Nadigaiyar Thilagam

Nadigaiyar Thilagam, a Tamil film from 2018, is a captivating biographical drama that provides a deep cinematic dive into the life and career of one of South Indian cinema's iconic actresses, Savitri. Released in Telugu as "Mahanati" and featuring an impressive ensemble cast that includes Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Vijay Deverakonda, this film is a heartfelt tribute to this legendary actress.

The film opens a window into the vicissitudes of the life of Savitri, who is brought to vibrant and faithful life by the magic of Keerthy Suresh's remarkable performance. Savitri is remembered not only for her indelible influence on the regional cinema industry but also for her tragic personal life, replete with its many trials and tribulations.

Keerthy Suresh's portrayal of Savitri's character incredibly captures Savitri's charisma and emotional nuances, including her optimism, warmth, heartbreaks, and eventually her progressive spiralling life. It's apparent that Suresh has thrown herself into the role, delivering a performance that feels as authentic as it does relatable.

Dulquer Salmaan portrays Gemini Ganesan, the heartthrob of Tamil cinema, who plays a crucial role in Savitri's life. His portrayal of the suave and charismatic Ganesan is commendable, and he expertly captures the star's charm as well as his flaws, adding layers to his character and grounding him in reality.

Nadigaiyar Thilagam also does a brilliant job of capturing the time period and setting, providing audiences with a glimpse into the glamour and struggles of the golden era of South Indian cinema. The ethos of the artistic scene in which Savitri made her mark is brought to life through carefully designed sets and costumes, meticulous camerawork, and masterful direction.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who plays Madhuravani, a modern-day journalist, is the film's translator as she embarks on a journey of discovery. Her character provides a link to the present, telling Savitri's story from a contemporary perspective, contrasting the norms and values of Savitri's era with today. As Madhuravani starts to unravel Savitri's life story, it anchors the narrative and keeps the audiences hooked.

Throughout the film, director Nag Ashwin does an outstanding job bringing out the star that Savitri was. His expert storytelling paints a loving, warm tribute to Savitri's towering talent and her undeniable legacy in the realm of South Indian cinema, all the while not refraining from illuminating the poignant and somber aspects of her life off camera.

One of the film's fundamental aspects is the exploration of Savitri's stardom and how it intersected with her personal life. The film brilliantly exhibits the highs and lows of her profession, the passion she had for cinema, and the dynamics of a film industry made complicated by power struggles, ego battles, and the burden of being a public figure. At its core, Nadigaiyar Thilagam seeks to understand what drove Savitri, what drew so many to her, and what led her to her tragic circumstances.

Nadigaiyar Thilagam is a highly recommended film for its emotional depth, excellent performances, and masterful storytelling. It is a must-watch for fans of Savitri as well as those who appreciate biographies. This movie not only writes a nostalgic letter to the yesteryears of Telugu and Tamil cinema but also sheds light on a woman's life, love, achievements, and heartbreaks on the backdrop of the glittering world of stardom. Also, for anyone interested in understanding the life of a superstar who was as much human as anyone else, perhaps too human to withstand the harsh glare of showbiz, Nadigaiyar Thilagam is a heartfelt and beautiful tribute.