
TJ Gnanavel’s Next Film to Chronicle Saravana Bhavan Annachi’s Life; Sathyaraj to Play Lead
Acclaimed filmmaker TJ Gnanavel, who rose to national fame with Jai Bhim, is now set to take on a bold and intriguing subject for his next project. Reports confirm that the director will helm a biopic based on the life of P. Rajagopal, popularly known as Annachi, the founder of the global restaurant chain Saravana Bhavan.
The film is said to explore the extraordinary rise of Annachi, who built Saravana Bhavan into one of the most successful South Indian restaurant brands worldwide, and the controversies that later overshadowed his legacy.Veteran actor Sathyaraj has been roped in to portray the lead role. Known for his powerhouse performances across genres from his iconic role as Kattappa in Baahubali to his acclaimed character-driven films in Tamil cinema—Sathyaraj is expected to bring depth and intensity to the complex character of Annachi.
Sources suggest that Gnanavel will adopt a realistic and layered storytelling style, much like Jai Bhim, delving not only into Annachi’s entrepreneurial journey but also the darker chapters of his life, including his legal battles and downfall.
The project is currently in pre-production and is expected to go on floors early next year. The casting for other key roles is underway, with the makers planning to bring on board a mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces to do justice to the story’s layered narrative.Given TJ Gnanavel’s reputation for socially conscious cinema and Sathyaraj’s commanding screen presence, the film is already generating significant buzz among cinephiles. If executed well, it could become one of the most talked-about biographical dramas in Tamil cinema.