Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao
(NTR), born on 28 May 1923, remains one of the most influential figures
in Indian cinema and politics. Over four decades, he starred in more than 300
films, directed landmark works, and reshaped Telugu cultural identity both
on screen and in public life. Revered as “Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma”
(universally renowned star of acting), he was voted the “Greatest Indian
Actor of All Time” in a CNN-IBN national poll during the Centenary of
Indian Cinema in 2013. His cinematic journey, however, is far more complex than
the accolades suggest.
Early Phase (1949–1956)
- Debut:
Mana Desam (1949) introduced him, but his first lead role came in Palletoori
Pilla (1950).
- Breakthrough:
Pathala Bhairavi (1951) changed everything.
- First Telugu film to run 200 days.
- Blended folk idioms with Arabian
Nights fantasy.
- NTR’s portrayal of Ramudu, a
commoner who outsmarts sorcerers, set the template for the “self-made
hero.”
- Cultural Export:
- Pathala Bhairavi
showcased at the India International Film Festival (1952).
- Malliswari
(1951) screened at the Peking Film Festival.
- Limitation:
High volume of formulaic social dramas diluted artistic growth.
Mythological Turn
(1957–1968)
- Mayabazar (1957):
NTR as Krishna, a role that transcended cinema and shaped his political
persona.
- Recurring Roles:
Krishna, Rama, Shiva — audiences responded with devotion rather than
entertainment.
- Commercial Success:
- Lava Kusa
(1963) grossed ₹10 million, a record at the time.
- International Recognition:
- Nartanasala
(1963) featured at the Afro-Asian Film Festival, Jakarta.
- Criticism:
Mythological films emphasized spectacle over psychological depth, turning
performances into rituals.
Daana Veera Soora Karna
(1977)
- Creative Feat:
NTR wrote, directed, produced, and starred in three roles — Karna,
Duryodhana, Krishna.
- Commercial Milestone:
First Telugu film to gross over ₹2 crore.
- Innovation:
Recast Duryodhana as a learned figure, challenging traditional portrayals.
- Limitations:
Over four hours long, uneven pacing, modest production values.
Action-Social Phase
(1973–1982)
- Shifted to working-class heroes
correcting societal injustices.
- Hits:
- Adavi Ramudu
(1977) – ₹3.25 crore
- Driver Ramudu
(1979) – ₹2.5 crore
- Vetagadu
(1979) – ₹3 crore
- Justice Chowdary
(1982)
- Criticism:
Scripts leaned on NTR’s star persona rather than narrative logic. His
divine associations made his authority seem natural to audiences.
As Director
- Varakatnam (1970):
Won National Film Award.
- Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977):
Reinforced his mythological vision.
- Srimadvirat Veerabrahmendra Swami
Charitra (1984): Biographical epic grossing ₹6.6
crore.
- Directorial Themes:
Saints, outlaws, mythic warriors — figures outside mainstream power.
Declining Years (Late
1980s–1990s)
- Political career overshadowed cinema.
- Films like Brahmashi Viswamitra
(1991) and Major Chandrakanth (1993) lacked impact.
- Final film: Srinatha Kavi
Sarvabhowmudu (1993).
- Limitation:
Sheer volume of films (254 between 1949–1994) diluted quality. Many were
formulaic or low ambition.
Legacy
- Cultural Imprint:
Transformed Telugu mythological imagination into political capital.
- Star Persona:
Rooted in Telugu identity, not vanity.
- Landmark Films:
- Pathala Bhairavi
(1951)
- Mayabazar
(1957)
- Daana Veera Soora Karna
(1977)
- Verdict:
While his filmography is uneven, his impact on cinema and society is
undeniable. He remains a figure where myth, cinema, and politics converged
to create mass identity.