A fascinating journey of a resilient woman who defied all norms

Ramya Krishnan is unsurprisingly the emotional anchor of the series. Her performance has all the sense of calm, grace, wisdom and strength we would notice in a woman who understood the unpredictability of life at a very young age and tackled it in a way only she knows to. Because she portrays Shakti in her mid-30s and early 40s, we get to see a subtle, measured side to Ramya Krishnan. As an actress in real life who also was pushed into the acting profession in her mid-teenage years, the series extracts a performance that feels autobiographical to an extent.
Anjana Jayaprakash as a younger version of the character is every bit the character demands. She has the spunk of Jayalalithaa in her 20s, her radiance shows in her portrayal. As a young woman yearning for simple pleasures and regular family life, her reactions to her conflicts with the beloved are among the most impactful portions of the series. Though she isn’t as effortless a performer as Ramya Krishnan, she stays true to the essence of the character.
Anikha Surendran, the Yennai Arindhaal, Viswasam child actor, is another performer who brims with immense potential as long as she lasts on the screen as the teenager Shakti. She sports a fearlessness in her eyes and as someone who speaks her heart regardless of what surrounds her, the foundation to the later years of Jayalalithaa is laid so smoothly with her act.
Indrajith Sukumaran in a character modelled on actor-politician M G R has the charm of a star who could be the heartthrob of millions. He looks more a Mohan Lal than an M G R but his performance is too rehearsed, one-dimensional to make much impact. Veteran actress Thulasi is among the unsung heroes of the series and as the protagonist’s mother in her later years, she brings so much to underline the essence of motherhood in her part.
Sonia Agarwal shines during her brief act (as the young mother), and so does Viji Chandrasekhar in a minimal but powerful role. Lilette Dubey brings suaveness and style to her interviewing in the series, while Vamsi Krishna as Chaitanya Reddy isn’t exactly memorable. The supporting actors, including the characters based on Sasikala, MGR’s secretary, Jayalalithaa’s driver-turned-aide are aptly cast.