Film: NTR Kathanayakudu
Starring: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, and others
Directed by: Krish
Produced by: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Induri
Written by: Sai Madhav Burra (dialogues)
Music by: M. M. Keeravani
Cinematography: Gnana Shekar V.S
Edited by: Arram Ramakrishna
Production Company: NBK Films, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, and Vibri Media
Release date: 9 January 2019
Running time: 176 minutes
Language: Telugu


Rating: 3.5/5

It is difficult to squeeze in the life story of a stalwart who had made a massive contribution to the film industry as well as politics. But, director Krish took this dare and helmed NTR biopic. 'NTR Kathanayakudu' is the first instalment of the two-part biographical film. Nandamuri Balakrishna is essaying the role of his father, NT Rama Rao in the film. Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Induri under the banners NBK Films co-produced the movie with Balayya. Krish roped in star actors and had created more buzz around the flick.

The movie has finally released today on January 9th, 2019. Let's check out the review of the film.

Story:
The movie features so many exciting things about NTR. Primarily, only a few know about the close relationship between NTR and his wife Basavatarakam and the movie showcased it. The movie revolves around NTR and Basavatarakam. The film starts with Basavatarakam (Vidya Balan) fighting with cancer. She undergoes treatment in a hospital. Hari Krishna (Kalyan Ram) is worried about his mother. As the film goes into flashback, NTR decides to quit his job to make his entry into the movies. Basavatarakam encourages him when everyone opposes. How did a normal person Rama Rao become the star of the superstars in the film industry is all the movie about. The film ends with the announcement of his political entry.

Performances:
Nandamuri Balakrishna has proved that he is undoubtedly a fantastic actor. Balayya went into the skin of NTR's character. Every frame in the film showcased that Balayya has put his heart and soul in essaying his father's role. As it is a biopic, all the focus will be on Balayya, and the Nandamuri actor has nailed his role perfect. One will accept the fact that no other actor can pull off that challenging role like Balayya.

Vidya Balan also steals the show. Her performance as Basavatarakam is outstanding. She lived the character. Her expressions, body language never fails to strike the chord with the audience. All the actors who played the cameo appearances like Sumanth, Kalyan Ram, Rana, Nitya Menen, Hansika, Payal, Naresh, Prakash Raj, etc. also did their best.

Technical Aspects:
Director Krish will make us fall in love with storytelling capabilities. Making biopics is not a cake walk because expectations will be very high. Moreover, making a movie on a legend is also a tough thing. But Krish did his job perfectly well. He has done an outstanding job in recreating some essential scenes from NTR's film career. The production values are lavish. Cinematography by Gnana Sekhar VS is superb. His camera angles are fantastic. Editing by Arram Ramakrishna is good. Music by MM Keeravani will is pleasant. His BGM is captivating.

Analysis:
Not even a single frame felt like it was a set and the audience can feel that they are watching the characters more than the actors which is the best part of the film. Krish has scripted and beautifully executed NTR's life. Instead of focussing the components that people already know about NTR, he threw light on the parts that only a few people know in the life history of that legend. The first half is calm and pleasant. On an exciting note, the second half of the film is more engrossing. The interval bang is also satisfying. Krish hasn't added unnecessary scenes and has always been on point.

Overall, the movie is a perfect tribute to the glorious journey of the legendary actor and politician.

Plus Points:
Story
Direction
Performance of Balakrishna
BGM

Minus Points:
Over-Board dialogues in some scenes
Constant Praising

Final Verdict: Rich Tribute to the Legend


Review by Ram.