Kangana Ranaut is learning Tamil for Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi

Actress Kangana Ranaut, who will be seen playing former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in the upcoming multi-lingual biopic Thalaivi, is learning Tamil to dub in her own voice for the role.

The project was officially announced on Ranaut's birthday on 23 March. Ever since the announcement, audiences have wondered if Ranaut can pull off the role.

In his latest interview to The Times of India, director AL Vijay has opened up on the project and roping in Ranaut to play the titular role.

“This is a pan-India film, and Kangana is apt for the role. She is one of the biggest stars in India today and I think it is right that a top star plays the role of an important politician. This way, the story will also reach audiences across India. We consider this a pan-Indian film, not a regional one,” Vijay said.

He also said that the decision to cast Ranaut was not made easily.

“There was a lot of discussion before the decision was made to cast Kangana; we met several people as well. She is extremely excited about the project and wants to portray her with utmost honesty. She is learning Tamil for the film and will also be part of a one-month workshop to get into the character.”

If everything goes as planned, the project goes on the floors from early May. The makers are yet to reveal the rest of the cast.

To be shot and released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, the film is being produced by Vishnu Induri.

GV Prakash has been roped in to compose music and Nirav Shah will work the camera.