, ANR and Savitri will always be remembered till eternity. ‘Maya Bazaar’, ‘Mooga Manasulu’ and ‘Doctor Chakravarthy’ and many more landmark films are all time favourites. Savitri garu introduced me to the film industry. Biopics can only be made on people who have cult status and Savatri garu deserves it. To my knowledge this is the first biopic related to Telugu film industry. I feel elated and it’s a proud moment that a biopic has been made on a legendry actress. The film has been produced by two women, 20 women acted in this film and I came to know that even audio launch stage setting was designed by women. Telugu film industry has given such prominence to women. No one in this film including the producers, actors and even the director, don’t know who Savitri is. Keerthy Suresh is blessed with the wonderful opportunity. I am feeling jealous that I am not part of this project. But, I am happy that my son Naga Chaitanya and my daughter-in-law Samantha have acted in this. Trailer has a good feel in it. Dattu garu has given many good films to us. This film will earn good profits, fame and respect as well.”
Darsakendrulu K Raghavendra Rao said, “My cine career was started with ‘Pandava Vanavasam’ that starred NTR garu and Savitri garu. We have the privilege of knowing about the great personality Savitri on May 9. I am the only one who directed 14 films on Vyjayanthi Movies banner and I wish that Naga Aswin will break my record.”
Young Tiger NTR said, “We will never be eligible to talk about such a great personality. Mahanati Savitri garu is a true lady superstar. I am not sure on where to start and where to end. The film depicts the way she lived her life rather than how she died. It’s very important that we have to learn from the legends. Naga Ashwin has made a delightful story of one such legend Savitri garu. He has carved out the film not just as a director but as a true admirer of Savitri garu. Sweety and Swapna stood by his side as a big support. When we are doing something big, everything falls in place. And people say that it is god who does this and it say it nature. This is how Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha and Vijay Deverakonda and everyone made their way into this film. Swapna approached me to play a cameo of my grandfather. But, I felt that I am not eligible to play my grandfather and that will never happen. Hats-off to Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha and Vijay Deverakonda. They played challenging roles. I know how difficult that would be. They have given wonderful performences and everyone will get to know after the release of the film. Mickey has given beautiful music. These days we are seeing so many atrocities on women. If you watch this film, you will understand the power of women. I hope people start respecting women at least after watching this film.”
“Today we all gathered here and that is because of Savitri garu. After narrating the script to Swapna and Priyanka, we realised that there is lot of depth and responsibility in this project. To make ourselves eligible to this project, we did pre-production work for one year. My direction team has done two years of research on this project and given lot of support. Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha and Vijay Deverakond and everyone have done this film with love towards Savitri. ‘Mahanati’ came out wonderfully. Thanks to each and everyone in the team for their support,” said director Naga Ashwin.
Samantha Akkineni said, “I feel privileged that I am part of this film. I have taken a risk. Though I am not the lead character in this film, but the story starts with my narration. Thanks to Naga Ashwin for having given me this wonderful opportunity. Thanks to Swapna and Priyanka.”
Keerthy Suresh said, “One fine day Nani told me that it would be good if I act in this film and then became part of this film. Initially when Naga Ashwin and Swapna approached me to do the title role, I was a bit reluctant. I felt that I can’t do justice to that role, it’s a challenging role. But, Naga Ashwin encouraged me a lot and given me confidence. Thanks to him. Cameramen Danny, in spite of being a Spaniard, has given wonderful visuals. Tota Tharani, Shivam and everyone in the team hve put in lot of efforts. Mickey has given great music. Samantha’s character will drive the story. I know Dulquer since childhood. I am happy to be working with him. Vijay Deverakonda is a wonderful actor. Stars like Rajendra Prasad garu, Krish garu, Bhanupriya garu and some others are part of the film. I consider ‘Mahanati’ as a beautiful journey blessed by Savitri garu.”
Natural Star Nani, Dulquer Salmaan, Swapna Dutt, Savitri’s daughter Vijaya Chamundeswari, Savitri’s son Sathish, Sai Madhav Burra and some others too spoke at the function.
The most awaited bilingual biopic of Savitri, ‘Mahanati’ is all set to hit the screens on May 9. Samantha plays a journalist named Madhuravani. Mahanati is a true-blue biopic which chronicles the eventful life of iconic yesteryear actress Savitri. Nag Ashwin is the director. Mahanati is produced by Priyanka Dutt under Swapna Cinemas and Vyjayanthi Movies.
