'Thalaivii' will be released in theatres on September 10. In this interview, Kangana Ranaut talks about the experience of doing the biopic, working with director AL Vijay, writer Vijayendra Prasad and more.
While 'Thalaivii' was planned to be a pan-India release, it's not releasing in a full-fledged manner in Hindi due to some unavoidable circumstances. We have had to adjust to the situation. We are hoping that the situation will improve fast.
It was not easy to shed and gain weight for the titular role. The film tells the story of Jayalalitha from the age of 16 to 40. In keeping with the character, I had to undergo makeovers.
It's only because of writer Vijayendra Prasad garu that I landed this role. He had written my movie 'Manikarnika' as well. It was definitely not easy to play Amma's role. Director AL Vijay made me feel that I can do it.
Jayalalitha was under-estimated by everyone in the beginning. Nobody could imagine that she would rule the roost one day. She was mocked at when she entered politics. I became a fan of hers after listening to the story of 'Thalaivii'. I only knew her as a political leader and an actress before doing the movie.
She was seen as the daughter of a junior artist. She entered the film industry even though she didn't like it. She went on reach the top position in life. I too was mocked at when I entered the film industry.
I have no plans to enter politics. I want to do many more movies. I want to grow popular even more. I will be doing movies in Telugu and Tamil as well.
Doing 'Thalaivii' has changed my perspective of politics. I used to think that electoral politics was all about vote banks. If the lives of actors/filmmakers changes on a Friday, in politics, it's a long haul.
I am opposed to some multiplexes boycotting the Hindi version of 'Thalaivii'. It's nothing but their dislike towards me. There is a lot of groupism in the industry.
There is less scope for using cinematic liberty in telling the story of a leader like Jayamma. I learned that she was an expert at Bharatanatyam.
I am acting in an Indira Gandhi biopic. I want to play a lot of great women on the big screen. Hyderabad is one of my favourite places. I shot for a number of movies here, including 'Manikarnika'.
I have done a scene in 'Thalaivii' using prosthetics. It comes in the climax. A unit descended from America for that particular scene.
I was given two National Awards when the Congress Party was in power. I got two more after the BJP came to power. I don't have any expectations from my movies and roles as far as awards go.
