The launch of much awaited biopic on the life of late legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao was held on a grand scale at Ramakrishna Studios in Hyderabad. The event was attended by celebrities of Telugu film industry, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Nandamuri family and some others. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu gave muhurat clap for the film in which Nandamuri Balakrishna is playing the role of NTR, his father. The muhurat shot was canned on Balakrishna who dressed up as Duryodana in ‘Daana Veera Soora Karna’. Telangana Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav switched on the camera and K Raghavendra Rao and Boyapati Srinu directed the honorary first shot. Nndamuri Mohana Krishna, Ramakrishna and Sai Krishna have presented the script to the director and producers of the film.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, “He had championed the cause of Telugu people and contributed his service in preserving Telugu language and the culture. He was the leader who brought identity to Telugu people in the country and strived for the welfare of the people until his last breath. He was a glaring example for honesty and simplicity in politics and everyone should emulate the great leader. I am very happy that his life story is being made as a film. Rama rao has created a history in acting and in politics. He will stay in the hearts of Telugu people forever. It is must to pen history, narrate history and make it as a film. His portrayal of Lord Krishna and Lord Venkateswara would always be remembered. Though generally, Presidents or Vice Presidents don’t attend cinema events, I came here because of the respect I have for NTR. Cinema is the powerful medium and it can surely honour NTR’s life. I wish Nandamuri Balakrishna the very best in his attempt.”
Speaking at the event, director Teja felt gratitude for being at the helm of this prestigious project. “I am a biggest fan of NTR. I consider myself lucky to have got the opportunity to direct a film based on the life of Nandamuri Taraka Raa Rao garu. I never even in my dreams thought I will be directing a film on NTR one day. I am trying my best to handle this perfectly. I request NTR fans to please excuse me if I make any a mistakes. I am very happy with the output of the script. It is not the story, but it is what happened actually. The script process is still underway. It’s a very big history and we can make six films based on his life. So, it is taking time to compress it into one film. If things go according to the plan, we will release the film for Dasara 2018.”
Nandamuri Balakrishna said, “It’s my past life good karma for getting the opportunity to play my father legendary actor and politician on the big screen. We live in times where we forget everything. We are making NTR’s life story as a film, to make sure the history about NTR remains permanently in the people’s memory. Vishnu garu and Sai Korrapati garu came forward to produce this film. NTR’s story is vast and it if we make it as a film it will become 5 to 6 hours film. So, we are taking time to compress the story instead of hurrying. Entire Barath is eagerly waiting for the film. At present, we are all working on the script. It is shaping up wonderfully. Many people are giving support to the film as pillars. Keeravani garu, who provided music for many successful films, writers Sai Madhav Burra and Srinadh garu are looking after the story and screenplay. Yesteryears ‘Pathala Bharavi’ was released on March 15 and notched up hit talk by March 29 and earned mass image to NTR garu. ‘Lava Kusha’ too released on March 29. In the same way, my father’s first colour film ‘Desoddarakulu’ was released on March 29. Telugu Desam Party formation day was also March 29. My first film ‘Tatamma Kala’ was made on the same banner and now after this many years I am playing my father on the same banner. I consider it as my past life good karma. I would like to thank my director and producers. I am thankful to audience for their support.”
Regular shooting will commence from March 30. The shooting will start with NTR’s early days in Chennai as a government employ before he became a legendary actor and political leader. NTR biopic will be made in Telugu and Hindi languages. The Telugu-Hindi bilingual is being directed by Teja. NTR’s son Nandamuri Balakrishna is playing the legendary actor. The film is being co-produced by Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati and Vishnu Vardhan Induri. If reports are to be believed Balakrishna will be seen in nearly 62 avatars. MM Keeravani is giving musical scores. Rest of the cast and crew details are yet to be announced.
K Raghavendra Rao, Allu Aravind, MM Keeravani, Dr. Rajasekhar, Jeevitha, Sai Madhav Burra, Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao and T Subbarami Reddy and some others were present at the event, payed tribute to NTR, recalled the legendary actor’s contribution to the Telugu people and wished for the success of the film.
