Thalaivii

In 1989, Jayalalithaa (nicknamed Jaya), a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, and the opposition AIADMK party, questions the current chief minister, M. Karunanidhi from the DMK party, about the corruption charges, arrests and eavesdropping levelled against her and her party. She demands his resignation and upholds the preceding Chief Minister, M. G. Ramachandran, as someone who truly served the people. However, the ruling party questions her relationship with MGR, resulting in a brawl after Jaya is slapped. Some MLAs from the ruling party attempt to disrobe Jaya; comparing herself to Draupadi, Jaya pledges she would return to the session only after becoming the Chief Minister. The incident garners widespread media attention and sympathy for Jaya.

In 1965, MGR is at the peak of his film career; producer R M Veerappan fires Saroja Devi and burns all traces of her character from his next film after she shows affection to MGR as Veerappan believes that MGR must stay celibate to preserve the public perception of him as a "god". Jaya, then 16 years old, is pushed by her mother Sandhya, a yesteryear actress, to act in films. Jaya replaces Savitri, but her unenthusiastic attitude manifests itself in haughtiness. Upon realising her mother just wants her to succeed in her career, and after MGR's respect touches her for a crew member who is hurt on set, Jaya takes a softer stand. The film is a success, so MGR and Jaya shoot more films together and grow fonder. Veerappan again tries to ward off Jaya but she uses her wit to make him back off. Still, Jaya is hurt knowing that she's the other woman in the eyes of the public, as MGR is married to Janaki. Jaya repeatedly says she touches her hero thinking of him as she hugs her mother, she considers MGR as a protector like her father, her brother. She realizes she is not respected by a few people close to MGR when MGR is shot in the neck and hospitalized. As MGR recovers, Veerappan hires another actress for MGR's next film and offers a full and final settlement to Jaya to stop her continuous lead pairing with MGR. Jaya tries to discuss this with MGR but he brushes this away, saying it is a matter of one film. To retaliate, Jaya praises MGR's rival Sivaji Ganesan in a press conference and makes a hit film with him while MGR's next film flops. MGR apologizes and gets her to star in more films with him.

MGR enters politics with his friend Karunanidhi and the then CM Annadurai, but his film schedule interferes with his party duties, leading to his ouster. MGR meets Jaya to tell her he has chosen politics over a career in films and leaves with Veerappan. Meanwhile, her mother Sandhya's demise affects Jaya to a great extent. On board a flight, she is seated beside MGR only to know why he couldn't attend her mother's funeral. Jaya says she cannot be the other woman in his life anymore and does not want to meet secretly to have a conversation. After Annadurai's death, MGR wins the election to be the Chief Minister again and created his own political party called ADMK which is renamed AIADMK, while Jaya is offered a film for playing the character of his elder sister in 1981. However, Jaya refuses such offers. Jaya accepts a stage performance at a government event in Madurai, where MGR is the guest. He meets her backstage to discuss their memories. By whistling, he takes a moment to appreciate her performance in private and wants her to join politics. However, she refuses initially because politics is something she dislikes.

Touched by the condition of girls and other children's education in schools, Jaya highlights the midday meal services under MGR's name by serving him the unhygienic food at his office. MGR inspects the mid-day meal service, changing it into a more healthier and hygienic one. He advises Jaya to take up the mid-day meal service program for the state to which she agrees and forays into politics. She is fondly called "Amma" by locals. She markets the food scheme door to door and continues to partner with MGR, politically. Jaya also takes up the portfolio of education. Meanwhile, elections are around the corner, a valuable from the Thiruchendur temple is stolen, and a saint is killed. The opposition takes advantage of the situation and says the current political party has "no man left" as they are under Jaya's influence in the party. In a political address to clear the air, stones are pelted at her. To stop the pelting, she speaks in opposition of MGR. However, she successfully changes the opinion of the crowd, pointing out and is assigned the job of the party's propaganda secretary, and ends up winning in that district. Now an MP she is sent to New Delhi to meet the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, but is blatantly barred from doing so.

In a Rajya Sabha session, LK Advani requests the speaker to let Jaya speak about South India's situation. Boldly speaking on the disregard of South India and the issue of splitting power generated from the Kalpakkam electricity project, an impressed Gandhi allows her in. Jaya created a controversial alliance with the Congress that was heard by MGR through the news. Seen as a betrayal, Jaya is expelled from the position of secretary by Veerappan while MGR is flown to the United States for treatment, leading to a dire situation. Veerappan finds out that Indira Gandhi has been shot dead. However, Rajiv Gandhi calls up Veerappan to let Jaya campaign for the party during MGR's absence. The campaigning saves the party and it continues to stay in force. On his return from the USA, MGR and Rajiv Gandhi discuss how Jaya kept the spirit alive. Impressed again, MGR plans to meet Jaya for dinner, prepared at her home in 1987. Jaya awaits MGR that night only to learn in the wee hours that he is no more. During MGR's funeral, Jaya stands behind MGR's coffin and keeps vigil on him, while she is pushed and pinched by supporters of Janaki. Jaya is also angrily pushed out of the funeral procession. Post MGR's demise, Veerappan wants MGR's wife Janaki to take up MGR's position but Janaki accepts her defeat and steps back from politics, saying Jaya has done more for the public. This results in the AIADMK party splitting into two factions, one supporting Janaki and the other supporting Jaya, making it more unstable. Thus, Karunanidhi from the rival DMK party becomes the new chief minister.

Back in 1989, after the infamous assault on Jaya, Veerappan apologises to Jaya for the harm he had done to her from the start and becomes her aide. Later, in 1990, a lorry runs into Jaya's car as part of a plot against her and her assistant Sasikala. Despite her injuries and the party's situation, she manages to campaign during the day and night. In Thanjavur, Sasikala passes a note to Jaya during her campaign, only to know of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. After campaigning, her party wins nearly every seat. Finally, she enters the legislature again as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and gets the respect she deserves. She then uses her power to bring all the male members of her party under her leadership.

{{Cast listing|

• Kangana Ranaut as J. Jayalalithaa (Jaya) / Amma aka Ammu
• Arvind Swamy as M. J. Ramachandran aka M. J. R. (based on M. G. Ramachandran)
• Nassar as M. Karuna (based on M. Karunanidhi)
• Raj Arjun as R. N. Veerappan aka R. N. V. (based on R. M. Veerappan; Hindi version)
• Samuthirakani as R. N. Veerappan aka R. N. V. (based on R. M. Veerappan; Tamil version)
• Bharathi Kannan as C.N. Annadurai{{cite news |title=பேரறிஞர் அண்ணாவாக டைரக்டர் பாரதி கண்ணன்! |url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/Cinema/CinemaThuligal/2020/03/17193825/Director-Bharathi-Kannan-as-the-perarignar-anna.vpf |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=Daily Thanthi |date=17 March 2020 |language=ta |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516124610/https://www.dailythanthi.com/Cinema/CinemaThuligal/2020/03/17193825/Director-Bharathi-Kannan-as-the-perarignar-anna.vpf |url-status=live }}
• Bhagyashree as Jayaram Sandhya, Jaya's mother
• Madhoo as V. N. Janaki Ramachandran, M. J. R.'s wife
• Radha Ravi as M. R. Radha
• Thambi Ramaiah as Madhavan
• Poorna as Sasikala (based on V. K. Sasikala){{cite news |title=Poorna joins Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi: It's truly a wonderful opportunity |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/poorna-joins-kangana-ranaut-s-thalaivi-it-s-truly-a-wonderful-opportunity-1649187-2020-02-23 |access-date=24 February 2020 |work=India Today |date=23 February 2020 |language=en |archive-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830100139/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/poorna-joins-kangana-ranaut-s-thalaivi-it-s-truly-a-wonderful-opportunity-1649187-2020-02-23 |url-status=live }}
• A. R. Manikandan as Moorthy, R. N. V.'s manager
• Bharath Reddy as AIADMK Party-worker{{Cite web|url = https://telanganatoday.com/say-hi-to-millets-marvels|title = Say hi to millets marvels|date = 28 November 2020|access-date = 27 March 2021|archive-date = 28 November 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201128145017/https://telanganatoday.com/say-hi-to-millets-marvels|url-status = live}}
• Vidya Pradeep as an Actress{{cite news |last1=Subramanian |first1=Anupama |title=Arvind Swami was my first crush: Vidya Pradeep |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/220120/arvind-swami-was-my-first-crush-vidya-pradeep.html |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=22 January 2020 |language=en |archive-date=20 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620220244/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/220120/arvind-swami-was-my-first-crush-vidya-pradeep.html |url-status=live }}
• Flora Jacob as Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India{{Cite news|date=5 August 2021|title=Playing Indira Gandhi|work=The Asian Age|url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-asian-age/20210805/282067689984311|access-date=7 August 2021|archive-date=7 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807015919/https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-asian-age/20210805/282067689984311|url-status=live}}
• Rajiv Kumar as Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister of India
• Rajiv Kumar Aneja as L. K. Advani, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha
• Shanmugarajan as Valampuri John
• Virral Patel as Kannappan
• Jayakumar as Durai Murugan / Vaiko (played both as MLA and Rajya Sabha MP as one role whereas both of them are two different people in reality)
• Nitya Shetty as a Trainee Doctor
• Regina Cassandra as Saroja Devi (cameo appearance)
• Phanindra Gollapalli as Congress MP in Rajya Sabha

}}

Vishnu Vardhan Induri decided to make a film based on the life of AIADMK's former general secretary J. Jayalalithaa, who served six times as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for more than fourteen years between 1991 and 2016. Producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri approached A. L. Vijay in early 2018, to direct the film.{{Cite news|title=Vidya Balan to play Jayalalithaa in her biopic?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vidya-balan-to-play-jayalalithaa-in-her-biopic/articleshow/65435826.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=17 August 2018|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vidya-balan-to-play-jayalalithaa-in-her-biopic/articleshow/65435826.cms|url-status=live}} Vijay and Vishnu researched extensively for eight months to come up with the story. To make the writing more effective, Vishnu brought in V. Vijayendra Prasad for the script who further developed the script.{{Cite news|title=Thalaivi will be the official biopic of Jaya amma: Vijay|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivi-will-be-the-official-biopic-of-jaya-amma-al-vijay/articleshow/68136899.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=24 February 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919071856/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivi-will-be-the-official-biopic-of-jaya-amma-al-vijay/articleshow/68136899.cms|url-status=live}}

{{Blockquote|text=The film will focus on the journey of a woman who has been successful in a male-dominated world. The most beautiful thing about her is that she has a powerful mind and is very strong willed; she is an inspiration for many. There will be honesty in the biopic, not drama.|source=A. L. Vijay, on directing Thalaivi in an interview with The Times of India.}}

In August 2018, Vidya Balan was reported to play the lead character when the film initially came to news. However, when the project was launched on 24 February 2019 (Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary), under the title Thalaivii, the makers had approached Kangana Ranaut to play Jayalalithaa's role, as Vijay stated that her role will be apt for the film.{{Cite news|title=Kangna is apt for the role of Jayalalithaa: Vijay|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangna-is-apt-for-the-role-of-jayalalithaa-vijay/articleshow/68886001.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=15 April 2019|language=en|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002140240/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangna-is-apt-for-the-role-of-jayalalithaa-vijay/articleshow/68886001.cms|url-status=live}} Ranaut officially confirmed her part in March 2019,{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut to play Jayalalithaa in her biopic|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranaut-to-play-jayalalithaa-in-her-biopic/articleshow/68532925.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=23 March 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070344/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranaut-to-play-jayalalithaa-in-her-biopic/articleshow/68532925.cms|url-status=live}} with the shooting being supposed to held in July 2019.{{Cite news|title=Jayalalithaa's biopic 'Thalaivi' starring Kangana Ranaut to go on floors by July this year|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jayalalithaas-biopic-thalaivi-starring-kangana-ranaut-to-go-on-floors-by-july/articleshow/68599691.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=27 March 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jayalalithaas-biopic-thalaivi-starring-kangana-ranaut-to-go-on-floors-by-july/articleshow/68599691.cms|url-status=live}}

As per Kangana, there will be two parts of the film. The first part focuses on life of Jayalalilthaa from 16 to 40. There will be a second film, where her life from 41 to her death in 2016 will get covered.{{Cite web|url = https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-reveals-jayalalithaa-biopic-thalaivi-will-be-made-in-two-parts-first-will-focus-on-her-life-before-politics-7512811.html|title = Kangana Ranaut reveals Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi will be made in two parts: First will focus on her life before politics|date = 17 October 2019|access-date = 9 September 2021|archive-date = 9 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210909083918/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-reveals-jayalalithaa-biopic-thalaivi-will-be-made-in-two-parts-first-will-focus-on-her-life-before-politics-7512811.html|url-status = live}} In November 2019, it was revealed that the biopic will be shot simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.{{Cite news|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-and-kangana-ranaut-start-shooting-for-thalaivi/articleshow/72007907.cms|title = Vijay and Kangana Ranaut start shooting for Thalaivi|website = The Times of India|date = 11 November 2019|access-date = 27 March 2021|archive-date = 21 February 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210221222929/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-and-kangana-ranaut-start-shooting-for-thalaivi/articleshow/72007907.cms|url-status = live}} However, the Telugu version was dropped in favor of a dubbed release.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/seetimaarr-thalaivii-laabam-10-movies-set-to-release-on-september-10/photostory/86001801.cms |title='Seetimaarr', 'Thalaivii', 'Laabam': 10 movies set to release on September 10 |website=The Times of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907095052/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/seetimaarr-thalaivii-laabam-10-movies-set-to-release-on-september-10/photostory/86001801.cms |archive-date=2021-09-07}}

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Ranaut started preparing for her role in May 2019.{{Cite news|title=Jayalalithaa biopic 'Thalaivi' producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri heaps praise on Kangana Ranaut|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jayalalithaa-biopic-thalaivi-producer-vishnu-vardhan-induri-heaps-praise-on-kangana-ranaut/articleshow/69556478.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=29 May 2019|language=en|archive-date=10 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110190119/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jayalalithaa-biopic-thalaivi-producer-vishnu-vardhan-induri-heaps-praise-on-kangana-ranaut/articleshow/69556478.cms|url-status=live}} In September 2019, prosthetic specialist Jason Collins, who worked on Captain Marvel (2019), was hired to design Ranaut's looks and it has been reported that she will sport four looks in the film.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut to sport four looks in Thalaivi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranaut-to-sport-four-looks-in-thalaivi/articleshow/71093218.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=12 September 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranaut-to-sport-four-looks-in-thalaivi/articleshow/71093218.cms|url-status=live}} Both Ranaut and Vijay headed to Los Angeles to undergo the prosthetic sessions.{{Cite news|title=Vijay, Kangana to fly to LA to work on her four looks for Jayalalithaa's biopic|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-kangana-to-fly-to-la-to-work-on-her-four-looks-for-jayalalithaas-biopic/articleshow/71098214.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=13 September 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070342/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-kangana-to-fly-to-la-to-work-on-her-four-looks-for-jayalalithaas-biopic/articleshow/71098214.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Photos: Kangana Ranaut goes through prosthetic measurements, preps for 'Thalaivi'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/photos-kangana-ranaut-goes-through-prosthetic-measurements-preps-for-thalaivi/articleshow/71212234.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=20 September 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070338/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/photos-kangana-ranaut-goes-through-prosthetic-measurements-preps-for-thalaivi/articleshow/71212234.cms|url-status=live}} Ranaut also trained under dance master Gayathri Raghuram to choreograph Bharatanatyam sequences for this film so as to suit for the character.{{Cite news|title=Kangana to learn Bharatanatyam for Jayalalithaa biopic|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-to-learn-bharatanatyam-for-jayalalithaa-biopic/articleshow/71219677.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=21 September 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070350/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-to-learn-bharatanatyam-for-jayalalithaa-biopic/articleshow/71219677.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Prep mode on! Kangana Ranaut practices Bharatnatyam for Jayalalithaa's Biopic 'Thalaivi'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/prep-mode-on-kangana-ranaut-practices-bharatnatyam-for-jayalalithaas-biopic-thalaivi/articleshow/71453398.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=5 October 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070337/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/prep-mode-on-kangana-ranaut-practices-bharatnatyam-for-jayalalithaas-biopic-thalaivi/articleshow/71453398.cms|url-status=live}} The second round of look tests were held during October, which led Ranaut to spend nearly two months for the preparation of her role.{{Cite news|title=Photo: Kangana Ranaut begins a second round of look tests for 'Thalaivi'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/photo-kangana-ranaut-begins-a-second-round-of-look-tests-for-thalaivi/articleshow/71743657.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=24 October 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919071854/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/photo-kangana-ranaut-begins-a-second-round-of-look-tests-for-thalaivi/articleshow/71743657.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut's last minute prep for 'Thalaivi' will remind you of nights before exams!|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranauts-last-minute-prep-for-thalaivi-will-remind-you-of-nights-before-exams/articleshow/71843978.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=31 October 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919071851/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranauts-last-minute-prep-for-thalaivi-will-remind-you-of-nights-before-exams/articleshow/71843978.cms|url-status=live}} She also gained 20 kilos for her role in the film.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut puts on 20 kilos for Thalaivi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranaut-puts-on-20-kilos-for-thalaivi/articleshow/74487146.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=6 March 2020|language=en|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004061126/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranaut-puts-on-20-kilos-for-thalaivi/articleshow/74487146.cms|url-status=live}}

In October 2019, Arvind Swami was roped in to play the role of M. G. Ramachandran.{{Cite news|title='Thalaivi': Arvind Swami to play MGR in Jayalalithaa's biopic starring Kangana Ranaut|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/thalaivi-arvind-swami-to-play-mgr-in-jayalalithaas-biopic-starring-kangana-ranaut/articleshow/71436305.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=4 October 2019|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070352/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/thalaivi-arvind-swami-to-play-mgr-in-jayalalithaas-biopic-starring-kangana-ranaut/articleshow/71436305.cms|url-status=live}} The very same month, the makers approached Prakash Raj to play the role of DMK politician M. Karunanidhi, although he donned a similar character inspiring the politician in the 1997 film Iruvar.{{Cite news|title=Kannada actor Prakash Raj to play CM Karunanidhi in 'Thalaivi'?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kannada-actor-prakash-raj-to-play-cm-karunanidhi-in-thalaivi/articleshow/71818175.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=30 October 2019|language=en|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910184223/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kannada-actor-prakash-raj-to-play-cm-karunanidhi-in-thalaivi/articleshow/71818175.cms|url-status=live}} Vijay Deverakonda was reported to play the role of Sobhan Babu, Jayalalithaa's close aide,{{Cite news|title=Vijay Deverakonda roped in to play Jayalalithaa's close friend in 'Thalaivi'?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/vijay-deverakonda-roped-in-to-play-jayalalithaas-close-friend-in-thalaivi/articleshow/72403249.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=6 December 2019|language=en|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824161912/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/vijay-deverakonda-roped-in-to-play-jayalalithaas-close-friend-in-thalaivi/articleshow/72403249.cms|url-status=live}} before Jisshu Sengupta was finalised; however, this role was later dropped.{{Cite news|title=Bengali actor plays Shoban Babu in Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bengali-actor-plays-shobhan-babu-in-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi/articleshow/74190587.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=18 February 2020|language=en|archive-date=14 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114231041/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bengali-actor-plays-shobhan-babu-in-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi/articleshow/74190587.cms|url-status=live}} Similarly, Priyamani was approached to play V. K. Sasikala,{{Cite news|title=Priyamani to play Sasikala in Kangana Ranaut's 'Thalaivi'?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/priyamani-to-play-sasikala-in-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi/articleshow/72380341.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=5 December 2019|language=en|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910185727/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/priyamani-to-play-sasikala-in-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi/articleshow/72380341.cms|url-status=live}} but, she could not allot dates for the film and the role went to Poorna; Madhoo essayed the role of V. N. Janaki.{{Cite news|title=Poorna plays Sasikala; Madhoo is Janaki in Jayalalithaa biopic|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/poorna-plays-sasikala-madhoo-is-janaki-in-jayalalithaa-biopic/articleshow/74267304.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=24 February 2020|language=en|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118062734/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/poorna-plays-sasikala-madhoo-is-janaki-in-jayalalithaa-biopic/articleshow/74267304.cms|url-status=live}}

Principal shooting began in Mysore on 10 November 2019.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut starrer Jayalalitha biopic titled 'Thalaivi' starts rolling|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jayalalitha-biopic-titled-thalaivi-starring-kangana-ranaut-starts-rolling/articleshow/71995278.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=10 November 2019|language=en|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430102335/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jayalalitha-biopic-titled-thalaivi-starring-kangana-ranaut-starts-rolling/articleshow/71995278.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Vijay and Kangana Ranaut start shooting for Thalaivi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-and-kangana-ranaut-start-shooting-for-thalaivi/articleshow/72007907.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=11 November 2019|language=en|archive-date=21 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221222929/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-and-kangana-ranaut-start-shooting-for-thalaivi/articleshow/72007907.cms|url-status=live}} A huge set for a song sequence was erected at a studio in Chennai, and began filming on 1 February 2020, featuring Ranaut in a Bharatanatyam attire.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut: To become Amma is an interesting, but a difficult arc to achieve|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/to-become-amma-is-an-interesting-arc-but-a-difficult-arc-to-achieve-kangana-ranaut/articleshow/73850519.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=February 2020|language=en|archive-date=11 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311085502/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/to-become-amma-is-an-interesting-arc-but-a-difficult-arc-to-achieve-kangana-ranaut/articleshow/73850519.cms|url-status=live}} During the song shoot Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, whom Ranaut worked in Panga (2020) made a visit to the sets.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut's surprise guest on Thalaivi set|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranauts-surprise-guest-on-thalaivi-set/articleshow/73848218.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=February 2020|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919071858/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranauts-surprise-guest-on-thalaivi-set/articleshow/73848218.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Shoot at Site: The making of Thalaivi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shoot-at-site-the-making-of-thalaivi/articleshow/73962866.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=4 March 2020|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070344/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shoot-at-site-the-making-of-thalaivi/articleshow/73962866.cms|url-status=live}} Production was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with major portions being filmed, Ranaut stated not to resume shoot as the climax scene requires more than 3000 extras and is to be made on a large scale.{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-not-resume-shoot-soon-climax-scene-requires-300-extras/|title=Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi to not resume shoot soon as climax scene requires over 3000 extras|work=Bollywood Hungama|date=6 June 2020|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629080240/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-not-resume-shoot-soon-climax-scene-requires-300-extras/|url-status=live}} After multiple delays, the makers filmed the climax scene in mid-November 2020, with production being completed in December 2020.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi shoot has been completed|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-shoot-has-been-completed/articleshow/79697042.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|date=12 December 2020|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219103134/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-shoot-has-been-completed/articleshow/79697042.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut announces the wrap of 'Thalaivi' with 'mixed feelings'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranaut-announces-the-wrap-of-thalaivi-with-mixed-feelings/articleshow/79702651.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112032234/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranaut-announces-the-wrap-of-thalaivi-with-mixed-feelings/articleshow/79702651.cms|url-status=live}}

{{Infobox album

| name = Thalaivii

| type = soundtrack

| artist = G. V. Prakash Kumar

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 10 September 2021 (All languages){{cite web|url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thalaivii-tamil/R4YaxmJFUb0_|title=Thalaivii (Tamil) - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|date=10 September 2021|publisher=Jio Saavn|access-date=11 September 2021|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024165550/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thalaivii-tamil/R4YaxmJFUb0_|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thalaivii/M07BUhnzTWY_|title=Thalaivii (Hindi) - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|date=10 September 2021|publisher=Jio Saavn|access-date=11 September 2021|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024170617/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thalaivii/M07BUhnzTWY_|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thalaivii-telugu/9jKoOXGSawk_|title=Thalaivii (Telugu) - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|date=10 September 2021|publisher=Jio Saavn|access-date=11 September 2021|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927185254/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thalaivii-telugu/9jKoOXGSawk_|url-status=live}}

| recorded = 2020

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length = 25:35 (All languages)

| language = Tamil
Hindi

| label = Lahari Music
T-Series

| misc =

| prev_title = Vanakkam Da Mappilei

| prev_year = 2021

| next_title = Bachelor

| next_year = 2021

}}

The music for the film is composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar and lyrics written by Madhan Karky (Tamil version) and Irshad Kamil (Hindi version) and Sira Sri, Bhaskarabhatla, Ramajogayya Sastry, Krishna Chaitanya and Kalyana Chakravarthy (Telugu dubbed version). The music rights are acquired by Lahari Music and T-Series.{{cite news|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/bollywood/thalaivi-makers-drop-first-look-of-song-chali-chali-track-releases-on-april-220210331211458/|title='Thalaivi' makers drop first look of song 'Chali Chali', track releases on April 2|access-date=31 March 2021|agency=Asian News International|date=31 March 2021|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331162315/https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/bollywood/thalaivi-makers-drop-first-look-of-song-chali-chali-track-releases-on-april-220210331211458/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmv7p7bxsYk |title=Full Album: Thalaivii (Tamil) - Kangana Ranaut, Arvind Swamy, Nassar, G.V. Prakash Kumar - Audio Jukebox |publisher=YouTube |date=10 September 2021 |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913142337/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmv7p7bxsYk |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzVHaXPq2a8 |title=Full Album: Thalaivii (Tamil) - Kangana Ranaut, Arvind Swamy, Nassar, G.V. Prakash Kumar - Audio Jukebox |publisher=YouTube |date=10 September 2021 |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913142340/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzVHaXPq2a8 |url-status=live }}

{{Track listing

| headline = Tamil

| total_length = 25:35

| all_lyrics= Madhan Karky

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Mazhai Mazhai

| extra1 = Saindhavi Prakash

| length1 = 3:22

| title2 = Unthan Kangalil Ennadiyo

| extra2 = Nakul Abhyankar, Niranjana Ramanan

| length2 = 3:28

| title3 = Kannum Kannum Pesa Pesa

| extra3 = Saindhavi Prakash

| length3 = 4:00

| title4 = Unakaana Ulagam

| extra4 = K. S. Harisankar, Ananya Bhat

| length4 = 5:03

| title5 = Vaa Thalaivii

| extra5 = Nakul Abhyankar

| length5 = 5:48

| title6 = Tugalai Tugalai

| extra6 = G. V. Prakash Kumar

| length6 = 3:54

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Hindi

| total_length = 25:35

| all_lyrics= Irshad Kamil

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Chali Chali

| extra1 = Saindhavi Prakash

| length1 = 3:22

| title2 = Teri Aankhon Mein

| extra2 = Armaan Malik, Prajakta Shukre

| length2 = 3:28

| title3 = Nain Bandhe Naino Se

| extra3 = Saindhavi Prakash

| length3 = 4:00

| title4 = Hai Kamaal

| extra4 = Shankar Mahadevan, Parul Mishra

| length4 = 5:03

| title5 = Aa Thalaivii

| extra5 = Amit Mishra

| length5 = 5:48

| title6 = Tukuda Tukuda

| extra6 = G. V. Prakash Kumar

| length6 = 3:54

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Telugu (dubbed)

| total_length = 25:35

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Ilaa Ilaa

| extra1 = Saindhavi Prakash

| lyrics1 = Sira Sri

| length1 = 3:22

| title2 = Nee Kannullo Emunnado

| extra2 = Nakul Abhyankar, Niranjana Ramanan

| lyrics2 = Bhaskarabhatla

| length2 = 3:28

| title3 = Nandhalala

| extra3 = Saindhavi Prakash

| lyrics3 = Ramajogayya Sastry

| length3 = 4:00

| title4 = Kumari Idhi Nee Daari

| extra4 = Anurag Kulkarni, Ananya Bhat

| lyrics4 = Ramajogayya Sastry

| length4 = 5:03

| title5 = Ra ThalaiviI

| extra5 = Anurag Kulkarni

| lyrics5 = Krishna Chaitanya

| length5 = 5:48

| title6 = Visirey Visirey

| extra6 = Nakul Abhyankar

| lyrics6 = Kalyana Chakravarthy

| length6 = 3:54

}}

The first look and teaser released on 23 November 2019,{{Cite news|title=Watch 'Thalaivi' teaser: Kangana Ranaut impresses with her first look as late Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa in upcoming biopic|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/watch-thalaivi-teaser-kangana-ranaut-impresses-in-her-first-look-as-late-tamil-nadu-cm-j-jayalalithaa-in-upcoming-biopic/articleshow/72197852.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618033225/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/watch-thalaivi-teaser-kangana-ranaut-impresses-in-her-first-look-as-late-tamil-nadu-cm-j-jayalalithaa-in-upcoming-biopic/articleshow/72197852.cms|url-status=live}} received positive response praising Ranaut's transformation.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut's transformation as late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa in 'Thalaivi' teaser leaves fans impressed|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranauts-transformation-as-late-tamil-nadu-cm-jayalalithaa-in-thalaivi-teaser-leaves-fans-impressed/articleshow/72198734.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranauts-transformation-as-late-tamil-nadu-cm-jayalalithaa-in-thalaivi-teaser-leaves-fans-impressed/articleshow/72198734.cms|url-status=live}} However, a section of audience expressed disappointment over the "terrible" prosthetics and initiated a troll fest through Twitter.{{Cite news|title=The thalaivi who got trolled mercilessly|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/the-thalaivi-who-got-trolled-mercilessly/articleshow/72236895.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210824/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/the-thalaivi-who-got-trolled-mercilessly/articleshow/72236895.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut's 'Thalaivi' first look starts a meme fest on social media|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-first-look-starts-a-meme-fest-on-social-media/articleshow/72211897.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919070340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-first-look-starts-a-meme-fest-on-social-media/articleshow/72211897.cms|url-status=live}} Some netizens claimed that any other actor should have done better in place of Ranaut and further upset that she could end up "tarnishing Jayalalithaa's image through this film".{{Cite web|title='Kamal Haasan could have been a better choice': Netizens cannot stop trolling Kangana Ranaut on 'Thalaivi' first look {{!}} Latest News & Updates at DNAIndia.com|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/photo-gallery-kamal-haasan-could-have-been-a-better-choice-netizens-cannot-stop-trolling-kangana-ranaut-on-thalaivi-first-look-2803104|access-date=27 March 2021|website=DNA India|language=en|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910190417/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/photo-gallery-kamal-haasan-could-have-been-a-better-choice-netizens-cannot-stop-trolling-kangana-ranaut-on-thalaivi-first-look-2803104|url-status=live}} However, Ranaut's sister Rangoli Chandel defended the actress, saying that "those who got eyes can see the fantastic work done by the prosthetic team".{{Cite news|title=Sister Rangoli Chandel defends Kangana Ranaut's Jayalalithaa look against trollers|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sister-rangoli-chandel-defends-kangana-ranauts-jayalalithaa-look-against-trollers/articleshow/72229387.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910184916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sister-rangoli-chandel-defends-kangana-ranauts-jayalalithaa-look-against-trollers/articleshow/72229387.cms|url-status=live}}

The film was initially scheduled for a theatrical release on 26 June 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/thalaivi-first-look-kangana-ranaut-transforms-late-jayalalithaa-film-release-june-26-2020/|title=Thalaivi First Look: Kangana Ranaut transforms herself into late Jayalalithaa, film to release on June 26, 2020|work=Bollywood Hungama|date=23 November 2019|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205155947/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/thalaivi-first-look-kangana-ranaut-transforms-late-jayalalithaa-film-release-june-26-2020/|url-status=live}} but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India. In June 2020, the team announced that the film will have a theatrical release and may not have a direct OTT release.{{Cite news|title='Thalaivi' will not directly release on OTT platforms, says Kanagana Ranaut|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivi-will-not-directly-release-on-ott-platforms-says-kanagana-ranaut/articleshow/76209688.cms|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824162004/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|url-status=live}} The film was then scheduled for release theatrically on 23 April 2021 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages. As of April 2021, the release date of film was indefinitely delayed due to rise in COVID-19 cases and lockdown in Maharashtra. It was later rescheduled to release on 10 September 2021, with the new title Thalaivii.{{Cite news|title=Kangana Ranaut starrer 'Thalaivii' to now release in theatres on September 10|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranaut-starrer-thalaivii-to-now-release-in-theatres-on-september-10-see-new-poster/articleshow/85559998.cms|access-date=23 August 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=23 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823110230/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kangana-ranaut-starrer-thalaivii-to-now-release-in-theatres-on-september-10-see-new-poster/articleshow/85559998.cms|url-status=live}} The film will be available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video simultaneously, four weeks after its theatrical release.{{Cite web |title= Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi set to release on two OTT platforms |date= 2 September 2021 |url= https://www.bollywoodlife.com/web-series/breaking-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-set-to-release-on-two-ott-platforms-netflix-amazon-prime-on-this-date-sold-for-this-huge-amount-1906419/ |language= en |access-date= 5 September 2021 |archive-date= 5 September 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210905002904/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/web-series/breaking-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-set-to-release-on-two-ott-platforms-netflix-amazon-prime-on-this-date-sold-for-this-huge-amount-1906419/ |url-status= live }}

The makers of Thalaivii announced a two-week window for the Hindi version and a four-week window for Tamil and Telugu versions of the film before its release in the OTT services. Multiplex chains PVR Cinemas and INOX have expressed their disapproval over this policy and appealed for a uniform four-week window across all the language versions.{{Cite web|date=7 September 2021|title=Explained: The tiff between multiplex chains and Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/explained-the-tiff-between-multiplex-chains-and-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-9942831.html|website=Firstpost|access-date=7 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907123319/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/explained-the-tiff-between-multiplex-chains-and-kangana-ranauts-thalaivi-9942831.html|url-status=live}} Ranaut responded they could a find a solution with the talks so that "the Hindi version can also find love and appreciation on the big screen."{{Cite web|date=5 September 2021|title=PVR is 'disappointed' after Kangana Ranaut demands 2-week theatrical window for Thalaivii's release, she reacts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/pvr-is-disappointed-after-kangana-ranaut-demands-2-week-theatrical-window-for-thalaivii-s-release-she-reacts-101630814989352.html|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=7 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907123319/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/pvr-is-disappointed-after-kangana-ranaut-demands-2-week-theatrical-window-for-thalaivii-s-release-she-reacts-101630814989352.html|url-status=live}}

Thalaivii after limited and single screen theatrical release in India, It was released on Netflix (Hindi) 2 weeks later and on Amazon Prime Video (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) 4 weeks later with respect to the deals made by producers with OTT platforms. The Hindi version of the film had its world television premiere on Zee Cinema on Christmas Day, 25 December 2021.{{Cite news|date=25 December 2021|title=Zee Cinema to premiere Kangana Ranaut's 'Thalaivii'|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/zee-cinema-to-premiere-kangana-ranaut-s-thalaivii-11640405780646.html|access-date=27 December 2021|website=Mint|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824161946/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/zee-cinema-to-premiere-kangana-ranaut-s-thalaivii/amp-11640405780646.html|url-status=live}} The film was anonymously dubbed in Bengali as Thalaivii Netri and was released on YouTube.

Made with a budget of {{INR|100 crore}} , the film earned {{INR|4.75 crore}} in its first week at the box office.{{cite news |title='Thalaivii' box office collection: Kangana Ranaut starrer biopic earns 4.75 crore in its first weekend |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/thalaivii-box-office-collection-kangana-ranaut-starrer-biopic-earns-4-75-crore-in-its-first-weekend/articleshow/86162839.cms |access-date=15 September 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914050313/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/thalaivii-box-office-collection-kangana-ranaut-starrer-biopic-earns-4-75-crore-in-its-first-weekend/articleshow/86162839.cms |url-status=live }}

The Indian Express reported that the movie had a dismal opening. The Hindi version earned ₹20 lakhs on Day 1, while it earned ₹80 lakhs in Tamil Nadu. Total Day 1 collection was reported to be ₹1.25 crore.{{cite news |title=Thalaivii box office collection day 1: Kangana Ranaut film off to a dismal start |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/box-office-collection/thalaivii-box-office-collection-day-1-kangana-ranaut-7502748/ |access-date=15 January 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=12 September 2021 |language=en |archive-date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215230355/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/box-office-collection/thalaivii-box-office-collection-day-1-kangana-ranaut-7502748/ |url-status=live }}

The film was a box office failure.{{cite web | last=Das | first=Bornika | title=Dhaakad is Kangana's 9th flop in a row, here are 8 previous that bombed at BO | website=NewsroomPost | date=2022-05-23 | url=https://newsroompost.com/entertainment/dhaakad-is-kanganas-9th-flop-in-a-row-here-are-8-previous-that-bombed-at-bo/5103125.html | access-date=2023-03-11 | archive-date=11 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311184130/https://newsroompost.com/entertainment/dhaakad-is-kanganas-9th-flop-in-a-row-here-are-8-previous-that-bombed-at-bo/5103125.html | url-status=live }}

Upon release, Thalaivii was met with mixed reviews from film critics; Ranaut and Swamy's performance was praised but the screenplay of the film drew criticism.{{Cite news|date=24 February 2022|title=Iruvar to Thalaivii: Has Jayalalithaa Been Depicted With Authenticity by Cinema?|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/indian-cinema/iruvar-thalaivii-queen-kangana-ranaut-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-j-jayalalithaa-films-politics|access-date=11 March 2023|website=thequint.com|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311184133/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/indian-cinema/iruvar-thalaivii-queen-kangana-ranaut-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-j-jayalalithaa-films-politics|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=11 September 2021|title=Fans Want Kangana To Win National Award For 'Thalaivii' But Critics Have A Mixed Opinion|url=https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/bollywood/93332-fans-want-kangana-ranaut-to-win-national-award-for-thalaivii.html|access-date=22 September 2021|website=www.mensxp.com|language=en-IN|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929153856/https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/bollywood/93332-fans-want-kangana-ranaut-to-win-national-award-for-thalaivii.html|url-status=live}} Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 20% of 10 critic reviews were positive, with an average rating of 4.7/10.{{Citation|title=Thalaivii|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thalaivii|language=en|access-date=23 May 2022|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223084849/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thalaivii|url-status=live}}

Bollywood Hungama critics rounded the review with a score of 3.5 on 5, calling the film overall a well-made and well-written political saga that is embellished with yet another award-winning performance by Kangana Ranaut.{{Cite web|last=Hungama|first=Bollywood|title=Thalaivii Movie Review|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=10 September 2021|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/thalaivi/critic-review/thalaivi-movie-review/kangana-ranaut-starrer-thalaivii-is-a-well-made-and-well-written-political-saga-that-is-embellished-with-yet-another-award-winning-performance-by-kangana-ranaut/|access-date=22 September 2021|language=en|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925222445/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/thalaivi/critic-review/thalaivi-movie-review/kangana-ranaut-starrer-thalaivii-is-a-well-made-and-well-written-political-saga-that-is-embellished-with-yet-another-award-winning-performance-by-kangana-ranaut/|url-status=live}} Also, Critic based at The Times of India, Renuka Vyawahare said: "Kangana & Arvind Swamy pay a resounding ode to Jaya-MGR’s poignant love story".{{Citation|title=Thalaivii Movie Review : Kangana & Arvind Swamy pay a resounding ode to Jaya-MGR's poignant love story |newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/thalaivii/movie-review/86019342.cms|access-date=22 September 2021|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824162005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etmoviedetailshowtimes.cms?movieid=85828436&detailid=85828436&city_name=Mumbai&city_id=2|url-status=live}} She awarded the film 3.5/5 score. However, she added: "The political aspect feels talky, half baked and one-sided." In her review for The Indian Express, Shubhra Gupta wrote, "For a film that revolves around Kangana Ranaut as J Jayalalithaa, it does give others their due: Arvind Swamy as MGR, Bhagyashree as Jaya’s mother and Nassar as Karunanidhi." She awarded the film 3 stars on 5.{{Cite web|date=11 September 2021|title=Thalaivii review: Kangana Ranaut aces Jayalalithaa's look, and the film|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thalaivii-movie-review-kangana-ranaut-j-jayalalithaa-biopic-7500894/|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917035141/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thalaivii-movie-review-kangana-ranaut-j-jayalalithaa-biopic-7500894/|url-status=live}}

Unmesh Panwani of Koimoi rated the film 2.5 on 5, adding. "All said and done, Thalaivii has a lot of good things going in its favour but it remains half-baked only for the reason of ‘what it could’ve been?"{{Cite web|date=8 September 2021|title=Thalaivii Movie Review: It's A One Kan(gana) Show... Literally!|url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-movies/movie-reviews/thalaivii-movie-review-its-a-one-kangana-show-literally/|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Koimoi|language=en-US|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922201551/https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-movies/movie-reviews/thalaivii-movie-review-its-a-one-kangana-show-literally/|url-status=live}} Saibal Chatterjee in his review for NDTV called the film botched by massive missteps, the film as Amma (Mother) of all misfires. However, he praised a few of the performances, especially Arvind Swami, who "absolutely nails the MGR impersonation." He gave the film 2 out of 5 score.{{Cite web|title=Thalaivi Review: Botched By Massive Missteps, Film Is Amma Of All Misfires|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/thalaivi-review-botched-by-massive-missteps-film-is-amma-of-all-misfires-2-stars-2534976|access-date=22 September 2021|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921142441/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/thalaivi-review-botched-by-massive-missteps-film-is-amma-of-all-misfires-2-stars-2534976|url-status=live}} Lakshmi Subramaniam of The Week pointed: "Thalaivii may come across as a melodramatic excuse for a biopic." She awarded a score of 2 on 5.{{Cite web|title=Thalaivi review: A half-biopic laced with drumbeats|url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2021/09/10/a-half-biopic-laced-with-drumbeats.html|access-date=22 September 2021|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919024037/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2021/09/10/a-half-biopic-laced-with-drumbeats.html|url-status=live}}

Film critic Deepa Gahlot wrote: "Kangana Ranaut gets the look right, but is unable to completely inhabit the dynamism of the character, which Arvind Swami does with enviable ease in an award-worthy performance."{{Cite web|date=13 September 2021|title=Thalaivii - Movie Review|url=https://www.deepagahlot.com/thalaivii-movie-review/|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Deepa Gahlot|language=en-US|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922064222/https://www.deepagahlot.com/thalaivii-movie-review/|url-status=live}} Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion described Thalaivii as a "larger-than-life movie told in an almost mythical masala mode" and wrote, "Scene after scene, the achievement of the film is how there’s always something new that keeps your eyes riveted, even though you already know these stories".{{Cite web|date=9 September 2021|title=Thalaivii Movie Review: KV Vijayendra Prasad And Vijay Refashion The Jayalalithaa Story Into A Solid Mythical Melodrama|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/thalaivi-review-tamil-kangana-ranaut-jayalalitha-a-solid-mythical-melodrama-kv-vijayendra-prasad-vijay-arvind-swami-baradwaj-rangan/|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Film Companion|language=en-US|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926004340/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/thalaivi-review-tamil-kangana-ranaut-jayalalitha-a-solid-mythical-melodrama-kv-vijayendra-prasad-vijay-arvind-swami-baradwaj-rangan/|url-status=live}} Nandini Ramnath of Scroll opined: "A flattering and flattening portrait of J Jayalalithaa. Thalaivii survives the pedestrian writing and unimaginative direction".{{Cite web|last=Ramnath|first=Nandini|title='Thalaivii' movie review: A flattering and flattening portrait of J Jayalalithaa|url=https://scroll.in/reel/1004276/thalaivii-movie-review-a-flattering-and-flattening-portrait-of-j-jayalalithaa|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Scroll.in|date=10 September 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005947/https://scroll.in/reel/1004276/thalaivii-movie-review-a-flattering-and-flattening-portrait-of-j-jayalalithaa|url-status=live}} Monika Kukreja of Hindustan Times stated: "The Kangana Ranaut-starrer is packed with solid performances and an attention to period detail, but is let down by its length and an incomplete-feeling story."{{Cite web|date=8 September 2021|title=Thalaivii movie review: Kangana Ranaut is solid, but the film provides an incomplete look at Jayalalithaa's life|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/thalaivii-movie-review-kangana-ranaut-is-solid-but-the-film-provides-an-incomplete-look-at-jayalalithaa-s-life-101631085374688.html|access-date=22 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920021521/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/thalaivii-movie-review-kangana-ranaut-is-solid-but-the-film-provides-an-incomplete-look-at-jayalalithaa-s-life-101631085374688.html|url-status=live}} Srivatsan of The Hindu opined: "it is only fair to say that Thalaivii is a half-biopic. The problem with Thalaivii is not exactly the 'masala-fication' of a dramatic life in public. It is bending facts with fiction, through hearsay stories".{{Cite news|last=S|first=Srivatsan|date=9 September 2021|title='Thalaivii' movie review: Arvind Swami kills it as MGR in a Jayalalithaa biopic that has her playing a cameo|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/thalaivii-movie-review-arvind-swami-kills-it-as-mgr-in-a-jayalalithaa-biopic-that-has-her-playing-a-cameo/article36376801.ece|access-date=22 September 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915151801/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/thalaivii-movie-review-arvind-swami-kills-it-as-mgr-in-a-jayalalithaa-biopic-that-has-her-playing-a-cameo/article36376801.ece|url-status=live}}

Ambica Sachin of Khaleej Times gave the film a rating of 3/5 praising Ranaut's performance she wrote, "Kangana doesn’t try to mimic the iconic leader but rather delves into the spirit of a woman whose journey from Ammu to Amma, a figure revered and reviled in equal measures by those who knew her, is the stuff of folklore".{{Cite web|last=Sachin|first=Ambica|title='Thalaivii' review: Kangana and Arvind Swami power this biopic|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/thalaivii-review-kangana-and-arvind-swami-power-this-biopic|access-date=23 September 2021|website=Khaleej Times|language=en|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919231307/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/thalaivii-review-kangana-and-arvind-swami-power-this-biopic|url-status=live}} Manjusha Radhakrishnan writes for Gulf News, in her review, she noted: "Everything’s on the nose in this film as they depict every situation and twist with no nuance", whereas praised, "Kangana Ranaut and Arvind Swamy shine in this overdramatic political drama". She assigned a score of 2.5 on 5.{{Cite web|title='Thalaivii' film review: Kangana Ranaut and Arvind Swamy shine in this overdramatic political drama|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/thalaivii-film-review-kangana-ranaut-and-arvind-swamy-shine-in-this-overdramatic-political-drama-1.1631188156684|access-date=22 September 2021|website=gulfnews.com|date=9 September 2021|language=en|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921022048/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/thalaivii-film-review-kangana-ranaut-and-arvind-swamy-shine-in-this-overdramatic-political-drama-1.1631188156684|url-status=live}} Mike McCahill of The Guardian summarized: "While more nuanced than many of its star's recent statements - it could hardly be otherwise - the film still feels like a passive-aggressive idea of doubling down." He compared the plot and character as if Margaret Thatcher went to Rank Charm School, awarding it 2 stars out of 5.{{Cite web|date=6 September 2021|title=Thalaivii review – if Margaret Thatcher went to the Rank charm school|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/sep/06/thalaivii-review-kangana-ranaut|access-date=22 September 2021|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927144936/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/sep/06/thalaivii-review-kangana-ranaut|url-status=live}}

Several publications listed Thalaivii as one of the best films of 2021. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express listed it as one of the best movies of 2021.{{Cite news|date=23 December 2021|title=Shubhra Gupta's list of the best movies of 2021, and why no Bollywood biggie made the cut|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/best-and-worst-films-of-2021-no-bollywood-movie-made-the-cut-7681240/|access-date=27 December 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227171643/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/best-and-worst-films-of-2021-no-bollywood-movie-made-the-cut-7681240/|url-status=live}} Aparita Bhandari of Paste listed it as one of the top ten best Bollywood movies of 2021.{{Cite news|date=17 December 2021|title=The 10 Best Bollywood Movies of 2021|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/best-bollywood-movies-2021/|access-date=27 December 2021|website=Paste|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227171752/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/best-bollywood-movies-2021/|url-status=dead}} Times of India listed it as one of the top thirty best Hindi movies of 2021.{{Cite news|date=25 December 2021|title=Best Hindi Movies of 2021|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-rated-movies/hindi/best-movies/2021/2742919|access-date=27 December 2021|website=Times of India|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225215925/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-rated-movies/hindi/best-movies/2021/2742919|url-status=live}} Jasmine Ting and Corinne Sullivan of Cosmopolitan listed it as one of the twenty-six best Bollywood movies of 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/g35355813/best-bollywood-movies-2021/ |title=The 26 Bollywood Movies You Need to Add to Your 2021 Watch List |publisher=Cosmopolitan |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211074122/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/g35355813/best-bollywood-movies-2021/ |archive-date=11 December 2021}} Kumari Purvi of SheThePeople listed it as one of the top five best films of 2021.{{Cite news|date=20 December 2021|title=Five Star-Studded Films That Ruled Hearts In 2021|url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/film-theatre/5-best-bollywood-movies-of-2021/|access-date=27 December 2021|website=SheThePeople.TV|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227172054/https://www.shethepeople.tv/film-theatre/5-best-bollywood-movies-of-2021/|url-status=live}} Subhash K. Jha of Rediff listed it as one of the seven must-watch films of 2021.{{Cite news|date=25 December 2021|title=7 MUST WATCH FILMS of 2021|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/seven-must-watch-films-of-2021/20211225.htm|access-date=27 December 2021|website=Rediff|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227174242/https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/seven-must-watch-films-of-2021/20211225.htm|url-status=live}} Kunal Purandare of Forbes India picked Thalaivii as one of his favourite movies of 2021.{{Cite news|date=25 December 2021|title=Forbes India 2021 Rewind: Best movies we watched this year|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/lifes/forbes-india-2021-rewind-best-movies-we-watched-this-year/72489/1|access-date=27 December 2021|website=Forbes India|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226195207/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/lifes/forbes-india-2021-rewind-best-movies-we-watched-this-year/72489/1|url-status=live}} CNN-IBN listed it as one of the top female-lead films of 2021.{{Cite news|date=21 December 2021|title=Year Ender 2021: Sherni, Mimi, Pagglait, Ajeeb Daastaans Among Top Female-led Films To Watch This Year|url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/year-ender-2021-sherni-mimi-pagglait-ajeeb-daastaans-among-top-female-led-films-to-watch-this-year-4577594.html|access-date=27 December 2021|website=CNN-IBN|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227181140/https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/year-ender-2021-sherni-mimi-pagglait-ajeeb-daastaans-among-top-female-led-films-to-watch-this-year-4577594.html|url-status=live}} Avantika Chopra of IndiaTimes listed it as one of the best women-centric films of 2021.{{Cite news|date=3 December 2021|title=Best Of 2021: Women Centric Shows & Movies To Watch|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/ampstories/entertainment/bollywood/best-women-centric-shows-movies-555813.html|access-date=27 December 2021|website=Indiatimes|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227150033/https://www.indiatimes.com/ampstories/entertainment/bollywood/best-women-centric-shows-movies-555813.html|url-status=live}} Thalaivii was featured among the top twenty best Tamil language films at the 13th Norway Tamil Film Festival. For her performance in Thalaivii, Twinkle Khanna of Pinkvilla listed Ranaut as the best female performer of the year 2021.{{Cite news|date=31 December 2021|title=Year Ender 2021: Kangana Ranaut, Sushmita Sen to Vidya Balan, Top 10 female performers of the year|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/year-ender-2021-kangana-ranaut-sushmita-sen-vidya-balan-top-10-female-performers-year-980005|first=Twinkle|last=Khanna|access-date=9 January 2022|website=Pinkvilla|archive-date=9 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109114310/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/year-ender-2021-kangana-ranaut-sushmita-sen-vidya-balan-top-10-female-performers-year-980005|url-status=live}}

Ranaut was initially nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, but her nomination was revoked after she accused Filmfare of having an unethical awarding system.{{cite web |date=21 August 2022 |title=Filmfare Awards withdraw Kangana Ranaut's nomination after 'false accusations', she says 'see you in court' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/filmfare-awards-withdraw-kangana-ranaut-s-nomination-after-false-accusation-101661101203078.html |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019071205/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/filmfare-awards-withdraw-kangana-ranaut-s-nomination-after-false-accusation-101661101203078.html |url-status=live }}

The producers initially received permission from Jayalalithaa's nephew Deepak Jayakumar in his request to make it as "an honest portrayal of her life". However, Jayalalithaa's niece, Deepa Jayakumar, in November 2019, registered a complaint against the film's makers through the Madras High Court. She asserted that she was the legal heir of Jayalalitha and that before making a movie or a web series about her life, the creators of the film should have approached her. She also said that the film makers have no legal right to make a film about the life of Jayalalithaa, which could affect the privacy of her aunt and her family. Deepa also demanded that the whole script be sent to her well before movie comes to the theatres.{{Cite news|last=Entertainment|first=Quint|date=28 November 2019|title=Jayalalithaa's Niece Allowed to Sue Kangana-Starrer 'Thalaivi'|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/jayalalithaa-niece-permission-sue-madras-high-court-kangana-ranaut-thalaivi|access-date=6 October 2020|work=TheQuint|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128121322/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/jayalalithaa-niece-permission-sue-madras-high-court-kangana-ranaut-thalaivi|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=27 November 2019|title=Trouble for Kangana's 'Thalaivi'? Court gives Jaya's niece Deepa permission to sue|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/trouble-kanganas-thalaivi-court-gives-jayas-niece-deepa-permission-sue-113034|access-date=6 October 2020|work=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616151808/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/trouble-kanganas-thalaivi-court-gives-jayas-niece-deepa-permission-sue-113034|url-status=live}} The Madras High Court gave Deepa approval to take legal action against director AL Vijay, film producer Vishnu and Gautham Vasudev Menon who made a web series loosely based on the life Jayalalithaa's life titled Queen which starred Ramya Krishnan essaying the title role.{{Cite news|title=Jayalalithaa biopic: Madras High Court issues notice to filmmakers|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2019/11/06/jayalalithaa-biopic-madras-high-court-issues-notice-to-filmmakers.html|access-date=6 October 2020|work=The Week|language=en|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112155008/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2019/11/06/jayalalithaa-biopic-madras-high-court-issues-notice-to-filmmakers.html|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|10152736}}
• {{Bollywood Hungama movie|thalaivi}}

{{A. L. Vijay}}

Category:2021 multilingual films

Category:2020s Hindi-language films

Category:Indian biographical films

Category:Biographical films about actors

Category:Biographical films about politicians

Category:Indian multilingual films

Category:2020s Tamil-language films

Category:2020s Indian films

Category:Films directed by A. L. Vijay

Category:Films scored by G. V. Prakash Kumar

Category:Jayalalithaa

Category:Cultural depictions of Indira Gandhi

Category:M. G. Ramachandran