Mahanati starring Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan and Samantha Akkineni, directed by Nag Ashwin, has been receiving glorious reviews for its portrayal of the yesteryear legendary South Indian actress Savitri. Dr. Kamala Selvaraj the daughter of Gemini Ganesan with his first wife Alamelu, has alleged that Mahanati is a bit too one-sided in Savitri’s favour. Gemini Ganesan was married to the actress Savitri in real life and Savitri was Gemini Genasan second wife.
According to Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, “Savitri had multiple relationships, and one of them was with Gemini Ganesan. He was a top star in Kollywood like MG Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan. But in Mahanati, he is shown as jobless and hanging around the sets of Savitri’s films all the time.”
The Tamil version of Mahanati, “Nadigaiyar Thilagam” was released on 11th May. Tamil audiences are also fired on Mahanati makers. According to Kollywood audiences, Mahanati/ Nadigaiyar Thilagam defames Gemini Ganesan. Mahanati portrayed Gemini Ganesan as a drunkard.
Kamala Selvaraj also said, “It’s unfortunate that the filmmakers have relied on the hearsay and gossip of someone who perhaps pretended to know everything about the star couple, distorting the reality. Gemini Ganesan was never jealous of Savitri’s glory. He always encouraged women to be independent. The scenes involving Alamelu, Savitri and Gemini Ganesan were not accurate. “
Dr. Kamala Selvaraj in the wake of the Mahanati controversy, also added that very soon she will release a 1 hour 45 minute long documentary on her father Gemini Ganesan. The documentary film will be specially screened to media representatives in Chennai and Hyderabad. Mahanati showed only one side of coin and the upcoming documentary on Gemini Ganesan will show the other side.
Dr. Kamala Selvaraj also said, “My father Gemini Ganesan life is an open book, and he never tried to keep anything a secret. Gemini Ganesan was a very natural actor and touched a chord with the audiences. Even today people have great respect and love for me because I am the daughter of Gemini Ganesan.”
Nag Ashwin’s Mahanati showcased the ups and downs of Savitri’s life. Dr. Kamala Selvaraj also praised Keerthy Suresh who played Savitri in Mahanati.