The long and arduous search for Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa

Filmmaker has not been able to find actors who can play the former CMs

A file picture of former Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.

There is no disputing the fact that former Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa—who dominated both the political landscape and the film world with their towering presence—have left a huge vacuum with their demise. But what is surprising is that filmmakers are finding it difficult even to find actors who could essay the role of the leaders on the silver screen.

A. Balakrishnan, who is shooting a biopic of AIADMK founder and former CM M.G. Ramachandran, could vouch for this.

The personal and political lives of former CMs of the State—M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa—are so interconnected with each other that one cannot make a biopic on one without touching upon the life and times of another.

In fact, Mr. Balakrishnan’s MGR biopic would have six CMs of Tamil Nadu, including K. Kamaraj, C.N. Annadurai and Janaki Ramachandran. “Work is in progress. We are yet to choose actors to play Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. I am confident that I will find someone for these roles soon,” said Mr. Balakrishnan.

Fortunately, Mr. Balakrishnan has found a 24-year-old girl who could act as a young Jayalalithaa.

“But we are yet to find someone who could play Jayalalithaa in the later years,” he said.

But considering how iconic and well-known these leaders are—some of their mannerisms and catch phrases are a standard part of any mimicry artist’s repertoire—is it so difficult to find someone to represent them on the screen? “Well, there are other factors that we should consider, like the complexion, the height of the person and the overall personality,” pointed out Mr. Balakrishnan.

While MGR is being played by Satheesh Kumar, Rythvika and Pradeep Madhuram are playing Janaki Ramachandran and Kamaraj respectively.