在这部妮桑卡娜·萨维特丽传奇剧情/传记片中,影片以黄金的五六十年代为背景，从记者和摄影师的视角，讲述了印度首位女影星萨维特丽的传奇一生：从迅速蹿红，直至巨星最后的陨落。她的兴衰使影片成为印度影史上最具戏剧性的故事之一。
Mahanati depicts the personal and professional life of first Indian female superstar, Savitri. After actress Savitri is admitted in a hospital in Bangalore and she goes into coma, a young investigative journalist, Madhuravani, seizes the opportunity to write an article on her life. The young Savitri meets Gemini Ganesan, who works in casting department, after her failed attempts to get a role in cinema. They both start a career in acting and eventually rise to stardom. Savitri falls in love with him despite the fact that he is married. Their marriage results in a rift with her family but Savitri never gives up on her love. Her dreams are shattered when she learns that Gemini Ganesan is a womanizer and has been continuing his illicit relationships even after their marriage. The rest of the story is about how she stood up against all odds and the result of her wrong choices in life.
