The Iron Lady: Director Priyadarshini reveals the name of actress chosen to play Jayalalithaa

The first look of the film The Iron Lady, through posters, was unveiled by popular Kollywood director AR Murugadoss. The movie will be directed by Priyadarshini and through him only we have got to know that Nithya Menen will be playing the lead role.

 

In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Priyadarshini explained why he picked Nithya to play the late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa.

“Being a ‘star’ actress alone is not a qualification for playing Jaya madam on screen. I wanted an actress who would give a nuanced performance, besides her physique and height matching Amma’s. I felt Nithya Menen would fit the bill. I went to Bengaluru and narrated the script to her and she was too happy to come on board,” Priyadarshini said.

 

Image result for nithya menon as jayalalitha

It is said that Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, daughter of Tamil star Sarathkumar, has been approached to play the role of Sasikala, who is believed to be the closest aide of Jayalalithaa.

The director said the movie will show Jayalalithaa's life from her debut movie Vennira Aadai to her last days in the Apollo Hospital, Chennai. The director also described how she is recreating the sets in the studios of Kodambakkam where Jayalalithaa shot many of her films.

Ever since Jayalalithaa passed away, there have been attempts by various filmmakers to make a biopic on her.

The Iron Lady is likely to hit the floors soon, and the makers are expected to reveal the cast and crew at the muhurat.

Another biopic on Jayalalithaa is already in the making and Tamil director AL Vijay is helming the project, funded by Vishnu Induri of Vibri Media.