But the moment Rashmika's name hit the news feed, the hashtag #MSSubbulakshmi exploded, with half the comments sounding like a chorus of disapproval—fans demanded a more seasoned icon for the legendary singer.
Allu Aravind, the powerhouse behind dozens of hits, took the stage at the launch and said, 'I’m slightly emotional looking at the big portrait of her; I’ve chosen you, Rashmika,' he said, cutting through the noise.
Kamal Haasan, who gave the ceremonial clap, slid in with a wink: 'The tension an actor would feel when acting in a Michael Jackson film— you’ll have that tension, I know,' and added that Rashmika must 'bring compassion in her eyes' to win half the battle.
The backlash traces back to a 2013 project that would have seen Vidya Balan as the singer, and a 2024 tribute photoshoot that stoked old rumours—so the debate is as much about legacy as it is about talent.
Gowtam Tinnanuri, the mind behind the National‑Award‑winning 'Jersey,' is steering the biopic, while Anirudh Ravichander—whose beats have lit up Bollywood—will be crafting the soundtrack, promising music that could echo the saint’s own voice.
With the cast locked in and production humming, the film is slated for a 2025 release, giving audiences a chance to relive the soul‑stirring legacy of MS Subbulakshmi on the big screen.