Thalaivi: Arvind Swami Perfects The MGR Act In First Look Teaser

Thalaivi, a biopic on the life of former chief minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa, went on floors in November and after Kangana Ranaut’s look was revealed the filmmakers has let out Arvind Swami’s look as MGR (MG Ramachandran) on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

Arvind Swami has undergone a makeover for his role in the film. In the latest photo that has been shared, he is sporting a clean-shaven look with curly hair. Arvind Swami has stuck to a single look ever since he made his comeback in Kadal. Since he essays the role of MGR in Thalaivi, he has decided to go for a clean-shaven look. MGR always appeared at public events in a clean-shaven look. The Bombay actor looks uncannily similar as MGR replicating two of his popular poses.

Watch teaser here:

“Here is my first look as Puratchi Thaliavar, Makkal Thilagam MGR in #Thalaivi . A teaser follows at 10.30 am today. Hope u like it,”Arvind wrote alongside the pictures.

Popularly known as Puratchi Thalaivar and Makkal Thilagam, MGR , he Tamil film actor, the filmmaker and ex-Tamil Nadu CM had been highly instrumental in Jayalalitha's success in politics.

Here is my first look as Puratchi Thaliavar, Makkal Thilagam MGR in #Thalaivi . A teaser follows at 10.30 am today. Hope u like it ðŸ™Â pic.twitter.com/LjnN6Ybwrw

— arvind swami (@thearvindswami) January 17, 2020

Jayalalithaa and MGR's long term association in celluloid and political arena

Jayalalithaa was forced to join Tamil films at the tender age of 15 by her actress mother Sandhya. During her movie career, she came in contact with MGR and acted in dozens of successful movies with him. 

Some of the movies where the pair displayed memorable roles include Mattukkara Velan, Chandrodhayam, Thedi Vanda Mappillai and Kannan En Kadhalan amongst others. The association wasn't restricted to films alone as Jayalalitha established a close emotional relationship with MGR. She joined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) founded by MGR. 

The maverick politician that MGR was, he was thrice elected as Tamil Nadu CM. He helped Jayalalithaa create a political base and wanted her to be a member of Rajya Sabha due to her fluency in English.

Their relationship was soured in 1970 when MGR opted for a new heroine in 1970. An exasperated Jayalalithaa at that time entered into a close friendship with Telugu actor Shoban Babu. 

Also Read: Thalaivi: Rangoli Chandel Slams Trolls Criticising Kangana’s Look For Film; Teases Dance Rehearsal

The relationship however revived in 1981, and also paved the way for Jayalalithaa's induction into politics by 1982.Their relationship suffered another blow when MGR was hospitalised in US following a stroke. She was reportedly humiliated by MGR's wife Janaki Ramachandran and her associates post MGR's death and was thrown out of his mentor's funeral. However, her never say die spirit witnessed her making a grand comeback as both AIADMK supremo and the leader of the masses.