NTR Jr, widely acclaimed as a beloved star in Indian cinema, has continually showcased his versatility through remarkable performances that span various genres. His repertoire encompasses action-packed roles to heartfelt romances, captivating audiences with each portrayal. The colossal success of his blockbuster film ‘RRR,’ which clinched an Oscar for Best Original Song earlier this year with “Naatu Naatu,” has further solidified his cinematic legacy.
While engrossed in the creation of his much-anticipated magnum opus ‘Devara,’ NTR Jr recently divulged his selection of five cherished Indian films. These choices encompass a spectrum of mainstream and regional masterpieces, including Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Deewaar’ and Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thevar Magan.’
Daana Veera Soora Karna
A reverberating Telugu-language Hindu mythological production, ‘Daana Veera Soora Karna,’ is a cinematic gem co-written, produced, and directed by N. T. Rama Rao. Delving into the life of Karna from the Mahabharata, the film employs eloquent poetry and impactful dialogues to trace Karna’s journey, his ascendancy, and his status as one of history’s most accomplished warriors. Released in 1997, the film continues to be embraced by adoring audiences.
Deewaar
The illustrious ‘Deewaar,’ a 1975 action film, stands as one of megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s paramount triumphs. The narrative unravels the lives of two brothers – Vijay Verma (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi Verma (Shashi Kapoor) – whose paths lead them to disparate roles as an underworld figure and a police inspector, respectively. A blockbuster sensation, ‘Deewaar’ remains a testament to Amitabh Bachchan’s monumental acting prowess.
Nayakan
The year 1987 witnessed the emergence of ‘Nayakan,’ an epic Tamil crime drama directed and penned by the illustrious Mani Ratnam. Boasting a cast including Kamal Haasan, Saranya (in her debut), and Karthika, ‘Nayakan’ portrays the journey of a young boy transforming into a gangster in Mumbai following the traumatic murder of his father, as he relentlessly seeks revenge. Backed by Muktha Srinivasan, the film triumphed both critically and commercially.
Thevar Magan
Crafted in 1992 under the helm of Bharathan, ‘Thevar Magan,’ produced and written by Kamal Haasan, shines as a Tamil drama. This creative masterpiece orbits the life of a respected village chief’s son, torn between his aspirations for business and his father’s expectations to serve the villagers. The film features a remarkable ensemble including Sivaji Ganesan, Revathi, Gautami, and Nassar, etching its place in cinematic history.
Siva
Completing this cinematic journey is the Telugu crime-action drama ‘Siva,’ headlined by Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala Akkineni, and Raghuvaran. Directed and scripted by Ram Gopal Varma, the film unravels the transformation of a college student into a gangster, shedding light on student exploitation and crowd psychology’s dark corners.
NTR Jr’s heartfelt endorsements serve as a compelling testament to the lasting impact of these films. Each choice illustrates the mesmerizing tapestry of Indian cinema, an art form that traverses time, genres, and languages to capture the hearts of millions.
As NTR Jr continues to carve his legacy in the realm of Indian cinema, his appreciation for these remarkable works of art echoes the sentiments of countless film enthusiasts who are captivated by the magic of the silver screen.
