Anushka Shetty to play actress Bhanumathi in Keerthi Suresh’s Mahanati Movie?

Recent reports say that actress Anushka Shetty has been roped into play the role of veteran actress Bhanumathi in the bilingual project Mahanati Movie. The Savitri biopic Mahanati, which features Keerthy Suresh in the titular role, is one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of the year. 

Featuring an ensemble cast of Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vijay Deverakonda, Shalini Pandey, Rajendra Prasad and Prakash Raj among others is slated to hit the screens on March 29. Bhanumati, who was Savitri’s contemporary, played a pivotal role in the latter’s life and career. She was a multilingual film actress, director, music director, singer, producer, book writer and songwriter. Widely known as the first female superstar of Telugu cinema and South Indian film Industry, she is also known for her works in Tamil cinema. 

She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003 for her contribution in Indian cinema. She was honored among “women in cinema” at the 30th International Film Festival of India. Anushka, according to multiples sources, was recently signed for the role and she’ll be seen playing an important role in the film. Anushka’s recent release Bhaagmathi was a hit.
However, the makers are yet to officially announce that she’s part of the project. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan as Gemini Ganesan, who was married to Savitri. Speaking about casting Dulquer as Gemini Ganesan, director Nag Ashwin had said, “Dulquer’s character of Gemini Ganesan will not merely be on how the legend will be perceived today based on his work and his image. The character goes beyond the physical resemblance, in understanding the veteran on a more emotional level.” 

Mahanati, according to reliable sources, will be magnum opus period film set in the golden era. With massive set pieces, the film will be unlike anything we’ve explored in Indian cinema. Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, the film has been simultaneously made in Telugu and Tamil. The makers are contemplating getting the movie dubbed in Malayalam as well.