Keerthy Suresh is playing the role of legedary actress Savithri probably the most celebrated performer ever in Tamil and Telugu cinema.  The film titled 'Mahanati' in Telugu and 'Nadigaiyar Thilagam' in Tamil directed by Nag Ashwin has Dulquer Salman as Gemini Ganesan, Mohan Babu as S.V. Rangarao and Samantha and Vijay Deverakonda in the cast.

Veteran actress Jamuna has stated in an interview that Keerthy Suresh is not qualified to play the role of Savithri as she does not speak Telugu and also that she should have been consulted regarding the project as she is an old friend of the legend and the only one alive among her contemporaries.

Reacting to Jamuna's statement Keerthy Suresh has clarified that she has not just walked into the sets of 'Nadigaiyar Thilagam' but has done her homework before taking up the role.  The 'Thalapathy 62' leading lady has stated that she bonded with Savithri's daughter Samundeeshwari to know intricate details about Savithri and has also read all books about her and binge watched most of her films to get a hang of her character.  

Keerthy has revealed that she has also rendered a screen test which satisfied the director and that is how she was chosen on merit and any criticism should be thrown at her only after the release of the 'Mahanati'/ Nadigaiyar Thilagam'.  She also let out a strange coincidence that she shared three passions with Savithri which are cricket, swimming and car driving.