These variants deserve a place in your wardrobe! (Photo: Varinder Chawla)The J Jayalalithaa’s biopic, titled Thalaivi, will hit the theaters on April 23. Before the film’s release, the makers are all set to release its trailer today, on the occasion of its lead actor Kangana Ranaut’s 34th birthday. Thalaivi trailer comes a day after Kangana won the National Film Award for her performance in Manikarnika and Panga. This is her fourth National Award.
Announcing the trailer release date on social media, Kangana, who essays the titular role in the movie, wrote on Twitter, “One day to go for the trailer launch of #Thalaivi Gaining 20 kgs and losing it all back within a span of few months wasn’t the only challenge that I faced while filming this Epic Biopic, wait is getting over just in few hours Jaya will be your forever.”
Thalaivi traces the journey of legendary actor-politician Jayalalithaa from films to politics. Also starring Arvind Swami as MG Ramachandran, Prakash Raj as M Karunanidhi, Jisshu Sengupta as Sobhan Babu and Bhagyashree as Jayalalithaa’s mother Sandhya, the multi-lingual film is produced by Vishnu Vardhan and Shailesh R Singh. It is directed by AL Vijay and penned by celebrated writer KV Vijayendra Prasad. Poorna and Madhoo play pivotal roles in the film.
Kangana gained 20kgs to get into the skin of actor-turned-politician Jayalalithaa. For the actor, the film is her ‘most ambitious project’. Earlier, she mentioned how she did every possible thing to execute the character of Jayalalitha to perfection. Taking to Twitter, Kangana wrote, “I played the first superhuman girl on Indian screen, thanks to my body, a rare combination of dainty yet strong looking. In my 30s, I had to gain 20 kgs for Thalaivi and do Bharatanatyam, it left my back severely damaged but no bigger gratification than to play a role to perfection.”
"For me, the world of politics is quite unknown. If today, I talk about the country, nationalism, farmers or laws which directly affect me, I’m told that I want to become a politician, it’s not like that. I react to everything as a citizen. I’ve no connection with politics, at all," shared Kangana Ranaut at the trailer launch.
Kangana spoke about releasing the film during the pandemic and said, "Audiences are ready. Maybe the films that are coming aren't performing to their full potential but it's not that they are underperforming. They are definitely making a good impact. We have to collectively fight it, the vaccine is also here and we still have four weeks. We are very hopeful that it will improve and we will have 100 percent occupancy in theatres. Maybe in a few areas, we don't have that but we are prepared for it."
"This film is very important. I get a lot of strong characters but deep down I know that I have borrowed their lives, their achievements. Jayalalithaa has gone through this entire journey, this is her life, and I will always be indebted to her. People almost consider her God in Tamil Nadu, and even though I don't belong from there, people have accepted me wholeheartedly. I had thought people would criticise me, especially from the south, as we always point fingers at how actors from the region are not signed for these specific roles. During Manikarnika, people felt a Marathi should have played the part. I thank everyone for such a great response," said the Thalaivi actor.
"I never thought there are similarities between us. When I met Vijay sir we felt (me and Jayalalithaa) are poles apart. My frame work is skinny, I have angular jawline and cheekbones. We went to America and did a lot of tests and Vijay sir wasn't impressed with any of the (look) tests. At the time, I was researching her and watching her films. So, for the young age, I started gaining weight as she was curvaceous and beautiful. You won't believe it's so surprising that I actually started to look exactly like Jaya Maa. It was another strange thing that I experienced. It was either her blessing or a desire that this film should get made. I was just a medium," shared Kangana at the launch.
Kangana Ranaut shared at the launch, "I personally feel that a lot of things that I do and say are for light-hearted interactions, but people are so serious in life that don't get it. Many times I criticise people and talk about what has pained me, but I am also very comfortable about meeting them after that because my interactions are real, many people cannot do that."
Thalaivi writer Vijendra Prasad said at the trailer launch, "Usually, the writer is asked to not say anything about the movie, so I will not tell you what is in the movie, I'll tell you what is not in the movie. When I was writing the story, I thought Kangana would be perfect for the role, however approaching her was a task, but since she had some trust on me as I also wrote Manikarnika, she told me that she doesn't know anything about Thailaivi, so I told her just be Thailaivi, don't act. And she is perfect, she is such a blessed performer, thanks for giving your best to the film."
"All the comments we are getting suggest that Kangana Ranaut's fifth National Award is on its way. She is the pride of Indian cinema, and I feel blessed to witness her brilliant performance," said director AL Vijay.
"Thalaivi is a very emotional movie for us. We have experienced Jayalalitha Amma's life, and hence we wanted to get a Tamil/Telugu director for this film, and he has really brought the best out of Kangana, she is the best, but she is better than the best in Thalaivi," shared Brinda Prasad at the trailer launch in Mumbai.
Kangana had earlier shared on social media, "I played the first superhuman girl on Indian screen, thanks to my body, a rare combination of dainty yet strong looking. In my 30s, I had to gain 20 kgs for Thalaivi and do Bharatanatyam, it left my back severely damaged but no bigger gratification than to play a role to perfection."
"It was a pleasure watching your portrayal of #Jayalalithaa ....you did complete justice with your effort. #Thalaivi," shared Bhagyashree on Twitter as she praised Kangana's performance.
Kangana wrote a note for director AL Vijay where she mentioned, "Through so many ups and downs, I never saw a hint of anger, insecurity or despair in you. Spoke to people who know you for decades and when they speak about you their eyes light up. You are not a human, you are a devta. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and know that I miss you."
"In the south Indian film industry, I have noticed that there might be nepotism. But, there is no group-ism or gang-ism. There is no subjecting outsiders to bullying. They are very inclusive of people who come from outside. With the kind of love and encouragement I have experienced here, I don’t want to leave. I am here now. I hope to do many more films here," Kangana said at the trailer launch.
Kangana spoke about working with Arvind Swami at the trailer launch and said, "Not many big heroes are keen to work in women-centric films, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. In future, I hope, many male superstars will support women-centric films even in Hindi films."
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar wrote on Twitter, "Wow wow just brilliant fantastic #ThalaiviTrailer Goosebumps throughout. Best wishes to the entire team. So looking forward to see."
"I think I can call her a legend. She has already seen everything. I really feel blessed to have worked with her, honestly. Her knowledge of understanding of cinema and understanding of screenplay is phenomenal. She knew what was the next scene or emotion better than I did. She was very thorough with the entire script. She gained weight, she lost weight. I think she has given everything for this film," said director AL Vijay about Kangana Ranaut.
Mrunal Thakur shared on Twitter, "Never fail to impress with your choice of films! Congratulations @KanganaTeam for an epic trailer! Wishing you luck, can still feel the goosebumps!" To this, Kangana replied, "Thakur saab .... thanks."
"woah .. Fab trailer #Thalaivi ???? @KanganaTeam this looks super promising and looking forward to it @rajatsaroraa- fan of your writing skills ?? ?? looks like #KanganaRanaut will surely get one more #NationalAward for this," content creator Aditi Rawal shared on Twitter.
At the trailer launch of Thalaivi, Kangana Ranaut revealed that she thought that she was the wrong choice for the film, when KV Vijayendra Prasad, who has written this film, approached her. She said, “So I asked Vijayendra Prasad sir, why do you think I will be good in that role? And it gets tricky for me to say no to him. I felt I was not good for that role and I should not do it. And I told him, it will be a big disaster. If the casting is wrong, the film will go only downhill after that. But, the way he was confident about me, gave me a lot of strength. And I said to myself, ‘why not, let’s try it’?”
While fans showered praise on Thalaivi's trailer, the makers of her upcoming film Tejas revealed new stills from the movie on her birthday. The actor plays an air force officer in the film.
Also read | Tejas: Kangana Ranaut’s new look as air force officer lands on her birthday
Rangoli Chandel shared a series of photos of herself with Kangana and wrote, "When the sun shines hot and wind blows cold our spring baby came down to earth, she is bit like spring , & wild as wind but her love and care is so deep and exceptional that am feeling so emotional just thinking about that .... you are our heartbeat & lifeline ?????? Have a wonderful day my dear sister ?????? Happiest Happiest birthday ?????????"
Lakshmi Manchu shared via Twitter, "Mind blowing, amazing, fantastic! Goosebumps throughout?? Wishing the entire team all the best.. I see you as a winner already ?"
Actor Aftab Shivdasani praised the trailer of Thalaivi and wrote on Twitter, "Outstanding trailer @KanganaTeam here’s wishing you and the team all the best. Great to see my dear friend @thearvindswami as well. Best wishes to @vishinduri sir too. Looking forward to watching it. Kudos! ?"
"@KanganaTeam #HappyBirthdayKanganaRanaut & congrats for one more national award & for what looks like another winning performance in #Thalaivi amazing trailer. Well done team #Thalaivi," filmmaker Kunal Kohli tweeted.
Kangana Ranaut shared a clip from the trailer launch event and mentioned how nobody can make her cry but she cried today and she feels good about it.
'Impressive. Looks like another out and out Kangana show. Many congratulations and wishes for your labour of love @ShaaileshRSingh @KanganaTeam #HiteshThakkar #VishnuInduri #Vijay and the entire Thalaivi team,' Hansal Mehta wrote on Twitter.
Film producer G. Dhananjayan found the trailer of Thalaivi 'brilliant'. He wrote on Twitter, "#ThalaiviTrailer (Tamil) is brilliant & well presented ???@KanganaTeam is fantastic & going to win many awards. @thearvindswami sir is apt & impressive. Dir #Vijay 's best work so far. @gvprakash's BGM score rocks. Best wishes @vishinduri & Team?"
Samantha Akkineni is all praise of Thalaivi's trailer. She wrote on Twitter, "#ThalaiviTrailer is outstanding @KanganaTeamYou are the bravest, most daring and indisputably the most talented actress of our generation. #Vijay sir goosebumps stuff just goosebumps stuff
Can’t wait to witness this magic in the theatre."
Kangana Ranaut celebrated her birthday with the team of Thalaivi after the launch of trailer.
Kangana Ranaut said she was not sure about playing Jayalalithaa on-screen since she had no clue about Tamil Nadu politics. She said, "I'm not familiar with the politics in Tamilnadu and so I was sceptical about playing this role."
Actor Arvind Swami, who essays the role of MGR in Thalaivi, said portraying the late film icon and Tamil Nadu chief minister was a 'responsibility. He said, "I'm playing the role of a man who I cherished watching on screen since I was a kid. So it was more of a responsibility and not a job."
Speaking at the trailer launch event, Kangana Ranaut said that there might be nepotism in the South film industry, but there is no groupism there. She said, "There is no groupism & gang-ism in the South. They are very inclusive of outsiders. I hope to do many more films in the South"
Kangana Ranaut who released the trailer of Thalaivi at an event in Chennai got emotional as she spoke about the film's director AL Vijay. She was in tears as she said, "He never made me feel bad or apologetic about my talent. It's very rare for a director to share such a respectful camaraderie with female actors.. "
Film trade analyst Ramesh Bala shared a few photos from the trailer launch event of Thalaivi.
"Kangana you are an OUTSTANDING actress .. ... a crazy , fearless , volatile , genius girl ..!!!!! Many Many Congratulations ..!!! May you use your limitless creative potential in a positive direction..!!! Happy Happy Birthday too ..!!!??????? @KanganaTeam," Juhi Chawla wished Kangana Ranaut on her 34th birthday.
The trailer of Thalaivi has been released in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi.
The official description of Thalaivi reads, "The superstar heroine, the queen of romance and the one who rose to power despite a patriarchal political system. The story we all know, the life story we don’t know. #Thalaivi?, Releasing on 23rd April!"
The Telugu trailer of Thalaivi has been released by the makers.
Sharing a poster of Thalaivi, Kangana Ranaut wrote on Instagram, "The Iron lady of India who devoted her whole life towards the betterment of her own people. She started as an actress who the masses loved and went on to become a leader who the masses looked up to. #ThalaiviTrailer out today at 11:30."
Kangana Ranaut shared a photo from the trailer launch event of Thalaivi and asked her fans if they are ready for her film's trailer.
The first look teaser of Thalaivi starring Kangana Ranaut gives a glimpse of the younger phase of Jayalalithaa's life when she was an actor. Later, it moves ahead to show her life as a politician.
As Kangana Ranaut finished the first dubbing session of Thalaivi, she penned an emotional note for the film's director AL Vijay.
Read the message here:
“Dear Vijay sir,
As the first half dubbing of #Thalaivi is over, only the second half is left, this journey together is coming to an end. I never feel a sinking feeling that I feel as I think about it. I have identified this feeling as missing you factor. I have a confession to make.
First thing I noticed about you was you say no to tea, coffee, wine, non veg, parties. Impossible to get close to you, then slowly I realised you are never far. You are not only amazingly competent, your eyes shine brighter when I excel as an artist. Through so many ups and downs, I never saw a hint of anger, insecurity or despair in you. Spoke to people who know you for decades and when they speak about you their eyes light up. You are not a human, you are a devta. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and know that I miss you.
Love,
Yours Kangana”
Kangana Ranaut, who gained 20 kgs for her first biopic film Thalaivi, shared how losing weight and becoming fit again wasn't easy for her. She tweeted, "Journey back to my fit body wasn’t easy, I feel good but even in seven months not able to achieve my earlier stamina and agility back and those last 5 kgs aren’t budging. There are moments of despair and then my director Vijay sir shows me Thalaivi footage and all seems fine.”
Bhagyashree, who plays the role of Jayalalithaa’s mother in Thalaivi, wished Kangana Ranaut on her birthday. She shared a still from the movie and wrote, 'Wish you a very happy birthday @kanganaranaut Congratulations on yet another national award. I am sure your sincere portrayal of Jayalaitha is going to win you more accolades ...brilliant performance. Shine bright as #thalaivi #birthdaywishes #thalaivi #kanganaranaut #allthebest #congratulations.'
Actor Arvind Swami had earlier revealed his look as legendary actor-politician MG Ramachandran. The actor bears an uncanny resemblance to the demi-god of Tamil cinema in this teaser.
Ahead of Thalaivi's trailer launch, Kangana Ranaut shared a few stills from the movie and mentioned how she gained 20kgs to essay the role of the legendary actor-politician.