Two years ago, audiences were subjected to two three-hour long biopics covering the film career and political career of N. T. Rama Rao. Thalaivii manages to confine itself to one film in its essay of NTR’s contemporary and occasional co-star Jayalalithaa. Yet even at half the length this biopic still feels awfully long, a fact not helped by the director's overuse of slow-mo.

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After a particularly nasty parliamentary debate sees Jayalalithaa tossed out on her ear (literally), Thalaivii flashes back over twenty years to the actress’ first film with Bollywood superstar M.G. Ramachandran. Despite the protestations of an overly protective advisor, a romance blossoms between the two co-stars. Yet when MGR embarks on a political career, he abruptly puts an end to their relationship. Flash forward ten years to when Jaya is asked to perform at one of his political events, providing her with the opportunity to not only renew old acquaintances, but also take the first tentative steps on a career change of her own.

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An uneasy mix of Bollywood and biopic, Thalaivii’s dramatic impact is repeatedly undermined by the film’s pervading theatricality. Though one can forgive the odd fantasy sequence, artificial backdrops and a stage that no theatre could possibly hold, the film cannot overcome a meandering first half in which the leads are required to deliver inane platitudes while supported by a cast encouraged to chew the scenery. Notwithstanding the impressive recreations of the actress’ movies and some instructive behind-the-scenes detail of Bollywood movie making, the portion dealing with Jayalalithaa’s film career remains listless.

More’s the pity for once politics comes to the fore, Thalaivii conveys a passion that was hitherto absent, despite all the histrionics on display.