Arvind Swamy to play MGR in Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi

There were uncomfirmed reports last month about south star Arvind Swamy likely to play the role of MG Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, in the biopic of the late south film star and former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa titled Thalaivi. It is now confirmed that the actor will indeed be playing MGR in the film directed by AL Vijay. 

MGR is considered an icon in Tamil Nadu. He was a superstar actor, director and politician. He served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 to 1987. He was also fondly known as Makkal Thilagam, which translates to ‘People’s King'.

MGR played an important part in Jayalalithaa’s life both as an actor and politician. They acted together in a number of films. Later, he became her mentor when she joined his party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kalazham (AIADMK). 

While highlighting the reason for signing Swamy for the role, Ranaut’s publicist quoted a source saying, "MGR and Jayalalithaa starred in 28 box office hits between 1965 and 1973. While the makers needed a worthy actor to do justice to his role, another criterion was that the artiste be fluent in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Arvind satisfied both criteria. The unit will kick off Thalaivi's shoot with Kangana from the first week of November in Mysore, and Arvind will join her on 15 November."