Shailesh R Singh, producer of the film Thalaivi, biopic on Late Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa says that Vidya Balan was never approached for the title role and Kangana Ranaut was his only choice from the beginning. He elaborates saying that from the moment when director Vijayendra Prasad (Script writer of Baahubali) narrated him the script, he was keen that Kangana Ranaut would befittingly look perfect for the role.

These clarifications were heard from the producer when Vidya Balan mentioned that she was approached to play the role of Late Former CM Jayalalithaa, but had to ignore it as she had already signed yet another biopic based on Former Late Indian PM Indra Gandhi.

Thalaivi directed by Vijay will go on floors shortly and Arvind Swamy is expected to play the role of MGR.