Some movies fade from memory as soon as we leave the theater, while others linger in our thoughts for days or even weeks. But then there are those rare gems that stay with us for a lifetime, evoking a whirlwind of emotions every time we watch them. “Mahanati” is one such timeless masterpiece. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this cinematic marvel not only captivates but also mesmerizes its audience. Keerthy Suresh’s portrayal of Savitri is nothing short of extraordinary, breathing life into the legendary actress’s character with unparalleled grace. Alongside her, Dulquer Salman delivers a performance that elevates the film to new heights. Together, they transform “Mahanati” into a cult classic that allows viewers to laugh, cry, and experience the legendary life of Savitri in all its glory.
1. The Projector Scene: Savitri and her uncle Chowdary goes to Madras hoping to start a career in movies. But they soon learns that it wasn’t easy to break into the film industry. After trying for many months without success, they decides to return to their village.
During an audition, Savitri meets Gemini Ganesan, who was working as a casting director at the time. He sees potential in Savitri and takes some amazing photographs of her. These photos ends up in a casting directory, and a producer wanted Savitri to be the heroine in his movie.
Unfortunately, Savitri didn’t impress the movie team and was removed from the film. However, she didn’t give up and decided to take on whatever roles came her way. One day, she will see herself dancing on screen for the first time in a theater, and she will get amazed by the experience. This scene was filled with the glow of the projector light, making Savitri look even more mesmerizing on screen.
2. The Two-Tear Drop Scene: Nowadays, actors use glycerine to cry on screen, but in the past, it wasn’t so easy to find. In a scene, Savitri needed to cry from her left eye, but the glycerine bottle was broken. The director almost canceled the scene until they had glycerine. However, Savitri said she could do it without glycerine. The director warned it was tough and challenged her to do it in one go. Savitri asked how many tears she should shed, and then, as requested, she shed two tears from her left eye. This scene is sure to make you applaud.
3. Savitri’s Emotional Struggle: In the movie, Savitri struggles to distance herself from Gemini Ganesan upon learning he’s married, torn by her deep love for him. Meanwhile, shooting for “Devadas” with A. Nageshwara Rao, she accidentally bangs her head on the wall for real during a scene, injuring herself despite the director’s call to stop. As she tends to her wound in front of multiple mirrors, it symbolizes her complex life and inner confusion about her identity and desires.
4. Maya Bazaar Scene Replication: “Mahanati” pays homage to the iconic film “Maya Bazaar” by recreating a memorable scene where Savitri observes Ghatothkach and mimics his actions. Nag Ashwin and Keerthy Suresh skillfully tackle the challenge, delivering a rendition that truly deserves a standing ovation. In an interview, Keerthy stated that it was a difficult scene to perform in the film. She said, “The director wanted to shoot at midnight but I wanted a fresh day for this. I am so happy that this scene gets the biggest applause from the audience. It was mentally stressful as I had to get every movement right.”
5. Savitri’s Moment of Despair: At the premiere of her debut directorial, “Chinnari Paplu,” Savitri is distraught to discover Gemini Ganesan missing. Despite his excuse of being on an outdoor shoot, a producer reveals he saw Gemini that morning. Confused, Savitri skips the premiere and confronts Gemini at their guest house, where she finds him with another woman. Enraged, she slaps the woman repeatedly.
Returning home, Savitri vents her anger by destroying her room, then notices a shelf of liquor. Overwhelmed, she resorts to drinking heavily, willingly succumbing to despair for the first time in her life. In the scene, cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez uses an upside-down camera to take a 180-degree tour from her head to her toes, symbolizing how her life has been flipped upside down.
6. From Pre-climax to Climax: From the pre-climax emotional scene, where Savitri sells her saree to help a taxi driver to Samantha’s heartfelt dialogue about Savitri, and her gesture of giving her father’s photo, each moment resonates deeply, evoking tears and touching the heartstrings of the audience.
All in all, Mahanati is more than just a movie; it’s a celebration of a life well-lived and a tribute to the enduring spirit of a legendary actress. With its unforgettable scenes and powerhouse performances, this cinematic gem continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations to come.
