Mahanati (2018) User Reviews

What makes the Telugu industry so interesting again ? Mahanati.

[CobertNeede · 8/10 · 21 May 2018]

From a person who has almost zero knowledge about the telugu film industry and its upbringing, Mahanati's aura and atmosphere will always be distant from me. But even from that itself i was able to witness an epic, drawn from a simple script and effort that makes this a great, if not , a must watch.

Telugu film industry is probably considered by many as the place that houses simple, no nonsense mass masala films. But recent times has proven us wrong. From Rangasthalam , Baahubali and Arjun Reddy, it has proven itself to be able to sustain well executed, brilliant films as well.

Mahanati will be a film that has the potential to be a classic. But not all biographies achieve the reach and attention that Mahanati so easily gets. It's not about the making, but how the story is told that makes it so damn exciting. From the loose opening to the grandeur ending, Mahanati is a gift to all those who embrace film in its raw form : to tell a story.

Biographies often have the tendency to fictionalize certain events for dramatic purposes. And i don't know how much Mahanati is fictionalized. As much as i can differ between those which are fictionalized and those which are real, Mahanti has done that expertly. The fictionalization is on spot. It can be compared to, perhaps as a event that is to emphasize something more, rather than just a blunt scene.

Mahanati's biggest plus might be its cast. Keerthy Suresh has grown from a simple, 'cute' actress to someone who can wield powerful performances, if demanded. Dulquer, Samantha all provided the performance that everyone expects. It is sure a economical casting. Dulquer has his roots in Malayalam. So does Keerthy. Samantha has established herself a prominent actress in the whole of south India and Vijay Deverakonda's next film is sure to make the counters ticking.

The cinematography does need some mention. The frames were slick, moving and fast. It doesn't sacrifice space for sub-par elements. Though the comedic scenes were bit of a mess. Perhaps it appeals to the region based film critics.

Mahanati is south India's answer to a legend. And it sure is one.

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A movie to be remembered as historic film in TFI

[umesh1606 · 9/10 · 10 May 2018]

#MAHANATI has all the fine elements of a great cinema in making like it is biopic, also a parallel plot running in 1980 (Vijay Antony and madhura vani portrayed by vijay and samantha) to tell the story of savitri amma since childhood to her death bed.

Film director Nag Ashwin had taken time to research every detailed aspect of the film be it talking to savitri's family members to know about her in detailed and to study the sets for recreating 1950s era.( lot of story-boarding work was done ).

Initially it takes us some time to adjust to era's of 1950s and 1980s then as we slowly encounter and adjust to characters especially little cute child savitra amma with song aagipo balyamma there is no looking back. Costumes are designed picture perfect just to mesmerize as if we are looking exactly 1950s era.

Thanks to cinematographer Dani Sanchez Lopez for making us visualize resplendent montage of golden era. There is huge star cast enacted with main leads Keerthy Suresh brilliant portrayal as cute innocent #Mahanati and Dulquer salmaan as loverboy with grey shades (Gemini ganeshan) well supported by others like Rajendra prasad(chowdary garu), Mohanbabu (as Late SV Rangarao garu), Prakash raj, Krishh (legendary KV Reddy garu), Naga chaitanya (Late ANR garu ),Naresh(in a key role).

One important aspect of the film is it has recreated the grandeur of small bits and pieces of famous films like mayabazaar and Devadasu (1953) to name a few which are exquisitely shot in vintage black and white. A film which tells the tale of savitri as great human being(philanthropist), vintage car enthusiast besides great acting(300 films), singing and directing across multiple languages.

Music and BGM by Mickey J meyer has soothing effect which matches the golden era. This film is a honest tribute to Legendary MAHANATI Savithri Garu. Take a bow to all the cast and crew for their wonderful performances.

# This film will be remembered in history of TFI as the first BIOPIC with reverences of stalwarts like NTR garu, ANR garu, K V reddy garu, SV Rangarao garu, Savitri amma, LV prasad garu, etc. , NOTE: the above are just my views and understanding ...and don't treat this as review. EPICs cannot be reviewed just see and enjoy.

An unfinished beautiful painting

[srsaprba · 8/10 · 19 May 2018]

A rags to riches story fascinates and provokes admiration, just as riches to rags story evokes sympathy. How are we to feel about the life of Savithri who in a short life span of 45 years combined both? She was never in destitution, to be sure, but the film wants the audience to experience extreme highs and lows along with her, and by and large delivers. The film fields some of the biggest names, even in minor roles, a sign of the admiration, nay, veneration with which she is held. It is an honor just to be part of this film.

It begins at the end, with a poignant scene of one of greatest actresses, lively and proud, who reached highest levels of stardom brought down on a stretcher, to the lowly grungy hospital floor as an unknown, nearly lifeless and in coma. The exploration of her past comes in the form of two journalists Samantha's Madhuravani (surely a tribute to Savithri's outstanding role in kanyaasulkam which unfortunately does not feature in the film), and Vijaya Devarakonda's Anthony.

Child Savithri shelters a stray dog when she herself is seeking a shelter. If true, what happened to that dog may forever be lost to the posterity. What we know, however, is unlike some dog lovers, her caring and sharing nature extended to 'stray' humans who often repaid this magnanimity with emotional and financial exploitation.

We see that Savithri is raised in her uncle and aunt's home after her father passes away when she is still a months baby. The uncle (ably played by Rajendra Prasad) motivated by the lucrative glitter of film world puts every effort to make her an actress. He is protective more than affectionate, merely a guardian, not a father figure she craves for. Then in her first visit to Madras she comes into contact with Gemini Ganesan. Dulqer Salman whose supremely charming portrayal will win many a female hearts, gives a hint of what impact handsome Gemini Ganesan had on an impressionable young teenager who finds in a guy twice her age what she misses in her life - caring father figure and an attentive romantic lover. A tiny detail of his being an already married man, with kids, and with an appetite for extramarital affairs on the side is hidden from her until she is already emotionally too far into the relationship to step back.

In the popular imagination, marrying an already married man was the source of her tribulations. Surprisingly, as per the film, it plays little role in her downfall. One gets the impression that things would pan out in the same way, if she were the only married wife of Gemini Ganesan. The first wife rarely comes into picture, and the husband convinces Savithri with his male sophistry that his relationships with multiple women weighed less than his love for her.

Then the film dwells into some of her finest performances, and lucky breaks, for her and for Telugu cinema, like missamma. The film initially, tantalizingly predicts her acting with NTR and ANR, but all three were never shown together in any frame, in spite of excellent candidates like missamma and gundamma katha (the latter did not make it to the cut, though superior to doctor chakravarthy which did). Mohan Babu's SVR got more screen presence with her and the only major actor shown talking about her acting prowess. Why? Because there is also an elephant in the room - in this case missing - when depicting her film career: NTR. He is virtually absent. Reportedly this was due to the refusal of Jr NTR portraying the legend, out of some pig headed humility, and the director refusal to field any one else. Unfortunately, even while making such great films, crass clannish considerations seep into and blight Telugu cinema. The director simply should have fielded some one else. This was an egregious blunder. At least among Telugu audience, depicting Savithri's professional world without NTR is akin to showing her personal world without Gemini Ganesan.

The cracks appear in the marriage when her career is taking off when husband's is nosediving. Skirmishes are legion. When she takes to acting the guy takes to drinking and philandering. He protests disingenuously that she knew all this before the marriage. That was 'when she was Savithri, but now she is Savithri Ganesan' is her caustic reply. What she valued above anything else was trust and when people close to her break it, she is broken, repeatedly. The emotional turmoil compels her to walk out on Gemini Ganesan, in the process, severing her from the only support system she would otherwise have had in handling her finances which fall prey to a series of misjudgments and chicanery by the people she trusted.

All this was by and large known and it was the details that were lacking in the public domain. How well she was taken care of during her last months had been a controversy. Her own daughter, in earlier interviews, and her son, more recently, have refuted allegations that Savithri suffered due to neglect. There were millions of her admirers and reportedly some donors who came forward to bear the expenses. The film could have been an opportunity to set the record straight.This most crucial and tragic phase of her life remains unanswered, due to director playing it safe. Admittedly it is a tightrope act to make a bioepic that could potentially offend those who are still alive. One gets the feeling that his role as a husband has been sanitized.

Where the director excels is in the script and the introduction of fictional characters in the form of journalists. In the interleaving of past and present, their love is blossoming at the same time Savithri's is wilting. While the biography limits the director's ability to take too many liberties with the story, no such restraint existed for the fictional part and he exploits this creative dimension to the hilt and provides contrasting comic, but empathetic juxtaposition to increasingly gloomy downturn of Savithri's life. Madhuravani's Samantha speaks in stutters because she got stammer. There is no reason for Vijay Devarakonda speaking as if he is about to acquire one. He appeared to be the same character downloaded from his earlier 'pelli choopulu'. He could have been cast bit differently. However, both of them carried their roles with aplomb. So did Mohan Babu as SVR. It is charming to see the roles of legendary figures like Marcus Bartley, Singeetham, KV Reddy, mercurial Chakrapani. We miss countless others like Jamuna, Relangi, Suryakantam, Gummadi, redoubtable Adurti Subbaarao; and no MGR, Sivaji Ganesan either. The film could have an extended version for non-theatrical release. There is little mention of living contemporaries like Jamuna (Gudipudi Srihari, giant of a film critic, places her ahead of Savihtri), Kakarala Satyanarayana, who, but for his age, could have walked into SVR's role.

Even these excellent performances are majestically upstaged by mesmerizing Keerthi Suresh in the title role. Her portrayal in the iconic 'aha naa pellanta' song is so close to the original that people, even without the excuse of short sight could mistake one for the other. This is just one of the many scenes she radiates as the legend. This is also severe indictment of hidebound Telugu film's habit treating female leads as decorative pieces instead of harnessing their talent.

The director's another significant achievement is to bring Savithri to a new generation of young people.

Finally this film is a beautiful, albeit an unfinished painting on a great canvas. I highly recommend seeing this on big screen.

Thank you Nag Ashwin

[meenaManasa · 10/10 · 11 May 2018]

I wanted to give it 9 stars because movie did take artistic liberty with a few of the scenes, but I have nothing but praise for how they went about making this film.

The parallel story to help us connect with the past is brilliant story telling. The research done by the costume department paired with the cinematography of Dani Sanchez-Lopez gives us the closest one can come to time traveling into the past while staying put. Venkateswara Rao Kotagiri's editing features seamless transitions when switching between time periods and helps with Savithri's aging process without abrupt change. The soundtracks and background music isn't you typical people breaking into song and dance but an extension to the emotions experienced by the characters. The director can pat his back for the casting. You have given a chance for Keerthi to show her acting skills. The support cast did a great job too. Samanth's dialog delivery at the end of the film gave me goosebumps. DQ's performance as a charmer translated across the screen.

This is the sort of cinema I have been waiting for. If film making is one of the prominant art forms of contemporary telugu people, the commercial mass films do little to progress the art form. There is art for art's sake. There is art for a reason. This film is definitely the latter. I have often wondered how we went from the likes of Satyajit Ray to what we have today. This film is what I have missed for a long time. It makes me proud of my heritage. I cant wait to watch some of the older films featured in this film.

It left me teary eyed and stronger somehow. Thank you Nag Ashwin for this work. I will follow your career closely from now on.

Must watch movie

[bellkailu · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

Great biography and fantastic narration. It's like 5 hrs after the movie n I can still carry the feel. Credit goes to all the Cast n crew. Everyone performed their best.

Must n Worth Watch film. #SavithriLivesForever #Mahanati

Excellent story of savithri garu

[nitinyadav-18922 · 10/10 · 10 May 2018]

Very good movie and great direction of naagi garu. And all the cast done very great job especially keerthy suresh. The story inspires more people..

Telegu Who Knew?

[palainausa · 9/10 · 1 October 2018]

I'm mostly familiar with Bollywood, although I have seen a few Tamil movies. This title was both a cinematic and a learning experience for me. It's a biopic of the most famous actress in Telegu cinema of the 50's and 60's. The story may seem awfully familiar, but I guess that's the fate of fame. Here's what I loved about this film: the integration of two stories, one modern, one historical; the amazing abilitiy, innocence, sweetness and essential goodness of Savitri (and the actress who portrayed her); the use of the black & white recreations of old film; the depiction of a wide-open film industry like Hollywood was said to be in the 1930's; and finally, the scaled-down musical numbers (I really don't like the nouveau Bollywood musical numbers, with the hip-hop, modern clothing and blondes). I did some reading and You-Tubing after I watched this, and the accuracy of this depiction seems spot-on. I don't give 10s as a rule, but this film is 9+.

Savithri - The Lioness!

[rarunach · 10/10 · 14 May 2018]

Excellent movie that lives upto the expectations of a biopic about the legendary actress!

Let me start with what I remembered when I heard the name Savithri until I saw the movie. I remembered the queen of weepy movies that the kid in me didn't want to watch on a Sunday evening. I remembered my grandmother's heavy praises about her acting. I remembered her masculine acting in the movie Maya Bazaar, the movie I loved. I remembered mentions about her being a drunkard which made me wonder why would such a popular actress go mad like that. Little did I know that she was a fun-loving person with interest in race cars, a philanthropist and had so much complications with marriage and life but lived like a lioness until she fell prey for alcoholism.

I went to the movie expecting a linear narrative of Savithri's life story but was pleasantly surprised to see that the director Nag Ashwin decided to take us through the journey of a lady journalist in 80s who was covering Savithri's death (Two Period movies in one). Here I am thinking high about this young pony-tailed newbie director just for taking up such an attempt instead of the usual masala and he strikes me even hard with his attention to detail, unexpected comedy and handling of emotional scenes with finesse. It only makes me wonder how many producers are out there (other than his father-in-law who produced this movie) who can bankroll for this crazy guy's future ambitions. Needless to say he has been added to my short list of directors to watch for.

Keerthy Suresh! She really makes sure that nobody can brush aside her choice for Savithri as just by chance for being a close look-alike physically. While it's not a surprise that she shines in the early portions as a playful teenager which she has portrayed already in other movies, she also proves that she can deliver a plethora of emotions including fit of rage, helplessness etc. Her mimic-ing of 60s like facial expressions and jaw movements also help the role. I would have liked to see less of her teeth in some scenes though. But I have to say I expected more from Dulquer. I didn't see Gemini Ganesan's soft-spoken charm come across but he does score in later scenes while expressing frustration. Samantha does her part well but I am not sure what exactly others see as special in the climax scene. It was just usual.

Coming to the shortcomings of the film, I felt Nag could have tried to replaced certain scenes with just a dialogue/narration to avoid the awkwardness. For ex, the laddu eating scene right after showing her marriage problems, comical engagement scene of Samantha while the audience is trying to digest the fact that Savithri became an alcoholic. It's like eating dessert between sambar rice and rasam rice! Hope he will learn with more films how important it is to maintain the emotional state of audience. Oh and btw, padding actor's face with stuff just to show that she put on weight doesn't help with expressing emotions. Even Kamal did this mistake in Dasavadharam so I don't blame Nag much.

I have one burning question though. How does the story of Savithri (going from success to failure due to her "love" for a married guy who cheats her later) inspire Samantha to "kick"-start her love life opposing even her parents, I don't know. What would have been a perfect end to her story is if she develops courage to fight against male chauvinism inspired by Savithri. Poor Nag might have been worried about alienating male audience too much.

Overall, If you're crazy bugged about the formula movies that they're spinning nowadays and would like to spend some worthy time in nostalgia, go watch this movie.

Must watch

[greenplant101 · 10/10 · 10 May 2018]

I am not one of the best describer but here it goes. The movie was beautiful and it teared up people. One main thing to keep in mind is that don't expect Keerthi Suresh to be exactly like Savithri. In my opinion Keerthi's acting was perfect, in few scenes it was as if it was Savithri herself.

Dulqar Salman acting as Gemini Ganesan was good. They way he would call her "Amadi" with affection was so beautiful. Samantha and Vijay Devarakonda, they did their best, the comedy was plesant. I love how the late 80's is shot, it was as if we are watching 80's movie.

There were many actors whom I didn't expect to be in the movie but did well, even Sandeep Vanga was there. Shalini Pandey has not so big but imporatant role which she did perfectly. Ending credits showed old pictures and new pictures imitating old pictures.

The way it would change from present to past is fluid. They did their best to fit everything in three hours. The costumes were beautiful. Director, producers and everyone else did such a good job. They did their research, I read how they spent long time recreating the costumes and jewelry.

If the team is reading this, you people did your best. I haven't seen old people, my grandparent's generation coming to theaters to watch movies but there were people of all age groups, especially older people.

Please don't miss this movie. This is movie of the year so far.

A Compelling biopic on Savitri's reel and real persona. can't praise it enough!!

[samxxxul · 7/10 · 11 May 2018]

I've never in my wildest thought would have imagined Keerthy Suresh could be a testament, her presence match on par to the late Savitri that there is not a frame in this film that doesn't feel her infection leaving a mark which will remain with you long after the cinema. It was a facepalm moment for the Keerthy Suresh critic in me while witnessing Mahanati, the star who has slogged her way through so much mediocre films, has had her fair share of significance in tinsel town to woo bozos with her expressions. Well let me stop, this was my perception of the star and it's a kick in the teeth moment for me after getting to see Mahanati. Well I wanted to do my ritual of having a little booze before entering a mediocre film with my friends. To add to the tragedy with a day left for Karnataka elections, Government had notified pubs and bars to be closed till 12th of May. Well, a U-turn to return home was couple of Kms away, but stayed for the sake of Dulquer Salman. Tada, a decent reason to put aside the cringe Keerthy Suresh and watch the film. So entered the cinema hall full sober in Gandhinagar which is the hubspot of cinema fans across Bangalore.

The movie ended, i walked out of cinema with such a great joy of seeing a good Telugu film after ages. The last movie which fits the bill will forever be 2013's 'Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu'. Keerthy Suresh had maintained a childlike innocence throughout the runtime, might look artificial and cringey but the score helps. As you may be aware that the story follows Savitri's exodus from her village to Madras who dreams of making it big while her well-wishers believe that she can create waves in repertoire cinema. She then meets the Quixotic Gemini Ganeshan and her life blooms as she travels in green pastures.

Well good things come to an end so does this love story of rags to riches and riches to rags. I don't want dig more on the story as the movie plays out like a partly like a melodrama documentary. The screenplay filled with subtext provided a sort of ongoing commentary on the story that makes it much more interesting. Seeing obvious parallels with the lead actress' reel and real lives collide is odd, but like the parallels between Savitri and the character she is preparing to play, it only adds depth to the story and gives us more insight into what is happening and mixes effortlessly with the central story. Sure to captivate, Mahanati is a fine piece of film which will be lauded by cinema enthusiasts.

Goosebumps

[shannusgang · 10/10 · 13 May 2018]

Its not a movie..its a celebration..Must Watch..Thats how one should live their life...

One-Line Review: Mahanati (6 Stars)

[nairtejas · 6/10 · 23 December 2018]

Nag Ashwin's Mahanati (The Great Actress) is that typical, fast-paced South Indian biopic that takes its viewers through almost the entire life of its subject - actor Savitri (played by the expressive and talented Keerti Suresh) who ruled the post-Republic India's Southern film industry - and which acts as a walk down memory lane for people who feel nostalgic about the bygone era of South Indian classic films and have a diehard fanaticism for her, all without boring the hell out of you. TN.

She should not deserve the National Film Award

[rashedazad · 5/10 · 8 November 2021]

For the sake of character Kriti should increase her weight minimum 5kg. At least she should increase her weight for the aged period. Moreover, I hate the director for horizontal shrinking of Savitri's face picture to make resemble with Kriti's face. This is shameful. He should force Kriti to increase her weight.

Awesome movie; go for it!

[aixsatish · 9/10 · 11 May 2018]

Direction, Background Music, artist performances....everything is superb.

Especially 2nd half is really really good.

Perfection at its best, Outstanding performances and direction.

[koolideaz · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

I am actually blessed to witness the greatness of the Great Savitri garu, kudos the technical team - direction, background score, camera work, design, costumes, artwork, who have done and splendid job and they can actually be proud of their work.

Coming to the performances - The lead actress, I would like to address her as Keerthi Suresh garu, she just lived into the role of Savitri and will surely keep the audiences attached to their seats for the whole movie with her spellbound performance.

Dulquer Salman as Gemini Ganesan was very graceful and had done a fine performance.

Special mention to Samanta for her performance.

In the end I really felt why Savitri Garu is considered as the Epitome of not only acting but everything and Director Nag Ashwin has chosen the best way to visualize her greatness. Moreover Congrats to Swapna Cinema for presenting us this Epicness.

I hope this movie receives proper recognition in the form of awards.

Emotional and heartbreaking

[jpavanaryan-38-28916 · 10/10 · 10 May 2018]

It's not a movie. It's a life. This is the best biopic I have seen my life. Excellent direction, great cast and mind blowing performance by Keerthi Suresh. Nag Ashwin did marvelous job, what a narration, kudos. He and Keerthi Suresh deserves major credit.

Mahanati Telugu Movie Review

[ravithejaabboju · 10/10 · 13 May 2018]

Mahaanati stands out as an epic biopic of Mahanti Savitri gaaru, directed by Nag Ashwin. Mahaanati is the first ever biopic of a Telugu actor/actress and it turned out be a masterpiece. Hats-off to Nag Ashwin for bringing out this epic to TFI, he redefined the word biopic with Mahaanati. Each and every scene in this movie is so precious and narrated in an enormous way. While watching this movie you will get a feel that you are also a part of the story and everything looks so real. The film's sets also appears so real and convinces us with 40's and 80's backdrop set ups. Keerthy Suresh is a perfect replica of Savitri gaaru and portrayed her role very well. This is a lifetime role and achievement for Keerthy Suresh and she will cherish this role for life long. It is a treat to watch Keerthy playing Mahanati's role. In a few instances and moments we get a feeling that Savitri gaaru is actually portraying her own role. One cannot imagine any other heroine portraying Savitri gaaru's role. Keerthy's dedication, sincerity, hard work and commitment towards her role is incredible. May be she won't get a such great tailor made role for her in future. The innocence, naughtiness, stardom, heartbreak, alcoholism and kindness of Savitri's has been showcased very well and Keerthy portrayed them with nerve. I want to see Keerthy in such roles again in future in her upcoming movies. We all owe her one with this film. She up-stepped as an actress with her scintillating performance throughout the film, especially in the second half. Her performance towards the climax is quite emotional. It looks like cake walk to her in acting emotional scenes. Keerthy Suresh is ultimately the sole reason for the film's grandeur and success, I could say that. Dulquer Salmaan is a well known versatile actor of this generation. He is a god gifted actor to Indian cinema. He is familiar to Telugu audience with Ok Bangaram movie. Dulquer is the perfect choice for playing Gemini Ganesan's role. He just lived in the character of Gemini Ganesan. It's a treat to watch him and Keerthy together on screen. On screen chemistry between Dulquer and Keerthy worked out very well. Dulquer portrayed his role to the best. Samantha Akkineni as Madhuravani is pretty impressive. Her dubbing with stammering worked out very well too. Her emotional performance in the climax speaks the volume of her acting skills. Undoubtedly this is her career best performance. Vijay Devarakonda as Vijay Anthony provides ample support to Samantha. All his scenes with Samantha came out very well. Their love story is another added attraction to this movie. Rajendra Prasad gets a meaty role after a long time. He is exceptional in his character. Relationship between Rajendra Prasad and Keerthy Suresh brings a lot of depth and emotional touch to the story. Shalini Pandey and Malavika Nair are too good in their limited roles. The veteran actors like Naresh, Bhanupriya, Tulasi and Tanikella Bharani were major attractions to the film. Coming to the cameos, Naga Chaitanya as Akkineni Nageswara Rao gaaru, Mohan Babu as SV Ranga Rao gaaru, Prakash Raj as Aluri Chakrapani gaaru, Director Krish as KV Prasad gaaru, Srinivas Avasarala as LV Prasad gaaru and Sandeep Reddy Vanga as Subba Rao gaaru were nothing short of spectacular. Their cameos stands out and adds attraction to this epic cinema. Jr.NTR could have played Sr.NTR gaaru, that would become a biggest asset to the film. Jr.NTR could have accepted the chance to play Sr.NTR, because no one could play his role. The only disappointment is we saw NTR gaaru in CGI for just a moment. Coming to the technical department, music by Mickey J Meyer is fresh and breezy and his background score elevates the film big time and brings lot of depth to the proceedings. All the songs were shot beautifully. Production values are top notch as the film and sets appears so real and rich. Cinematography by Dani Sanchez-Lopez is extraordinary as the visuals are eye catchy. Editing is sleek. Costume designers needs special mentions for the costumes of Keerthy Suresh and all other characters, they have done a splendid job. After delivering a masterpiece like Yevade Subramanyam, director Nag Aswin chosen a biopic and stayed true and loyal to the subject. He never deviated form the story and didn't add any unnecessary scenes or songs and forceful comedy. Everything about Savitri's life has been showcased in artistic manner. We can hope Nag would deliver more films like Mahanati and to become a great director in our era. On the whole, Mahanati is an artistic tribute to the legendary actress Mahanati Savitri gaaru. This film showcases everything that Savitri gaaru gone through her life in an effective way. Her childhood, struggles, emotions, naughtiness, innocence, kindness, heartbreak and alcoholism has been showcased very naturally. Mahanati is nothing short of an epic and this film speaks the volume of our TFI's talent in making biopics. We can expect more biopics of our legendary actors/actresses in future, Mahanati will remain as the root and inspiration for them. Mahanati is a heart-warming film to each and every section of audience. Don't miss it. Mahanti- Come be a part of history.

Very nicely taken, must watch for movie lovers

[anandeie-70775 · 10/10 · 9 May 2018]

****Mahanati***

It is not easy to make the Bio pic of Legendary actress Savitri. She is amazing with her expressions and finding an actress to perform her real life character is a challenge. I did watched many of her movies and like her very much.

We must appreciate the efforts of Director, Producer, and other staff to come forward with this movie. They had to setup the environment of those days.

Direction and production values are pretty good.

Career best performance by Keerthi Suresh. She did exceptionally well in the real life character of Savitri. I had doubts if she can really do justice for her role, but she did it very well. We feel like watching real Savitri on screen once we involve in the story. We travel through her success and failure, feels the happiness and pain.

Dulkar Salman is very good as Gemini Ganesan and best performance by Samantha as well. Both of them got very important roles and did nice. We have many others like Naga Chaitanya, Vijay, Rajendra Prasad, Mohan babu, Shalini Pandey, Bhanupriya, Prakash raj, Krish, Avasarala, Divya vani, etc in real life characters and all are good in those roles.

Clean U certificate movie and can be watched with family.

Savitri died in 1981 and most of the younger generation may not have seen much of her movies and not aware of her. We need to see how this generation owns the movie. But for people who knows her and who loves her, it is a must watch film.

People were clapping when they displayed Savitri' s original pics at the end of the movie. Savitri lives on...

***

A masterpiece worth of all its praise

[saisandeep-70194 · 10/10 · 11 May 2018]

A biopic about a Mahanati(The great actress) who lived as a queen and worshiped by many people for her benevolence and magic on silver screen.This biopic is filled with emotions that I was speechless after it is completed.I still cant get out of that setting.The cinematography,screenplay and direction Mahanati is literally an art.Nagaswin is such a gem of a director.People criticized when Heath Ledger was picked as Joker and Ben Affleck as Batman but it is proven every time that Only a true visionary knows how to pick the best cast for a movie and guess what Nag aswin did it again.I didn't witness Savithri garu on screen but Keerthy Suresh made a permanent imprint in my mind such that I can only see Savithri in her from now on.A Must Watch.

I am not sure about this one!

[tdanji · 6/10 · 22 November 2018]

In an interview regarding the movie Mahanati, Tarak (Jr NTR) said that the makers of the film had approached him with a request to play a cameo of NTR in the film. He had responded stating that he does not have the guts to do it and that he would never consider it in his lifetime. He had me thinking! How does someone make a film about a larger than life persona such as Savithri, whose films touched many generations of filmgoers? Can a biopic do justice to the person, amidst the many myths and half-truths? Director Nag Ashwin tried it and here is what I feel about it. Nag Ashwin put in his heart and soul into the movie and I must say the whole cast did a wonderful job, except for Dulquer who I felt was a miscast. The story-telling was good, though there was so much more that could have been done, and done differently. At the end of the first half, I felt the movie was going down the proverbial rabbit hole. In my mind, the true test for this film was going to be how well it transported you into the life and world of Savithri - and in that the first half was somewhat average. It is a lost opportunity that the director focused more on the love story vs. memorable nuggets from Savithri's films and vignettes of her wild popularity. At one point I almost forgot that the love story I was watching was of Savithri and Gemini Ganesan due to too many unnecessary scenes between Keerthy and Dulquer that took away from the cinematic experience. In other words, the love story in the first half could have been any other love story! Incorporating cameos of famous film personalities of the time viz., KV Reddy, LV Prasad, Chakrapani was brilliantly done. I would give high marks to Nag Ashwin for that. The second half somewhat redeemed the movie. A huge part of the credit for the second half must go to Keerthy Suresh. She absolutely hit the ball out of the ballpark! But the poor taste in my mouth from the first half lingered on with some missed chances, such as the gajarohana scene, and did not let me enjoy the second half as much as I thought I should have. I read that Savithri's gajarohana was a big event with many luminaries walking in front of the elephant, which could have been a great scene to enhance the characterization. My summation is that - paraphrasing what Tarak said - it is easy to venture down the path of making a biopic of an icon like Savithri, but to make it memorable, guts alone are not sufficient; you need to have the stuff. Period! I must say that Nag Ashwin will go places. This is his second film and he demonstrates huge promise. Kudos to him for daring to dream!! My advice to him is to try to venture out of the circle of influence. Around late 70s, there was a movie called Bhumika by Shyam Benegal which was a biopic of the famous actress Hansa Wadkar. Now, that's the other extreme of how you'd make a biopic. Somewhere in between would have done it for me!!

keerthi's performance

[srikanthfeb · 8/10 · 9 May 2018]

Although the story was well known by everyone,making it so special was only possible by the director as well as the protagonist keerthi suresh.She is a new school actor. Also without experience she played the role of a legendary actress-Mahanati so well.There were some unecessary things in the first part but the second part was awesome.Really surprised to see a known story very much differently.

An ordinary story told in extraordinary manners by the entire team with their outstanding efforts.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 3 September 2021]

Mahanati (2018) : Brief Review -

An ordinary story told in extraordinary manners by the entire team with their outstanding efforts. When i watch any biographical, i expect great stories that has some tremendous achievements to tell. Some can be filmy in themselves and also provide that legendary tale which can leave us spellbound. This magic of true stories can't be matched by Fictional tales. Mahanati is a biopic of legendary actress Savitri. It's a three hour long film and if have to be specific about the partition then i would say it justifies 2/3rd of its content. First hour is about Savitri's childhood and teenage, second hour is about her career and success and then last 55 minutes shows the downfall. That subplot of Samantha and Vijay was out of the context. Like i said, the 2/3rd means first 2 hours are magnificent but the 3rd one, about her downfall, takes away all the greatness of her character. A great on screen actress and a great human being off screen couldn't handle the depression of losing her husband? Why? That too when she didn't do anything wrong yet she punished herself? It didn't make any sense to me but what to do, it has happened actually. And that definitely hurts. But i don't understand why so much of hype was created around her by some people who also knew about her downfall and alcoholism? Only on-screen legacy makes you great? As if people can forget your messy real life? No. Anyways, whatever weak story her biographical has to tell was covered by the extraordinary storytelling and presentation. Keerthy Suresh is outstanding as Savitri and Dulquer deserves more hype for playing Ganesan with such perfection. Music is amazing. Sada Nannu has my heart. The film has many nostalgic moments. That Maya Bazaar Song scene was absolutely classy! Nag Ashwin deserves huge respect for handing such a big film with his skilful direction. Overall, superb film but overhyped by South Audience, maybe because they haven't seen other Classic biopics from world cinema.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Could have been a lot less melodramatic

[JPEI64 · 3/10 · 27 February 2020]

Promising start then gets too melodramatic. Not sure if all events as shown in the movie were inspired by real life - if so, boy! Life is more filmi than I thought.

Keerthi of course deserves a special mention, however I feel in the latter half especially when she leans towards addiction, she kind of appears not in control. So also, her earlier 'chirpy' scenes too looks a tad over the top.

In the guise of depicting the talented and beautiful life of Savitri, the movie gets away with depicting male misogyny unapologetically. The main leads could have been more fleshed out to portray more realistically rather than cater to the masses with clear cut black and white personalities.

A glaring error in the storytelling is in the begining when Bhanupriya tells a young boy that she will tell him a story and Vani sneaks to overhear it, there is no return to this scene anywhere towards the end. Instead in the last scene, we see Vani in the same room with different clothes sprouting emotional monologue with a dying Savitri in the background.

Keerthi is a good actress but she needs to be a bit more seasoned to capture the entire essence of this character, especially towards the latter years. I think in a few years more if she had to this role all over again, she would be mind-blowing - if she gets a better director too. Dulquer was weak and looked uncomfortable. Samantha could gave been a lot more stronger if she had on less make up and really concentrated on her character ( just wearing glasses with heavy eye make up and bloated lips, does not an actor make). The character as Savitri's uncle,/ father was exceptionally good.

Overall, melodramatic fare, seen many times before, nothing new, except the fact this was supposedly based on the life of a tormented beautiful and talented film star. It could have been so much more renarkable. With shades of Abhimaan, A Star is Born and countless other similar melodramatic movies of the 70's,80's, this one had the potential to push the envelope a bit, however just plays safe.

Cult classic Telugu Movie

[ha-08209 · 10/10 · 26 May 2019]

Biopic of Savitramma, a leading actress ruled the telugu industry beyond that a she is a lady with beautiful heart and helping nature

Modern Day Classic

[sowmyad-22253 · 10/10 · 10 May 2018]

Audiences owe the film makers of Mahanati. Just mind blowing movie in every aspect.

Best & irreplaceable is Keerthy Suresh, she is just savithri garu. No doubt. Mind blowing performance by her. Dulquer is the best choice for Gemini Ganeshan. Gemini is showcased as a good loving guy along with his dark shades. The meaning for this couple's life is "A person is not bad but situations make them bad".

Samantha(Madhuravani) & Vijay (Vijay Antony) are a great support to drive the story. Samantha excelled as always in this movie too, she can nail any kind of scene especially the climax. Her acting in the scene is so connected to every person watching and make them go teary.

Rajendra Prasad(KV chowdary),Bhanupriya, Divya vani garu were a great support & their scenes were so cheerful & also sentimental. They are aptly suited for the characters.

Awesome cameos Mohan Babu garu ( SV ranga rao) , Krish(KV Reddy),Prakash Raj(Chakrapani),Srinivas Avasarala(LV Prasad),Tharun Bhaskar, Sandeep Vanga, Naga Chaitanya(ANR),Shalini (Suseela), Snr. Naresh, Thanikella Bharani , Malavika & others..Each & every one lived in the character.

Best one is Mohan Babu garu..he is extremely awesome !

Director Naga Ashwin did a great job my making this movie , bringing the legend's story to life, taking us to her roller coaster ride life. Her life is so inspiring to every person, she retained her identity and her soul till the last breath, even in her downfall & also highs. Such a great dramatic life . Director take of the story is so balanced & presented beautifully !

Great job by costume department,art department for taking us to 50's to 80's days. Didn't even find a flaw in the movie.

Vyjayanthi movies just added a feather in their hat , they brought laurel to TFI in making this movie. Such a wonderful tribute to celebrate the greatest actress ever lived.