NTR Kathanayakudu Review: Balayya Movie Gets Average Talk

NTR Kathanayakudu review is out!  As you know,  it's a biopic of legendary actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao who ruled Telugu cinema for decades. Director Krish had declared that the film will be made in two parts--NTR Kathanayakudu showcasing the actor's life on celluloid and a sequel NTR Kathanayakudu which will highlight his political career. The film has already earned the rare distinction of of earning Rs 100 Crores much before its release. The film's digital rights were sold for a whopping Rs 25 crore which is being dubbed as career best for Balayya.

Another distinction is that the film is being released in over 1110 screens worldwide which is huge for any Telugu movie. NTR is being screened in 600 screens across the Telugu states,  225 screens in Bengaluru and 275 screens in the rest of the world.

This is the second collaboration of Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Krish Jagarlamudi. Their last association Gauthamiputra Shatakarani fetched Rs 46.50 Crores while NTR theatrical rights is said to have fetched a whopping Rs 70 Crores from AP and Telangana.

Now, the premieres of the film was held across the globe last night and the response has been mind-blowing.  Looks like the NTR Kathanayakudu has the potential to beat the records set the Savitri biopic Mahanati which released last year.

The role of his son has been essayed by none other than the late actor's son Nandamuri Balakrishna. MM keeravani has scored the music. Vidya Balan plays NTR's wife Basavatarakam while Rana Daggubati is seen playing his son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu.

NTR Kathanayakudu is opening amid huge expectations and as per trade analysts the film is expected to rake in at least Rs 20 crore on its first day going by advance booking trends.

The film has been produced by NBK films under the Varaahi Chalanachitra and Vibri media banners. Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati and Vishnu Inturi has bankrolled the film.

Before the film went to sets, there was immense competition to bag a role in the NTR biopic going by the hype the film created. The other actors who are seen in the movie include Samanth, Nithya Menen, Pranitha and Sriya Saran.  The makers also decided to erect statues of NTR in at least 100 theatres across the Telugu states as a mark of respect to the late actor.

The film hit screens today across the world. So, how has the film shaped up? Does NTR Kathanayakudu live up to its expectations?  Will the NTR biopic beat Savitri biopic Mahanati? Here you go...

Also Read:Will NTR Kathanayakudu Collection Beat Mahanati?

NTR Kathanayakudu Movie Review

The first thing that strikes you about the movie is undoubtedly the sets. The makers have made extra efforts to bring back the retro theme.  Next is of course,  as you have guessed by now the actor who plays the titular role.  Nandamuri Balakrishna brings NTR back alive on screen just like Keerthy Suresh did when she played Savitri in Mahanati. Vidya Balan reminds you of her forgotten talent. When she first made her mark in the Bollywood film Parineetha and of course played Silk Smitha in Dirty Picture, she was perfect. And guess what?  She's back! She nails the character. Krish's treatment today story needs a thunderous round of applause. It's no mean feat to handle a subject like this, particularly when it revolves around the life of a legendary actor who wowed the audience for most part of his career before turning a politician.  One needs to tread carefully and Krish manages to do that. There's no part in the movie which makes you feel uncomfortable in the sense that the actor is shown in bad light.

The film beautifully chronicles the life of NTR and with Balayya portraying the lead role, you feel for a moment that the actor is very much alive. His mannerisms reminds you of NTR in certain parts. However, there are some scenes which are dragged and you feel the screenplay is weak. Also,  a few scenes feel forced into the movie to glorify Balayya which could have been avoided.

NTR Kathanayakudu analysis

Highlights

Balayya

Krish direction

Right choice of actors

Music

Sets

Minus

Screenplay could have been crisp in certain parts

Verdict: NTR Kathanayakudu is a fitting tribute to the later actor and a treat to Nandamuri fans. Go watch it this weekend.

NTR Kathanayakudu Rating

So,  what's the public talk and audience response to the movie? Let's find out social media reactions to NTR biopic.

Audience Review of NTR Kathanayakudu on Twitter

Looks like the audience reaction to the movie is mixed, let's see how the movie fares in the coming days.  Stay tuned to sakshipost for updates and box office collections.