A biopic on Jayalalithaa?

The life of late J. Jayalalithaa, AIADMK  supremo and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, has thrown up so many mysteries that her story could make an intriguing film. Many have tried making a movie of her life in the past, but all the projects seemed jinxed.  

Now, Tamil director Ravi Ratnam has formally announced that he is making a biopic on J. Jayalalithaa and he would reveal the name of actress to essay the lead role in May when the film goes on floors. He said, “The film will feature Jaya madam’s life and journey — from a popular star to a powerful politician, how she became a sensational star on silver screen, how she was brought into politics by MGR and how she triumphed over all her detractors in politics.”

Ravi Ratnam says he did extensive research for the project. “I am planning to shoot in all 234 constituencies in the state. I have chosen a lady who resembles Jayalalithaa closely. It’s too early to reveal her name now as she will be groomed and presented on the day of mahurat of the film.” Asked if he foresees any issues cropping up about the film and he says, “Not really, I am only projecting the facts.”

Trisha, Ramya Krishnan and Thulasi have been known to show a keen interest to portray J. Jayalaithaa on screen and they are waiting for a good filmmaker capable of handling the subject in sensible and sensitive manner to approach them.

A few years ago, the film Amma with Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi was launched and shooting went on briskly. Reports said the film was based on Jayalalithaa’s life, but its director Faisal Saif denied, saying his movie was just a thriller. 

Bollywood producer Aditya Bharadwaj announced a movie titled Thaai: Puratchi Thalaivi, a biopic on late Jayalalithaa, to be made as a trilingual. He had also claimed they had started filming when Jaya was alive. Only time will tell if any of the projects on Jaya’s life will hit the screens.