'Mahanati', the biopic of Savitri', will hit the screens on May 9.  Ahead of its release, director Nag Ashwin in this interview talks about the experience of doing the entertainer, his confidence in Keerthy Suresh, and more.  

When and how did the idea of making a biopic of Mahanati Savithri take birth in you?  After all, it's really a very bold idea.  

It's not an idea I conceived in recent years.  I had had it in mind for long.  That said, I must add that I never imagined that it will take shape into a film so early in my career. Once the project fell into place, I started doing research into Savithri garu’s life.  

Savitri's life was complex.  When you decided to do the biopic, what did you think about presenting the professional and personal lives of the actress?

As far as how I see it, her real and reel lives went hand in hand.  That made it easy for me to an extent. The script was developed as per the reading of the incidents in her life.  

When Keerthy Suresh was chosen to play the titular role, everyone was surprised.  She invited criticism as well. What made you choose her?

It's after watching a song in the Tamil film Thodari ('Rail' in Telugu) that we were convinced that Keerthy can play Savithri on the screen.  I have also realized that she can be of any age, be it teenage or middle-aged, with ease.   I must say Keerthy has done 100 percent justice to her role.  I am of the view that the audience’s perception of her will undergo a change after this film in the sense that she will be all the more respected.  

There is a lot of curiosity about what aspects of Savitri's life you have shown in the film and what aspects have been left behind.  Leaving that aside, the film's run-time of 150 minutes makes us feel it's shorter.  What's your say?

There are always limitations regarding running time.  I haven't shown some things in Savitri garu's life for the same reason.   

The film has been described as a cradle-to-grave biopic.  Is it true?

'Mahanati' starts its narration from Savithri garu's childhood.  And it is wrapped up with her passing away.  In the 150 minutes of running time, we have tried to infuse all important events in her life.  

While Naga Chaitanya agreed to do ANR's role, NTR refused to essay his grandfather's role.  It must have been a disappointment for you.  We heard nobody else has played senior NTR's role.  Are we going to see him in the biopic?

Once Tarak refused to do the role, we did our homework (with regards to NTR's role).  We have infused some magic. I hope it will be a treat to watch it on screen.  

'Mahanati' features an ensemble cast.  It must have been a great experience to work with the likes of seniors like Mohan Babu.  Isn't it?

Yes, it's an unforgettable experience. Mohan Babu garu, for example, is an extremely comfortable artist to work with.  Others like Dulquer Salmaan were so cooperative.  He would arrive on the sets before the actual time.  

Mickey J Meyer has composed some excellent tunes, especially the title track and 'Mooga Manasulu'.  How was it working with him?

Given his experience, I trust Mickey totally.  'Mahanati' proves what a real talent he is.