Mahanati

{{Infobox film

| name = Mahanati

| image = Mahanati poster.jpg

| alt = Torso of Keerthy Suresh in the look of Savitri in centre and the title appears at bottom in Telugu script.

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Nag Ashwin

| producer = Priyanka Dutt

| writer = Nag Ashwin

{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes

| label1= Additional Screenplay

| data1 = {{Ubl |Padmavathi Malladi}}

}}

{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes

| label1= Dialogue by

| data1 = {{Ubl |Sai Madhav Burra}}

}}

{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes

| label1= Additional Dialogue by

| data1 = {{Ubl |Padmavathi Malladi}}

}}

| starring = {{ubl|Keerthy Suresh||Dulquer Salmaan||Samantha Ruth Prabhu||Vijay Deverakonda}}

| music = Mickey J. Meyer

| cinematography = Dani Sanchez-Lopez

| editing = Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao

| studio = {{ubl|Vyjayanthi Movies|Swapna Cinema}}

| distributor =

| released = {{film date|df=yes|2018|5|9}}

| runtime = 177 minutes{{Cite web |title=Mahanati (PG) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/mahanati-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zotq3mde |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525103425/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/mahanati-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zotq3mde |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=British Board of Film Classification}}

| country = India

| language = Telugu

| budget = {{INR|25|link=yes}}{{nbsp}}crore{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=3 July 2018 |title=Rangasthalam, Bharat Ane Nenu and Mahanati emerge as biggest Telugu hits in first half of 2018 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rangasthalam-bharat-ane-nenu-and-mahanati-emerge-as-biggest-telugu-hits-in-first-half-of-2018-4652271.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715233950/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rangasthalam-bharat-ane-nenu-and-mahanati-emerge-as-biggest-telugu-hits-in-first-half-of-2018-4652271.html |archive-date=15 July 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=Firstpost}}

| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR|83}}{{nbsp}}crore{{cn|date=November 2024}}

}}

Mahanati ({{translation|The great actress}}) is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language biographical drama film based on the life of actress Savitri. It is written and directed by Nag Ashwin, and produced by Priyanka Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema. The film features Keerthy Suresh{{efn|In this Indian name, the name Suresh is a patronymic, and the person is referred to by the given name, Keerthy.}} as Savitri while Dulquer Salmaan (in his Telugu debut) plays Savitri's husband Gemini Ganesan. The film also stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakonda, while Rajendra Prasad, Bhanupriya, Divyavani, Mohan Babu and Prakash Raj appear in supporting roles. The plot follows Savitri's life, depicting her turbulent rise to prominence, marriage with Ganesan, and subsequent fall from grace, which is viewed from the perspective of a journalist and a photographer, played by Samantha and Deverakonda respectively.

Ashwin began working on the biopic of Savitri following the release of his directorial debut Yevade Subramanyam (2015). Its principal photography began in May 2017 and ended in March 2018 with filming taking place in Hyderabad, Palakollu, Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, and Delhi. Dani Sanchez-Lopez performed the cinematography while Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao edited the film. The film features the score and soundtrack composed by Mickey J. Meyer. Mahanati released theatrically on 9 May 2018 while its dubbed versions in Tamil released on 11 May 2018, with the title Nadigaiyar Thilagam and in Malayalam on the same day as Mahanadi.

Mahanati received universal critical acclaim for Keerthy's performance as Savitri and Ashwin's screenplay and direction. Budgeted at {{INR|25}}{{nbsp}}crore, the film grossed {{INR|83}}{{nbsp}}crore worldwide and became the highest-grossing female-centric South Indian film. The film won three awards at the 66th National Film Awards, namely, Best Feature Film in Telugu, Best Actress for Keerthy and Best Costume Design. The film also won four Filmfare Awards South including Best Film and Best Actress in Telugu category. Mahanati was screened at the International Film Festival of India, the Shanghai International Film Festival, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

== Plot ==

In Bangalore, 1980, a popular yesteryear actress Savitri is found unconscious by her son. She is hospitalised, spending a year in a coma. The incident receives media attention but Savitri's initial life and whereabouts remain unknown to the public. Madhuravani, a stuttering journalist, and Vijay Anthony, a photographer, are appointed to write an article about her situation. Madhuravani recovers a letter written by Savitri, in which she wishes to take her son to someone called "Shankarayya." Though she is later relieved from writing the memoir by her editor, Madhurvani continues her research curiously. She sneaks into Savitri's house and overhears her aunt talk about her childhood.

In Vijayawada, 1942, a widowed Subadrama and her daughter Savitri are taken in by Subadrama's sister, Durgamba, and her husband, KV Chowdary, much to the latter's chagrin. Savitri grows up to become an accomplished dancer and earns a profit for Chowdary by acting in plays with her friend Susheela. The increasing popularity of cinema leads to less attendance for plays, and Chowdary incurs huge losses. He tries to have Savitri join the film industry based in Madras but her young age and inability to speak Tamil hinder her prospects. She, however, meets Ramasamy "Gemini" Ganesan, a studio employee who takes her photograph for a casting directory. A year later, Savitri is cast in a film directed by L. V. Prasad but she gets the dialogue wrong and is thrown out. However, she earns a dancing role for a song in the film Pathala Bhairavi. Her performance in that film helps her in getting major roles.

Savitri is offered a role opposite Ganesan, now an actor, who teaches her Tamil language. They together rise as superstars and Savitri falls in love with the married Ganesan. They secretly marry, which leads to a clash with Savitri's family. Despite being reluctant to act after marriage, Savitri is persuaded by the filmmakers and Ganesan. She goes on to become a successful actress. Savitri later gives birth to two children{{ndash}} a girl and a boy. Ganesan is initially supportive of her career, however, he feels jealous of Savitri as her fame overshadows his. He starts consuming alcohol and when Savitri tries to stop him, he shares the drink with her.

A few ladies urge Savitri to both direct and star in an all-woman cast and crew film. On the day of her film's release, Savitri finds Ganesan in their guesthouse with another woman. Feeling cheated, Savitri angrily part ways with Ganesan. She becomes an alcoholic and gains weight. Meanwhile, her mother dies, and poor financial decisions lead to a raid by the Income Tax Department, resulting in the loss of her wealth. One day, Savitri fights with her daughter about her excessive alcohol consumption and faints, accidentally setting their house on fire. They learn that Savitri has diabetes.

As Chowdary visits Savitri, she asks both her daughter and uncle for forgiveness. She gets her daughter married, stops drinking, and loses weight. She shifts to a smaller house with her son and starts acting in low-budget films. She sets aside money for opening a rehabilitation centre. Upon knowing that she still owes income tax, she strongly refuses to part with any more money. She goes to Bangalore with her son the next day. Feeling lost, she calls Ganesan but cuts the line before speaking. Angry with him and with herself, she consumes alcohol again, before collapsing into a coma.

Madhuravani realises her love for Anthony via Savitri's story. She interrupts what is supposedly Anthony's engagement and speaks strongly without a stutter, only to realise that is his sister's engagement and that Anthony too loves her. Madhuravani writes Savitri's memoir and visits the comatose Savitri. She places a picture of her father retrieved from a newspaper archive in her hands. Savitri dies in December 1981.

In the end, Shankarayya is revealed to be a statue that Savitri considers her father.

Cast

{{Cast listing|

Keerthy Suresh as Savitri
Dulquer Salmaan as Gemini Ganesan
Samantha Ruth Prabhu as Madhuravani
Vijay Deverakonda as Vijay Anthony
Rajendra Prasad as Kommareddy Venkataramaiah Chowdary
Bhanupriya as Durgamba
Divyavani as Subhadramma
Mohan Babu as S. V. Ranga Rao
Prakash Raj as Aluri Chakrapani
Srinivas Avasarala as L. V. Prasad
Naga Chaitanya as Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Manobala as P. Pullaiah
Malavika Nair as Alamelu, Ganesan's first wife
Shalini Pandey as Suseela, Savitri's friend
Krish as K. V. Reddy
Tharun Bhascker as Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
Sai Tejaswini as child Savitri
Chaitra as child Suseela
Suresh as Dance Master
Ram Charan as child Satish
Jayanthi Reddy as Aayyama
Tulasi as Madhuravani's mother
Murali Krishna as Madhuravani's father
Ramadevi as Madhuravani's grandmother
Sandeep Vanga as Vedantam Raghavayya
Tanikella Bharani as the editor of Prajavani
Mohan Bhagath as Journalist Shekar
Naresh as Cameraman Kesava
Karthik Rathnam as Dancer
Vamsee Chaganti as JJ Krishnamurthy
Bindu Chandramouli as Pushpavalli
Mahesh Achanta as Sattya
Sai Madhav Burra as Pingali
Dani Sanchez-Lopez as Lux ad photographer

}}

Actor N. T. Rama Rao is featured in a cameo appearance as himself using archive footage. A body-double Surya Sreenivas also played the role of N. T. Rama Rao.

Production

File:Savitri Actress.jpg was a leading actress of the South Indian cinema during the 1950s and 60s.]]

= Development =

In May 2016, director Nag Ashwin, who made his debut with Yevade Subramanyam (2015), announced that his next film would be a biopic of the Indian actress Savitri, who was active during the 1950s and 60s, predominantly in Telugu and Tamil films.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Priyanka |date=8 May 2018 |title=Who is Mahanati Savitri and why a biopic is being made on her |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/who-is-mahanati-savitri-and-why-a-biopic-is-being-made-on-her/story-OyehXX6T4159MNH9ExrmLM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523174631/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/who-is-mahanati-savitri-and-why-a-biopic-is-being-made-on-her/story-OyehXX6T4159MNH9ExrmLM.html |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}} The film was titled Mahanati, and Ashwin had finished the script work and began casting actors for the project. He spent six months researching the actress by reading articles and books, in addition to meeting old journalists and actors associated with her. In an interview with Indo-Asian News Service, Ashwin talked about his intention to adapt Savitri's life into a film. "From a penniless origin to the first female superstar, her life is quite a story," he stated. Ashwin felt that the time had come to revisit the "legends" and understand why they were legends."{{Cite news |date=27 May 2016 |title=Nag Ashwin's next a biopic on legendary actress Savitri |work=The Indian Express |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/nag-ashwins-next-a-biopic-on-legendary-actress-savitri-2821617/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012139/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/nag-ashwins-next-a-biopic-on-legendary-actress-savitri-2821617/ |archive-date=12 September 2017}} In another interview to India Today, Ashwin told that choosing to make Mahanati was more of a subconscious decision, as he grew up watching her films and songs.{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=30 April 2021 |title=Nag Ashwin on Mahanati: Keerthy, Dulquer, Samantha and Vijay had no problem working in a multi-starrer |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nag-ashwin-interview-mahanati-nadigaiyar-thilagam-keerthy-suresh-samantha-akkineni-dulquer-salmaan-1223420-2018-04-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923235448/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nag-ashwin-interview-mahanati-nadigaiyar-thilagam-keerthy-suresh-samantha-akkineni-dulquer-salmaan-1223420-2018-04-30 |archive-date=23 September 2018 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=India Today}}

The film's production is handled by Ashwin's wife Priyanka Dutt and her sister Swapna Dutt. They are the daughters of veteran film producer Ashwini Dutt, the founder of Vyjayanthi Movies.{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=12 May 2018 |title=The Dutt sisters behind Mahanati |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/120518/the-dutt-sisters-behind-mahanati.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524144333/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/120518/the-dutt-sisters-behind-mahanati.html |archive-date=24 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} The film was originally intended to be shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil languages, however, the Tamil version was later dropped in favour of a dub.{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=20 May 2018 |title=Bilingual films: The big, bilingual scam |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/may/20/bilingual-films-the-big-bilingual-scam-1817232.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014023155/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/may/20/bilingual-films-the-big-bilingual-scam-1817232.html |archive-date=14 October 2020 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}{{efn|The CBFC certificate of the Tamil version Nadigaiyar Thilagam indicates that it is a dubbed version of Mahanati.{{Cite AV media |title=Nadigaiyar Thilagam |date=2018 |language=ta |publisher=Vyjayanthi Movies |place=India |time=0:00:01 |medium=motion picture}}}}

= Cast and crew =

In August 2016, Ashwin announced his intention to cast the lead actress with an audience poll.{{Cite web |date=4 August 2016 |title=Savitri biopic: Haven't approached Vidya Balan, says Nag Ashwin |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/savitri-biopic-haven-t-approached-vidya-balan-says-nag-ashwin/story-PFlegWb2FB3eZcAUb01MZJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523142005/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/savitri-biopic-haven-t-approached-vidya-balan-says-nag-ashwin/story-PFlegWb2FB3eZcAUb01MZJ.html |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}} In December, Nithya Menen entered the talks to play Savitri but it did not materialise.{{Cite news |date=12 December 2016 |title=Nithya Menen hasn't signed Mahanati yet |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/dec/12/nithya-menen-hasnt-signed-mahanati--yet-1548048.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912055212/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/dec/12/nithya-menen-hasnt-signed-mahanati--yet-1548048.html |archive-date=12 September 2017}} Subsequently, Keerthy Suresh was signed for the role in early January 2017.{{Cite news |date=3 January 2017 |title=Confirmed: Keerthy Suresh to play Savitri in Mahanati |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mahanati-savitri-biopic-keerthy-suresh-samantha-nag-ashwin/1/848312.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005011112/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mahanati-savitri-biopic-keerthy-suresh-samantha-nag-ashwin/1/848312.html |archive-date=5 October 2017}} Post the film's release in May 2018, Ashwin in a video interview with Indiaglitz Tamil, stated that Anushka Shetty and Vidya Balan were his first choices to play the role of Savitri.{{Cite web|title=See "External Links": Why Keerthy Suresh for Saviri ? Nag Ashwin Explains}} However he was convinced that Keerthy was the right choice after watching her in Thodari (2016).{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=21 May 2018 |title='Mahanati made me more responsible as a filmmaker': Nag Ashwin on directing the Savitri biopic |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-made-me-more-responsible-as-a-filmmaker-nag-ashwin-on-directing-the-savitri-biopic-4476335.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924005705/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-made-me-more-responsible-as-a-filmmaker-nag-ashwin-on-directing-the-savitri-biopic-4476335.html |archive-date=24 September 2018 |access-date=26 May 2021 |website=Firstpost}} Keerthy was initially apprehensive to play Savitri but her mother, who is a fan of Savitri's work prompted her to take up the role.{{Cite web |date=25 August 2019 |title=How Keerthy Suresh almost said no to playing Savitri Ganesan in Mahanati |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/made-in-her-image-5927191/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914030151/https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/made-in-her-image-5927191/ |archive-date=14 September 2019 |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=The Indian Express}} While preparing for the character, she watched Savitri's films, read her biography A Legendary Actress: Mahanati Savitri, and consulted her daughter Vijaya Chamundeswari to know about her personality.{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Pooja |date=25 August 2019 |title=How Keerthy Suresh almost said no to playing Savitri Ganesan in Mahanati |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/made-in-her-image-5927191/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914030151/https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/made-in-her-image-5927191/ |archive-date=14 September 2019 |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}

Samantha Akkineni was confirmed to be a part of the project who would be portraying Madhuravani, a journalist from whose perspective the story is narrated.{{Cite web |date=19 April 2017 |title=Samantha's role in Savitri biopic revealed |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/samantha-s-role-savitri-biopic-revealed-60618 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523143508/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/samantha-s-role-savitri-biopic-revealed-60618 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Priyanka |date=10 May 2018 |title=Keerthy Suresh's Mahanati has a huge star cast. Here's a look at who plays who in the biopic |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/keerthy-suresh-s-mahanati-has-a-huge-star-cast-here-s-a-look-at-who-plays-who-in-the-biopic/story-Wy1dTOr6My7ymzBf3EWR3N.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523174634/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/keerthy-suresh-s-mahanati-has-a-huge-star-cast-here-s-a-look-at-who-plays-who-in-the-biopic/story-Wy1dTOr6My7ymzBf3EWR3N.html |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}} For the role of Savitri's husband Gemini Ganesan, Ashwin has considered Suriya and Madhavan, before finalising Dulquer Salmaan for the character. The film marked Salmaan's debut in Telugu cinema.{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Karthik |date=24 April 2017 |title=Dulquer pips Suriya and Madhavan, set to play Gemini Ganesan in Savitri biopic |work=Hindustan Times |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dulquer-pips-suriya-and-madhavan-to-play-gemini-ganesan-in-savitri-biopic/story-dS1KR7yPAFUOcjYI6AhmhM.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012058/http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dulquer-pips-suriya-and-madhavan-to-play-gemini-ganesan-in-savitri-biopic/story-dS1KR7yPAFUOcjYI6AhmhM.html |archive-date=12 September 2017}} Vijay Deverakonda, who had earlier been considered for Ganesan's role, was selected to pair opposite Samantha as Vijay Antony.{{Cite news |last=K. |first=Janani |date=15 May 2017 |title=A new addition to Savitri biopic |work=Deccan Chronicle |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/150517/a-new-addition-to-savitri-biopic.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912013003/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/150517/a-new-addition-to-savitri-biopic.html |archive-date=12 September 2017}} Ashwin told Indo-Asian News Service that Salmaan's portrayal of Ganesan would go beyond the physical resemblance, to better depict the character's emotional side.{{Cite news |date=30 July 2017 |title=Dulquer to not mimic Gemini Ganesan in 'Mahanati' |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dulquer-to-not-mimic-gemini-ganesan-in-mahanati/article19389995.ece |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141227/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dulquer-to-not-mimic-gemini-ganesan-in-mahanati/article19389995.ece |archive-date=11 October 2020}}

The cast also includes Rajendra Prasad who plays Savitri's uncle KV Chowdary and Bhanupriya who plays Savitri's aunt. Shalini Pandey plays Suseela, Savitri's friend. Naga Chaitanya plays his grandfather Akkineni Nageswara Rao while Mohan Babu plays S. V. Ranga Rao. Other appearances include Prakash Raj as Aluri Chakrapani, Krish as K. V. Reddy, and Srinivas Avasarala as L. V. Prasad among others. Sai Madhav Burra who gave the dialogue for the film, makes a cameo appearance as writer Pingali.{{Cite news |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |date=12 May 2018 |title=Sai Madhav Burra : Touching the soul of the story |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sai-madhav-borra-touching-the-soul-of-the-story/article23864209.ece |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512143557/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sai-madhav-borra-touching-the-soul-of-the-story/article23864209.ece |archive-date=12 May 2018}} N. T. Rama Rao Jr. was offered to play his grandfather N. T. Rama Rao but he declined, saying that he would not be able to do justice for that role.{{Cite web |last=Pattikonda |first=Gautham |date=2 May 2018 |title=Will never reprise any role played by my grandfather N T Rama Rao: Jr NTR at Mahanati audio launch |url=https://regional.pinkvilla.com/telugu/news/will-never-reprise-role-played-grandfather-n-t-rama-rao-jr-ntr-mahanati-audio-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923122552/https://regional.pinkvilla.com/telugu/news/will-never-reprise-role-played-grandfather-n-t-rama-rao-jr-ntr-mahanati-audio-launch/ |archive-date=23 September 2020 |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=Pinkvilla}}

Mickey J Meyer and Dani Sanchez-Lopez were confirmed as music composer and cinematographer respectively.{{Cite web |date=8 December 2017 |title='Mahanati' release date and logo revealed |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mahanati-release-date-and-logo-revealed-72849 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523144231/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mahanati-release-date-and-logo-revealed-72849 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=The News Minute}}

= Filming =

File:Konaseema.jpg where the scenes related to Savitri's childhood were shot.]]

Principal photography began on 29 May 2017 in Hyderabad and ended on 22 March 2018.{{Cite news |last=Jayakrishnan |date=29 May 2017 |title=Mahanati starts rolling in Hyderabad today |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/mahanati-starts-rolling-in-hyderabad-today/articleshow/58895404.cms |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921075518/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/mahanati-starts-rolling-in-hyderabad-today/articleshow/58895404.cms |archive-date=21 September 2017}}{{Cite web |last=Papri |first=Paul |date=22 March 2018 |title=Shooting for Savitri biopic wrapped up |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/shooting-for-savitri-biopic-wrapped-up/articleshow/63415145.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329060640/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/shooting-for-savitri-biopic-wrapped-up/articleshow/63415145.cms |archive-date=29 March 2020 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}} Filming also took place in Palakollu of West Godavari district to picturise Savitri's childhood, in addition to Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, and Delhi. The song "Aha Na Peliyanta" from Mayabazar (1957) was shot as a part of the first schedule and a 25-day long second schedule took place in June.{{Cite web |date=30 May 2017 |title=తొలి షెడ్యూల్లో మాయాబజార్ మేకింగ్ |trans-title=Making of Mayabazar in the first schedule |url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/mahanati-savitri-biopic-shooitng-first-schedule-480042 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523144228/https://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/mahanati-savitri-biopic-shooitng-first-schedule-480042 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Sakshi |language=te}} Singeetam Srinivasa Rao who worked as an assistant director for Mayabazar visited the sets when they were shooting scenes related to that film.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=12 May 2018 |title=The making of Mahanati: Cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez talks about recreating the life of Savitri |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-making-of-mahanati-cinematographer-dani-sanchez-lopez-talks-about-recreating-the-life-of-savitri-4466833.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153241/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-making-of-mahanati-cinematographer-dani-sanchez-lopez-talks-about-recreating-the-life-of-savitri-4466833.html |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Firstpost}} Keerthy gained some weight to play crucial scenes featuring Savitri after her childbirth.{{Cite news |date=7 June 2017 |title=Keerthy Suresh to put on some weight to play Savithri in 'Mahanati', a biopic on Savithri by Nag Ashwin |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/keerthy-suresh-to-put-on-some-weight-to-play-savithri-in-mahanati-a-biopic-on-savithri-by-nag-ashwin/articleshow/58985858.cms |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921075523/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/keerthy-suresh-to-put-on-some-weight-to-play-savithri-in-mahanati-a-biopic-on-savithri-by-nag-ashwin/articleshow/58985858.cms |archive-date=21 September 2017}}{{Cite web |last=George |first=Anjana |date=5 June 2018 |title=Keerthi Suresh gains weight to play actress Savitri in Mahanati |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/keerthi-suresh-gains-weight-to-play-actress-savitri-in-mahanati/articleshow/59000764.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903000659/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/keerthi-suresh-gains-weight-to-play-actress-savitri-in-mahanati/articleshow/59000764.cms |archive-date=3 September 2018 |access-date=26 May 2021 |website=The Times of India}}

Madhuravani's storyline which takes place in the 1980s was shot on film stock, using a super 16mm camera to achieve a grainy texture. Cinematographer Sanchez-Lopez explained that the decision was consciously made to match the Technicolor format used in the Indian films of that period. Salmaan shot his portions by January 2018.{{Cite web |last=Jayaram |first=Deepak |date=18 January 2018 |title=Dulquer starrer Mahanati's team wraps up shoot |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/dulquer-starrer-mahanatis-team-wraps-up-shoot/articleshow/62557232.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153224/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/dulquer-starrer-mahanatis-team-wraps-up-shoot/articleshow/62557232.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=The Times of India}} He completed his dubbing later in March, followed by Akkineni and Keerthy in April.{{Cite web |last=Jayakrishnan |date=26 March 2018 |title=Dulquer Salmaan begins dubbing for 'Mahanati' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/dulquer-salmaan-to-dub-for-himself-in-mahanati/articleshow/63467024.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153243/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/dulquer-salmaan-to-dub-for-himself-in-mahanati/articleshow/63467024.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=18 April 2018 |title=Photo: Samantha Akkineni completes dubbing for 'Mahanati' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/photo-samantha-akkineni-completes-dubbing-for-mahanati/articleshow/63816197.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329050525/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/photo-samantha-akkineni-completes-dubbing-for-mahanati/articleshow/63816197.cms |archive-date=29 March 2020 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Papri |date=22 March 2018 |title=Keerthy Suresh completes dubbing for 'Nadigaiyar Thilagam' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/keerthy-suresh-completes-dubbing-for-nadigaiyar-thilagam/articleshow/63961443.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/keerthy-suresh-completes-dubbing-for-nadigaiyar-thilagam/articleshow/63961443.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}}

The production team is said to have put extensive effort into Savitri's costumes and jewellery. To give a vintage look for the jewellery, designer Naveen Sangli used old methods such as gold wire wrapping and dainty stone setting. Sangli worked with Ashwin and the costume designer Gaurang Shah to get the right match between the saris and jewellery.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshitha |date=2 May 2018 |title=15 karigars worked on the exclusive jewellery recreated for Keerthy Suresh for her upcoming Savitri biopic 'Mahanati' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know/15-karigars-worked-on-the-exclusive-jewellery-recreated-for-keerthy-suresh-for-her-upcoming-savitri-biopic-mahanati/articleshow/63996310.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153256/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know/15-karigars-worked-on-the-exclusive-jewellery-recreated-for-keerthy-suresh-for-her-upcoming-savitri-biopic-mahanati/articleshow/63996310.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}} Shah revealed that they did months of research for costumes. He along with a team of 100 artisans worked over a year to make them.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=2 May 2018 |title=The costumes of Keerthy Suresh, Samantha, Dulquer Salmaan and Vijay Deverakonda starrer 'Mahanati' took over a year and 100 artisans to make |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-costumes-of-keerthy-suresh-samantha-dulquer-salmaan-and-vijay-deverakonda-starrer-mahanati-took-over-a-year-and-100-artisans-to-make/articleshow/63844826.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423151152/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-costumes-of-keerthy-suresh-samantha-dulquer-salmaan-and-vijay-deverakonda-starrer-mahanati-took-over-a-year-and-100-artisans-to-make/articleshow/63844826.cms |archive-date=23 April 2018 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}}

Music

The film's score and soundtrack album are composed by Mickey J. Meyer. The album consists of five songs with lyrics written by Sirivennela Sitaramasastri and Ramajogayya Sastry.{{Cite web |last=Nathan |first=Archana |date=6 May 2018 |title='Mahanati' music review: Soulful and dramatic, just like screen legend Savitri |url=https://scroll.in/reel/877828/mahanati-music-review-soulful-and-dramatic-just-like-screen-legend-savitri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106194208/https://scroll.in/reel/877828/mahanati-music-review-soulful-and-dramatic-just-like-screen-legend-savitri |archive-date=6 January 2019 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Scroll.in}} Aditya Music acquired the film's audio rights.{{cn|date=November 2024}} The full album of Mahanati was released on 1 May 2018 at a launch event, featuring the entire cast and crew.{{Cite web |date=2 May 2018 |title=Savitri remembered at this star-studded audio launch of Mahanati |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/savitri-remembered-at-this-star-studded-audio-launch-of-mahanati/articleshow/64000017.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153304/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/savitri-remembered-at-this-star-studded-audio-launch-of-mahanati/articleshow/64000017.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}} A sixth single "Gelupuleni Samaram" that was not part of the album was released later.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=31 May 2018 |title=The final song of 'Mahanati' 'Gelupu Leni Samaram' to release soon on YouTube |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/the-final-song-of-mahanati-gelupu-leni-samaram-to-release-soon-on-youtube/articleshow/64399931.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329093941/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/the-final-song-of-mahanati-gelupu-leni-samaram-to-release-soon-on-youtube/articleshow/64399931.cms |archive-date=29 March 2020 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=The Times of India}} Mridula Ramagudu of Firstpost called the album Meyer's best work to date.{{Cite web |last=Mridula |first=Ramagudu |date=9 May 2018 |title=Mahanati music review: Mickey J Meyer delivers his finest work till date in this Savitri biopic |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-music-review-mickey-j-meyer-delivers-his-finest-work-till-date-in-this-savitri-biopic-4459819.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227110028/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-music-review-mickey-j-meyer-delivers-his-finest-work-till-date-in-this-savitri-biopic-4459819.html |archive-date=27 December 2019 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=Firstpost}}

Themes and influences

The film's structure broadly follows that of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane (1941), where a reporter sets out to find the story of an elderly protagonist. The mystery of 'Rosebud' in Citizen Kane is comparable to 'Shankarayya' in Mahanati.{{Cite web |last=Ge |first=Krupa |date=23 May 2018 |title=Ms. Representation: Citizen Savitri |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2018/may/23/ms-representation-citizen-savitri-6154.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525190327/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2018/may/23/ms-representation-citizen-savitri-6154.html |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=Cinema Express}}{{Cite web |last=Pivhal |first=Navin |date=20 May 2018 |title=Recreating the magic of yesteryears |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Sunday-Hans/2018-05-20/Recreating-the-magic-of-yesteryears/382668 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525190254/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Sunday-Hans/2018-05-20/Recreating-the-magic-of-yesteryears/382668 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The Hans India}} While the film is based on Savitri's life, Madhuravani, the journalist played by Ruth Prabhu, is fictional. It is reported that the character was inspired by Sivasankari, a journalist and writer of Ananda Vikatan magazine who published an article about Savitri's ill-health and financial position similar to Madhuravani.{{Cite web |date=7 April 2018 |title=Samantha as Madhuravani: Actor's first look from 'Mahanati' revealed |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/samantha-madhuravani-actors-first-look-mahanati-revealed-79185 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153241/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/samantha-madhuravani-actors-first-look-mahanati-revealed-79185 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=4 January 2021 |website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web |date=11 May 2018 |title=Who Is Inspired Samantha's Character In Mahanati ? |url=https://cinema.suryaa.com/cinema-11049-who-is-inspired-samanthas-character-in-mahanati.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526154617/https://cinema.suryaa.com/cinema-11049-who-is-inspired-samanthas-character-in-mahanati.html |archive-date=26 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Suryaa}} Madhuravani is named after Savitri's character in Kanyasulkam (1955). Cinema Express' Aditya Shrikrishna noted that the inter-religious romance between Madhuravani and Antony is similar to the one depicted in the Savitri-starrer Missamma (1955). The scene in which Ganesan takes Savithri's hand on her terrace while her fans below are watching for her is an ode to Mani Ratnam's Iruvar (1997).{{Cite news |last=Shrikrishna |first=Aditya |date=16 May 2018 |title=An ode not just to Savitri, but to cinema itself |work=Cinema Express |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2018/may/16/brief-history-of-southern-cinema-codified-in-mahanati-6036.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122062352/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2018/may/16/brief-history-of-southern-cinema-codified-in-mahanati-6036.html |archive-date=22 January 2021}}

In an interview with The Hindu, Sanchez-Lopez talked about the choice of colour palettes in the film. The colours represent the tone and mood of the film as it explores Savitri's life.{{Cite news |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |date=16 April 2018 |title=Using film is a different way to capture reality, says 'Manahati' cinematographer Dani Sanchez Lopez |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/cinematographer-dani-sanchez-lopez-manahati-savitri/article23557144.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429173309/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/cinematographer-dani-sanchez-lopez-manahati-savitri/article23557144.ece |archive-date=29 April 2018}} The use of mirrors in the film also serves as visual metaphors to her life.{{Cite news |last=Sundar |first=Priyanka |date=12 May 2018 |title=Mahanati's 5 best moments, as explained by cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahanati-s-5-best-moments-as-explained-by-cinematographer-dani-sanchez-lopez/story-Ul2vCVZeQvQLzxxVMLLngM.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804145537/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahanati-s-5-best-moments-as-explained-by-cinematographer-dani-sanchez-lopez/story-Ul2vCVZeQvQLzxxVMLLngM.html |archive-date=4 August 2018}}

Shrikrishna of Cinema Express stated that the film is not just a biopic but a "visual retelling of the history of South Indian cinema", adding, "Ashwin, in crafting this love letter to Savithri, encloses a post-script to cinema of a bygone era and the people at the centre of that early movement." The film also touches upon the movement for the statehood of Andhra Pradesh which took place in that period.

Release

Mahanati was initially slated to release worldwide on 29 March 2018.{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=7 December 2017 |title=Mahanati release date locked, to hit screens on March 29, 2018 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahanati-release-date-locked-to-hit-screens-on-march-29-2018/story-TK0u1qOWURGdsi9BNuJJlO.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524153007/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahanati-release-date-locked-to-hit-screens-on-march-29-2018/story-TK0u1qOWURGdsi9BNuJJlO.html |archive-date=24 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}} Owing to delays in post-production and CG work, it was postponed to May.{{Cite web |last=SR |first=Shajini |date=25 January 2018 |title='Mahanati' release date postponed? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahanati-release-date-postponed/articleshow/62647336.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153258/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahanati-release-date-postponed/articleshow/62647336.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}} The film was released on 9 May 2018, while its dubbed versions in Tamil and Malayalam languages were released on 11 May 2018, the former titled Nadigaiyar Thilagam ({{translation}} The pride of actresses).{{Cite news |date=11 May 2018 |title=Mahanati box-office collections: Keerthy Suresh-starrer crosses half million at the US box-office |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahanati-box-office-collections-keerthy-suresh-starrer-crosses-half-million-at-the-us-box-office/articleshow/64125084.cms |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703033209/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahanati-box-office-collections-keerthy-suresh-starrer-crosses-half-million-at-the-us-box-office/articleshow/64125084.cms |archive-date=3 July 2018}}{{Cite web |date=5 May 2018 |title='Nadigaiyar Thilagam' censored, to release in Tamil on May 11 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nadigaiyar-thilagam-censored-to-release-in-tamil-on-may-11-news-tamil-sffox8jfaicjf.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153303/https://www.sify.com/movies/nadigaiyar-thilagam-censored-to-release-in-tamil-on-may-11-news-tamil-sffox8jfaicjf.html |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=Sify}}{{Cite web |date=7 May 2018 |title=Savitri Biopic Mahanati to hit Kerala Screens on May 11 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/may/07/savitri-biopic-mahanati-to-hit-kerala-screens-on-may-11-1811062.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524153016/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/may/07/savitri-biopic-mahanati-to-hit-kerala-screens-on-may-11-1811062.html |archive-date=24 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}

The overseas distribution rights of Mahanati were acquired by Nirvana Cinemas, reportedly at an amount of {{INR|45}}{{nbsp}}million.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2017 |title=Heavy demand for distribution rights of Savitri biopic 'Mahanati' |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/heavy-demand-distribution-rights-savitri-biopic-mahanti-67702 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010102226/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/heavy-demand-distribution-rights-savitri-biopic-mahanti-67702 |archive-date=10 October 2020 |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=The News Minute}} N. Chandrababu Naidu, the then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, was impressed with the film and offered to exempt Mahanati from taxes in Andhra Pradesh, but the studio owner Ashwini Dutt politely declined it.{{Cite web |date=27 May 2018 |title=Mahanati makers deny tax exemption: CM's gesture means more than National Awards |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/mahanati-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-5193336/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527173549/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/mahanati-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-5193336/ |archive-date=27 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=The Indian Express}} Mahanati was pirated on torrent websites which affected its box office collections. This was partly due to the unavailability of screens due to holdovers of the year's previous releases Bharat Ane Nenu, Rangasthalam, and Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India.{{cn|date=November 2024}} The number of screens were increased in the second week.{{cn|date=November 2024}} From the third week, makers announced that the film would be screened at the old age homes.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=22 May 2018 |title=Special screenings of Nag Ashwin's 'Mahanati' to be held at old age homes in June |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/special-screenings-of-nag-ashwins-mahanati-to-be-held-at-old-age-homes-in-june/articleshow/64271656.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/special-screenings-of-nag-ashwins-mahanati-to-be-held-at-old-age-homes-in-june/articleshow/64271656.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=The Times of India}}

After the film's release, Ganesan's first daughter Kamala Selvaraj alleged that Ganesan's characterisation was distorted and the film was biased in favour of Savitri. Ashwin responded by stating that Selvaraj was made aware of the plot during its development.{{Cite web |date=19 May 2018 |title='Nadigaiyar Thilagam' is based on gossip, reality is distorted: Gemini Ganesan's daughter Kamala Selvaraj on the Savitri biopic |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/may/19/nadigaiyar-thilagam-is-based-on-gossip-reality-is-distorted-gemini-ganesans-daughter-kamala-sel-1816492.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905063659/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/may/19/nadigaiyar-thilagam-is-based-on-gossip-reality-is-distorted-gemini-ganesans-daughter-kamala-sel-1816492.html |archive-date=5 September 2019 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}} Savitri's daughter Vijaya Chamundeswari also defended the film, suggesting that Selvaraj may have watched the film from a different perspective.{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=23 May 2018 |title=After Gemini Ganesan's family slammed Mahanati, Savitri's daughter speaks in film's defence |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/after-gemini-ganesan-s-family-slammed-mahanati-savitri-s-daughter-speaks-in-film-s-defence/story-RXPywAHJ0GUNWLptCEcDaP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216222637/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/after-gemini-ganesan-s-family-slammed-mahanati-savitri-s-daughter-speaks-in-film-s-defence/story-RXPywAHJ0GUNWLptCEcDaP.html |archive-date=16 December 2020 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}}

= Home media =

The film's digital rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.{{Cite web |last=Vyas |date=30 December 2018 |title=Amazon bagged the rights of the prestigious biopic |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-12-30/Amazon-bagged-the-rights-of-the-prestigious-biopic/466858 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525132855/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-12-30/Amazon-bagged-the-rights-of-the-prestigious-biopic/466858 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The Hans India}} The television broadcast rights of Mahanati were acquired by Star Maa; its premiere on television registered a target rating point (TRP) rating of 20.16.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=30 August 2018 |title=Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan and Nag Ashwin's Mahanati rakes in staggering TRP |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-and-nag-ashwins-mahanati-rakes-in-staggering-trp/articleshow/65609367.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901152709/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-and-nag-ashwins-mahanati-rakes-in-staggering-trp/articleshow/65609367.cms |archive-date=1 September 2018 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The Times of India}} A deleted scene from the film was released on 30 May 2018. The scene recreated the song "Vaarayo Vennilave" from the Tamil film Missiamma (1955).{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=31 May 2018 |title=The filmmakers of Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha and Vijay Deverakonda's 'Mahanati' released a delicious deleted scene! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-filmmakers-of-keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-samantha-and-vijay-deverakondas-mahanati-released-a-delicious-deleted-scene/articleshow/64305947.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153302/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-filmmakers-of-keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-samantha-and-vijay-deverakondas-mahanati-released-a-delicious-deleted-scene/articleshow/64305947.cms |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}} The film was also dubbed in Hindi produced by Swapna Cinema and released by Goldmines Telefilms on YouTube on 14 October 2021.{{Citation|title=Mahanati 2021 New Released Hindi Dubbed Movie {{!}} Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha| date=14 October 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C12WRs6LiQs|language=en|access-date=14 October 2021}}

Reception

= Box office =

Mahanati became the highest-grossing South Indian film that starred a woman as the primary character, surpassing Anushka Shetty's Rudramadevi (2015).{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=2 July 2018 |title=Mahanati completes 50-day theatrical run, becomes highest grossing woman-led South Indian film |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-completes-50-day-theatrical-run-becomes-highest-grossing-woman-led-south-indian-film-4644911.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714173542/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-completes-50-day-theatrical-run-becomes-highest-grossing-woman-led-south-indian-film-4644911.html |archive-date=14 July 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=Firstpost}} The film was made on a budget of {{INR|25}}{{nbsp}}crore and grossed {{INR|83}}{{nbsp}}crore by the end of its theatrical run. The film is a profitable venture and International Business Times reported that it earned over 50% profit to its distributors.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

The film became the fourth-best Telugu opener in the United States in 2018, grossing over {{US$|500000}}. It had a bigger opening in the US than its home territory of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it fared low due to the release of other big productions.{{cn|date=November 2024}} In its first weekend, the film collected {{INR|28.7}}{{nbsp}}crore worldwide in both Telugu and Tamil versions, and grossed {{INR|41.8}}{{nbsp}}crore in the first week.{{cn|date=November 2024}} In two weeks, the film grossed approximately {{INR|55}}{{nbsp}}crore.{{cn|date=November 2024}} It completed its 50-day theatrical run with a gross of {{INR|83}}{{nbsp}}crore. With over {{US$|2.5}}{{nbsp}}million (₹17.4 crore), Mahanati stood as the sixth-highest grossing Telugu film in the United States.

= Critical reception =

File:Keerthy Suresh at Mahanit Audio Launch.png and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Actress.{{cn|date=November 2024}}]]

Mahanati garnered widespread critical acclaim upon release. Critics praised Keerthy's performance and Ashwin's screenplay and direction. The film's picturisation, music, and art direction were also appreciated.{{cn|date=November 2024}} On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of {{RT data|score}} based on {{RT data|count|spell=y}} reviews, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}.{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y}}|type=m |title=Nadigaiyar Thilagam (Tamil)|access-date={{RT data|access date}} }}

Writing for The Times of India, Neeshita Nyayapati gave the film four stars out of five and commented, "To call Mahanati a celebration of Savitri's life would be an understatement, because the film breathes her life in a span of almost 3 hours."{{Cite web |last=Neeshita |first=Nyayapati |date=9 May 2018 |title=Mahanati Movie Review {4/5}: Watching 'Mahanati' is an experience one won't forget soon |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/mahanati/movie-review/64092552.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630215507/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/mahanati/movie-review/64092552.cms |archive-date=30 June 2018 |access-date=11 May 2018 |website=The Times of India}} A review carried by Sify opined that Ashwin narrated the story in an emotional and poignant manner. They found Keerthy's portrayal of Savitri "pitch perfect" and felt Salmaan gave his "best performance."{{Cite web |date=9 May 2018 |title=Review : Mahanati review: Nag Ashwin pulls off Savitri's biopic (2018) |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahanati-review-nag-ashwin-pulls-off-savitris-biopic-brilliantly-review-telugu-sfjpCHfadgjbb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624112329/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahanati-review-nag-ashwin-pulls-off-savitris-biopic-brilliantly-review-telugu-sfjpCHfadgjbb.html |archive-date=24 June 2019 |access-date=24 May 2019 |website=Sify}} Sub-editor of India Today, Janani K called Mahanati "one of the best biopics of all time."{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=10 May 2018 |title=Mahanati Movie Review: Nag Ashwin crafts a soulful ode to Savitri's life |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/mahanati-nadigaiyar-thilagam-review-keerthy-suresh-samantha-akkineni-dulquer-salmaan-1231202-2018-05-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914132138/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/mahanati-nadigaiyar-thilagam-review-keerthy-suresh-samantha-akkineni-dulquer-salmaan-1231202-2018-05-10 |archive-date=14 September 2018 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=India Today}}

The Indian Express critic Manoj Kumar R gave the film four stars out of five and praised the performances. He called Salmaan, Keerthy, Akkineni, and the costume designers as the four best things to happen to the film. "These three actors are in top form and equally shoulder this film," Kumar stated.{{Cite web |last=Kumar R |first=Manoj |date=11 May 2018 |title=Mahanati movie review: Savitri's Devdas-esque story makes for good drama |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/mahanati-movie-review-keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-star-rating-5172511/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526103400/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/mahanati-movie-review-keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-star-rating-5172511/ |archive-date=26 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=The Indian Express}} Priyanka Sundar of Hindustan Times applauded Salmaan's performance and wrote, "whether it is a frustrated and rude Ganesan when Savitri succumbs to coma or his cheesy Romeo avatar wooing Savitri [...] Dulquer has nailed it."{{Cite news |last=Sundar |first=Priyanka |date=10 May 2018 |title=Mahanati movie review: Keerthy Suresh breathes life into Savitri's beautiful tragedy |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/mahanati-movie-review-keerthy-suresh-breathes-life-into-savitri-s-beautiful-tragedy/story-qGNjj0Jx2hX32LjlFdnpCP.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511053016/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/mahanati-movie-review-keerthy-suresh-breathes-life-into-savitri-s-beautiful-tragedy/story-qGNjj0Jx2hX32LjlFdnpCP.html |archive-date=11 May 2018}} Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu said that the film belonged to Keerthy and Salmaan. "[T]hey imbibe the mannerisms of the legendary actors they're portraying but don't end up as caricatures," she wrote.{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=9 May 2018 |title='Mahanati' review: celebration of a legend |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mahanati-review-nag-ashwins-work-of-passion-doffs-its-hat-to-savitri/article23823395.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514001520/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mahanati-review-nag-ashwins-work-of-passion-doffs-its-hat-to-savitri/article23823395.ece |archive-date=14 May 2021}}

Suresh Kavirayani of Deccan Chronicle gave a positive review and praised the aspects of production and writing. He wrote: "The director has also successfully captured the essence of Gemini Ganeshan and Savitri's romance. He takes the audience on an emotional journey along with the actress."{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=10 May 2018 |title=Mahanati movie review: A great tribute to Savitri |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/100518/mahanati-movie-review-a-great-tribute-to-savitri.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026154548/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/100518/mahanati-movie-review-a-great-tribute-to-savitri.html |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Krishna Sripada of The News Minute felt that Ashwin had pulled off a stunner by making Savitri's story a "once-in-a-lifetime epic." He said that the film would make the audience "smile through the tears".{{Cite web |last=Sripada |first=Krishna |date=9 May 2018 |title='Mahanati' review: This Savitri biopic will make you smile through the tears |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mahanati-review-savitri-biopic-will-make-you-smile-through-tears-80975 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009072134/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mahanati-review-savitri-biopic-will-make-you-smile-through-tears-80975 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=The News Minute}} A review from The Free Press Journal gave 4 stars stated the performances are "compelling." "Director Nag Ashwin demonstrates a surprising level of maturity in apportioning flamboyance to the real-life tale," the reviewer wrote.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2018 |title=Mahanti review: Keerthy Suresh's film is a befitting tribute to a legendary actress Savitri |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/mahanti-review-keerthy-sureshs-film-is-a-befitting-tribute-to-a-legendary-actress-savitri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153230/https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/mahanti-review-keerthy-sureshs-film-is-a-befitting-tribute-to-a-legendary-actress-savitri |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=Free Press Journal}} Rahul Devalapalli of The Week observed that Keerthy shared a striking resemblance with Savitri. "In some of the scenes, shot in black and white, it is tough to tell if it is Savitri or Keerthy," Devulapalli added.{{Cite web |last=Devulapalli |first=Rahul |date=9 May 2018 |title=Mahanati review: This biopic on legendary actress Savitri lights up the screen |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2018/05/09/mahanti-review-biopic-legendary-actress-savitri-lights-up-stage.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813093245/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2018/05/09/mahanti-review-biopic-legendary-actress-savitri-lights-up-stage.html |archive-date=13 August 2019 |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=The Week}}

In his review for Firstpost, Hemnath Kumar gave Mahanati three stars out of five; he felt that the film does not have enough drama and wrote, "It is like reading a Wikipedia page of a famous person. You might get all that you are looking for but it is not the same as reading an in-depth book about the same person".{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=9 May 2018 |title=Mahanati movie review: Savitri's life is laid down with authenticity, but lacks drama that it inherently demands |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-movie-review-savitris-life-is-laid-down-with-authenticity-but-lacks-drama-that-it-inherently-demands-4462883.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526060246/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mahanati-movie-review-savitris-life-is-laid-down-with-authenticity-but-lacks-drama-that-it-inherently-demands-4462883.html |archive-date=26 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Firstpost}} Mathrubhumi's Akshara K. V. who also gave the film three stars out of five opined that the film's runtime could have been shorter as the latter half of the film lagged.{{Cite web |last=K. V. |first=Akshara |date=12 May 2018 |title=Mahanati: Here is a 'great actress' – Movie rating: 3/5 |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/review/mahanati-here-is-a-great-actress-%7C-movie-rating-3-5-mahanati-1.2805023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525214121/http://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/review/mahanati-here-is-a-great-actress-%7C-movie-rating-3-5-mahanati-1.2805023 |archive-date=25 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018 |website=Mathrubhumi}} Writing for Film Companion, Baradwaj Rangan said, "Mahanati, despite its numerous failings, cannot be easily dismissed – because it remembers a forgotten era, whose clips are lovingly recreated via scratchy prints and computerised colour".{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=31 May 2018 |title=Southern Lights: Great Actress, Middling Biopic |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/indepth-stories/south/keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-mahanati-baradwaj-rangan-southern-lights-column |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006132012/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/indepth-stories/south/keerthy-suresh-dulquer-salmaan-mahanati-baradwaj-rangan-southern-lights-column |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Film Companion}} Among the overseas reviewers, Mythily Ramachandran in her review for Gulf News wrote that "Suresh completely owns her character and delivers a powerful performance. Dulquer Salmaan as Gemini Ganesan plays the perfect tango. Samantha, Vijay Devarkonda and Rajendra Prasad in supporting roles are brilliant." She also appreciated Meyer's "melodious compositions" and Sanchez-Lopez's frames that "juggle between sepia tones and colour."{{Cite web |title='Nadigaiyar Thilagam' film review: A tribute to Savithri |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/nadigaiyar-thilagam-film-review-a-tribute-to-savithri-1.2222142 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531153304/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/malayalam-actor-unni-dev-jailed-for-abetment-of-wifes-suicide-1.79474599?articleTypeSuffix=Package |archive-date=31 May 2021 |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=gulfnews.com |date=16 May 2018 |language=en}}

Legacy

The first look poster that featured Keerthy as Savitri was parodied in the promotional poster of Tamizh Padam 2 (2018).{{Cite web |date=6 July 2018 |title='Tamizh Padam 2' new poster: CS Amudhan takes a dig at 'Mahanati' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/tamizh-padam-2-new-poster-cs-amudhan-takes-a-dig-at-mahanati/articleshow/64881007.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128092947/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/tamizh-padam-2-new-poster-cs-amudhan-takes-a-dig-at-mahanati/articleshow/64881007.cms |archive-date=28 January 2021 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}} In August 2018, an art series titled The Mahanati Retrospective was showcased at the Telugu Film Chamber, Hyderabad. It was as a tribute to the actress Savitri which portrayed her in various phases of her life. A sum of {{INR|300,000}} was raised from the exhibition and was donated to the victims of 2018 Kerala floods.{{Cite web |date=26 August 2018 |title=Art show offers glimpse into life of actor Savitri |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/art-show-offers-glimpse-into-life-of-actor-savitri/articleshow/65542867.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313042139/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/art-show-offers-glimpse-into-life-of-actor-savitri/articleshow/65542867.cms |archive-date=13 March 2020 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=The Times of India}}

Film Companion listed Mahanati among the "25 Greatest Telugu Films of the Decade" while Keerthy's portrayal of Savitri was featured in their "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade."{{Cite web |last=Varma |first=Sankeertana |title=25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-decades/pages/telugu.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017163531/https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-decades/pages/telugu.html |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=25 May 2018 |website=Film Companion}}{{Cite web |title=100 Greatest Performances of the Decade |url=https://filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html#section1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525130813/https://filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html#section1 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=Film Companion}} Mahanati's success spurred a series of biopics in the Telugu film industry. These include Yatra, NTR film series (Kathanayakudu and Mahanayakudu), and Lakshmi's NTR, which released in 2019.{{Cite news |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |date=22 May 2018 |title=Telugu cinema hops on the biopic bandwagon |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/telugu-filmmakers-are-working-on-a-line-up-of-biopics-from-sports-to-politics-and-history/article23959962.ece |url-status=live |access-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525144053/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/telugu-filmmakers-are-working-on-a-line-up-of-biopics-from-sports-to-politics-and-history/article23959962.ece |archive-date=25 May 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |last=Richi |first=Priyanka |date=21 August 2018 |title=From 'Mahanati' to 'Yatra': Telugu filmmakers speak on the biopic craze in Tollywood |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mahanati-yatra-telugu-filmmakers-speak-biopic-craze-tollywood-86984 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525142920/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mahanati-yatra-telugu-filmmakers-speak-biopic-craze-tollywood-86984 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The News Minute}}

Accolades

At the 66th National Film Awards, Mahanati won three awards, Best Feature Film in Telugu, Best Actress (Keerthy) and Best Costume Design (Rajshree Patnaik, Gaurang Shah and Archana Rao).{{Cite web |date=9 August 2019 |title=66th National Film Awards: Full winners list |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/66th-national-film-awards-list-of-winners-1579143-2019-08-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809130404/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/66th-national-film-awards-list-of-winners-1579143-2019-08-09 |archive-date=9 August 2019 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=India Today}} The film won four Filmfare Awards South (including Best Film – Telugu and Best Actress – Telugu), three South Indian International Movie Awards (including Best Film – Telugu and Best Actress – Telugu), and ten awards at Zee Cine Awards Telugu, among others.{{Cite web |date=21 December 2019 |title=Winners of the 66th Filmfare Awards (South) 2019 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-66th-filmfare-awards-south-2019_-38163.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222020917/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-66th-filmfare-awards-south-2019_-38163.html |archive-date=22 December 2019 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=Filmfare}}{{Cite web |date=17 August 2019 |title=SIIMA 2019 winners full list: Dhanush, Trisha, Prithviraj win big |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/siima-awards-2019-winners-rangasthalam-kgf-yash-keerthy-suresh-tamil-telugu-malayalam-kannada-5909506/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817071054/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/siima-awards-2019-winners-rangasthalam-kgf-yash-keerthy-suresh-tamil-telugu-malayalam-kannada-5909506/ |archive-date=17 August 2019 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=25 January 2019 |title=Tollywood's first and biggest Awards event of the Year on Zee Telugu. |url=https://zeenews.india.com/regional/tollywoods-first-and-biggest-awards-event-of-the-year-on-zee-telugu-2173969.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209204146/https://zeenews.india.com/regional/tollywoods-first-and-biggest-awards-event-of-the-year-on-zee-telugu-2173969.html |archive-date=9 February 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019 |website=Zee News}}

The film has also garnered the Equality in Cinema award at the 2018 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.{{Cite web |last=LMK |date=16 August 2018 |title=Mahanati: 100 glorious days of an undisputed classic! |url=https://www.in.com/entertainment/regional/mahanati-100-glorious-days-of-an-undisputed-classic-184535.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224505/https://www.in.com/entertainment/regional/mahanati-100-glorious-days-of-an-undisputed-classic-184535.htm |archive-date=8 November 2018 |website=In.com}} Mahanati was selected in the Indian Panorama section at the 49th International Film Festival of India and was also screened at the Shanghai International Film Festival.{{Cite web |date=31 October 2018 |title=Padmaavat, Mahanati and Nagarkirtan among others in Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2018 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/padmaavat-mahanati-goa-film-fesival-iffi-2018-5427908/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425111519/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/padmaavat-mahanati-goa-film-fesival-iffi-2018-5427908/ |archive-date=25 April 2019 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=4 May 2019 |title=Mahanati to be screened at Shanghai International Film Festival |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahanati-to-be-screened-at-shanghai-international-film-festival/story-zdCCj0csu7TZylK1CLDbbO.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115132933/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mahanati-to-be-screened-at-shanghai-international-film-festival/story-zdCCj0csu7TZylK1CLDbbO.html |archive-date=15 November 2019 |access-date=8 January 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}