Upcoming biopic of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa Thalaivi, starring Kangana Ranaut, has found itself amidst controversy. On Tuesday, the Madras High Court granted granted Jayalalithaa’s niece, Deepa, permission to file a civil suit against the filmmakers of the biopic. Thalaivi is being directed by AL Vijay. This new development allows Deepa to file a civil suit against not just Thalaivi but other works based on Jayalalithaa’s life as well.
Deepa had earlier claimed that she is the legal heir of the former AIADMK chief and objected to the film’s production on several grounds.
She stated that the filmmakers did not have the legal right to make a film on Jayalalithaa’s life and did not attempt to seek legal permission from her either.
She also felt that it would threaten her family’s privacy. She also claimed that the filmmakers were releasing the film purely for monetary and commercial benefits.
Now, Deepa has demanded that the full script of Thalaivi be submitted to her and that her permission be sought for the same.
On 23 November, the first look of Kangana Ranaut’s film Thalaivi was released. The actor shared her first look from the film on her Instagram page, with the caption, “The legend we know, but the story that is yet to be told! Presenting #KanganaRanaut, in & as #Thalaivi. A film by #Vijay, arriving in cinemas on 26th June, 2020.”
Kangana is seen sporting the circular ‘bindi’ on her forehead just like actor and politician Jayalalithaa used to, and is seen wearing a green coloured cape. The makers also revealed that the film will hit theatres on 26 June, 2020.
The makers also released a teaser of the film ahead of her third death anniversary. She passed away on 5 December 2016.
(With inputs from The News Minute)
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