| Director | A. L. Vijay |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹100 crore |
| Box office | ₹5 crore |
In 1989, Jayalalithaa (nicknamed Jaya), a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly representing the opposition AIADMK, questions Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi of the DMK over allegations of corruption, arrests, and surveillance against her party. She demands his resignation and praises former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) as a leader who truly served the people. Members of the ruling party question her relationship with MGR, leading to a scuffle in which she is assaulted and humiliated. Comparing herself to Draupadi, Jaya vows to return to the assembly only after becoming Chief Minister. The incident attracts widespread media attention and public sympathy.
The narrative then shifts to 1965, when MGR is at the peak of his film career. Producer R. M. Veerappan dismisses an actress to maintain MGR’s public image. Jaya, then 16, is encouraged by her mother Sandhya, a former actress, to enter films. She replaces Savitri in a film, initially displaying reluctance and arrogance. However, after witnessing MGR’s compassion on set and understanding her mother’s intentions, she becomes more committed. The film succeeds, and Jaya and MGR go on to star in several films together, developing a close bond. Veerappan attempts to distance Jaya from MGR, but she resists. Despite their closeness, Jaya feels sidelined due to MGR’s marriage to Janaki.
Following an incident in which MGR is shot and hospitalised, Veerappan sidelines Jaya from future projects. Feeling betrayed, she briefly collaborates with MGR’s rival Sivaji Ganesan. MGR later reconciles with her, and they resume working together.
MGR enters politics alongside Karunanidhi under Annadurai, but is eventually expelled from the party. He later forms his own party, the AIADMK. Meanwhile, Jaya is deeply affected by her mother’s death and distances herself from MGR. After Annadurai’s death, MGR becomes Chief Minister. Jaya gradually transitions away from films and eventually accepts an invitation to perform at a government event in Madurai, where MGR encourages her to enter politics. Though initially reluctant, she later agrees.
Jaya becomes actively involved in public welfare, particularly promoting the midday meal scheme. Her efforts earn her the popular title “Amma”. She rises within the party, becoming its propaganda secretary and later a Member of Parliament. During a visit to New Delhi, she is initially denied access to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, but later impresses national leaders with her speech in the Rajya Sabha. She facilitates an alliance with the Congress, which leads to tensions within her party.
After Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Rajiv Gandhi requests Jaya to campaign during MGR’s absence due to medical treatment in the United States. Her efforts help sustain the party’s influence. Upon MGR’s return, he acknowledges her contributions. However, before they can reconcile fully, MGR dies in 1987. At his funeral, Jaya is publicly mistreated by supporters of Janaki. The AIADMK subsequently splits into factions supporting Janaki and Jaya, allowing Karunanidhi to return to power.
Returning to 1989, Veerappan apologises to Jaya and becomes her supporter. In 1990, she survives an attack on her life. Despite political challenges, she continues campaigning vigorously. Following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, elections are held, and her party wins a decisive victory.
Jaya returns to the legislative assembly as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, fulfilling her earlier vow and consolidating her leadership within the party.