One of the most awaited biopics in South cinema is Mahanati that will chronicle the life of yesteryear south actress Savithri. This project is being helmed by Nag Ashwin. Keerthy Suresh has been roped to play Savithri, when the first glimpse of Keerthy as Savitri was revealed, fans were amazed because the resemblance was uncanny, particularly the eloquent eyes! While we are looking forward to Keerthy pull off this powerful role, a report on Hindustan Times revealed something surprising.Turns out, Keerthy Suresh was NOT the original choice, but a known Telugu actress was. She has been in the industry for seven years now and is hugely popular. We are talking about Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Yes, the actress was to play Savithri but the report further revealed that the director decided to go in for a fresh face and that’s how Keerthy Suresh entered the picture. Samantha continues to be part of the film as she plays Jamuna Savithri’s friend. She will also be the narrator. Also Read: Exclusive: Keerthy Suresh opens up about working with Dulquer Salmaan and Samantha in Mahanati like never before!

In an exclusive interview with Surendhar, she revealed what it was like working with Nag Ashiwn who happens to be only one film old – We had the narration session for almost three hours. Until someone else has told, I would have never known or felt that the director has little experience. The very thought of making a biopic on Savitri amma itself is very mature. Not everybody can think like that or pull it off as he did. I never had any apprehensions about his experience because he has done his part well. Be it the way he narrated or the screenplay; it was masterly, and I realised he is completely capable of doing it. The only thing I had in my mind was about what my contribution would be and how am I going to do justice to the story,”

The film will also throw light on one of the most important people in Savitrhi’s life – Gemini Ganesan. She married this actor who she had two children as well. This role will be played Dulquer Salmaan. This film will mark his debut in Tolly wood. The movie also stars Vijay Devarakonda, Mohan Babu and Shalini pandey in pivotal roles. In Tamil, Savitri is known as Nadgayar Thilagam. The movie is set for a release on March 29, 2018.

Now that you know Samantha was the original choice, do you still think she would have been a better Savithri?