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Decoding Jr NTR’s rise from a regular film star to a legitimate people’s hero

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Decoding Jr NTR’s rise from a regular film star to a legitimate people’s hero

Telugu actor Jr NTR’s much-awaited film Devara: Part 1 has been released in theaters today. As the film makes its grand theatrical debut, let’s find out how the actor became the global icon he is today.

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Jr NTR played a dual role in Devara: Part 1. (Illustration by Vani Gupta/India Today)

Director Koratala Siva’s pan-Indian film, Devara: Part 1 is predicted to take a great opening at the box office. The film’s biggest USP lies in the celebrated screen presence of the man leading it from the front: Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, better known as Jr NTR. There is tremendous buzz surrounding the release of the film and now that it’s here, we tried to understand why Jr NTR is so celebratory.

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It took time for the actor, but he eventually became a legitimate pan-India star. Jr NTR’s last film RRR with Ram Charan went on to reach the Oscars and earned him new popularity as a ‘global icon’. From a young and inexperienced actor who was struggling to find fame in his early 20s (after the success of Adi and Simhadri) to a mature star recognized among the masses, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Is. Junior NTR hails from a respected film family, and yet he has faced a struggle to achieve the massive fame that came with his initial success.

You would think that for someone like him who grew up watching his father, grandfather and uncles achieve all levels of stardom, his journey in the industry would be easy. However, a closer look at his trajectory will make things better. It was only with unwavering determination and passion for acting that he carved a unique niche in the Telugu film industry.

The rise and rise of Jr NTR

Speaking in an exclusive interview with India Today DigitalTrade analyst Taran Adarsh ​​talked about the same legacy that Taarak had to justify. He shared his thoughts on the RRR actor’s journey and called him a true pan-India star. He said, “He is one of the finest actors we have in India because the kind of range and the kind of work he has done over the years is fantastic. If anyone has seen Temper, Janata Garage or RRR, they One can see the range and versatility of the actor who has created this huge fan base for himself only because of his hard work and his talent and not because he comes from a family that is associated with films and he has made it all the time. Period of.”

Jr NTR in SS Rajamouli’s RRR

In 2001, when Jr. NTR joined forces with the then rising director, SS Rajamouli, their collaboration on the coming-of-age drama, Student No. 1 marked a turning point in both their careers. The film’s runaway success coupled with Jr NTR’s charismatic performance magically cemented his status as a rising star. Made on a budget of around Rs 2 crore, the film earned around Rs 12 crore during its reign at the box office, making it clear that he was born to rule the box office right from the beginning of his career. Full of emotion and energy, MM Keeravani’s tunes resonated deeply with the audience, making Student No. 1 a timeless classic. This early victory set the stage for Jr NTR’s illustrious career.

For an actor, the key is to stay true to his art and believe in good work. Talking to Jr NTR he explains how he chooses his roles film partner Prior admitted, “For a very long time, I didn’t know what people expected of me. Whatever I did wasn’t working. That’s when I realized that everyone expected me to make a real effort and make good films.” That’s when things started to slowly change. It’s not about box-office results anymore, I’m doing films for my own satisfaction.”

Why is Jr NTR beyond a regular movie star?

To members of the Telugu film industry and those who grew up watching him, Jr. NTR is much more than just a star. He is a cultural icon who emerged from the hearts of his audience and became their own in no time. His connect with the people he represents is undeniable, making him a loved and revered figure. From his early roles as a local vigilante in Simhadri, to a grieving son seeking revenge in Samba, to his powerful portrayal of a tribal leader in RRR, Jr NTR has grown his acting skills by leaps and bounds Is. Today, he is best exemplified by a dialogue from Yamadonga, one of his own films: “God is born from within the people”.

Junior NTR in the 2007 film Yamadonga. (Photo: IMDb)

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After doing Samba in 2004, Tarka chose some films that were not so adventurous, which had a negative impact on her career. But, it was the social-fantasy film, Yamadonga (2007), that marked his comeback. In this the superstar challenged himself by playing a double role. Yamadonga is considered to be an excellent blend of heartfelt emotions and hilarious humor.

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His real triumph lies in his ability to cross linguistic barriers and carve a respectable place in the hearts of audiences across the country. Jr NTR’s grandfather NT Rama Rao once said in Yamadonga, “Natana Neeloni Raktam, Natyam Neekunna Varam. Nandamuri Manavada Majaka. chupinchada ni taraka (Acting is in your blood, dancing is your gifted blessing. The Nandamuri scion in all its glory. Will you show off your star power?), and it seems his grandson has made it his life’s motto.

Tarak’s eyes often convey a sense of aggression, demonstrating his talent for conveying emotions through his gaze.

Junior NTR in the 2003 film Simhadri. (Photo: IMDb)

His films like Adhars (2010), Brindavanam (2010), Temper (2015) and Janatha Garage (2016) made Jr. NTR a cult favourite, earning him critical acclaim. While Brindavanam highlighted her charm in a family-centric drama, Janatha Garage and Jai Lava Kusa (2017) cemented her status as a bankable star in Telugu cinema. Later, he played three roles and made it a one-man show. Jr NTR played it well as both the hero and the antagonist.

A poster of Jr. NTR’s film Jai Lava Kush.

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Jr NTR: A man with a strong presence on and off screen!

The superstar’s cinematic appearances often include dramatic and symbolic elements, particularly how he uses blood as a metaphor for strength and justice in his stories. This recurring theme sets a powerful and serious tone, establishing his characters as formidable figures who, despite their strength, should not be feared but respected.

Sample this: In the Telugu trailer of his upcoming film, Devara: Part 1, Jr NTR’s character emerges from a blood-soaked sea, and instantly sets an intense mood. Similarly, his iconic entry in RRR sees him drenched in blood, cementing the fierce and uncompromising nature of his character. In a crucial scene of Simhadri, Jr NTR’s character dramatically drenches himself in the blood of the defeated villain, played by Rahul Dev. These scenes reinforce the strength of his characters and solidify his presence in the industry.

Watch Jr NTR’s epic entry scene in RRR:

Now, with Devara, the actor is once again set to make a significant impact in the Indian film industry. His fame, already boosted by the international success of RRR, is expected to reach even greater heights. At a recent event, the actor talked about the much-awaited film and said, “It’s me and I. You’ve got the father from Devara, and you’ve got the son from Varda. I mean I don’t really Chahta has a lot of spoilers, it’s just two days away from its release, but it’s a tumultuous journey of a father and son.”

Watch the trailer of Devara here:

After collaborating with Malayalam actor Mohanlal and Telugu star Ram Charan, Jr NTR’s collaboration with Saif Ali Khan in Devara has already created significant buzz. From the film’s vibrant trailer, captivating song videos and dynamic promotional materials, it is clear that Jr. NTR is ready to recreate the electrifying magic that fans have come to expect from his previous films. And why not? When you have Jr NTR, the sky is the limit on the big screen!

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