Finally Naga Chaitanya has given nod to reprise the role of his grandfather ANR in the upcoming film Mahanati, the biopic on legendary actress Savithri, which is progressing at brisk pace in the direction of Nag Ashwin. Initially the makers approached Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Young Tiger Jr. NTR to essay the role of ANR and NTR respectively but, both actors refused to essay the roles. The sources say that finally Chaitu has allotted two days, 14th and 15th March to shoot for his grandfather’s role. As the makers couldn’t find suitable actor for NTR’s role, they decided to use a digital graphics for him. Savitri and ANR combination was a huge hit starting with films like Samsaram, Devadas, Mayabazar and Moogamanasulu. That is why the makers decided to recreate and shoot some important films from these films.
The makers are planning to wrap up the entire shoot of the film by 21st March and later move to its post-production phase. Keerthi Suresh is playing the titular role whereas Samantha Akkineni will be seen playing a journalist in the film, which is being bankrolled by Aswini Dutt.