Never Thought I’d Be Playing My Father: Balakrishna on NTR Biopic

“My father was my god and mentor,” says Nandamuri Balakrishna.

The first instalment of NTR: Kathanayakudu based on the life and times of late actor and political leader NT Rama Rao hits the big screens on 9 January. Helmed by Krish, the film stars Balakrishna in the titular role and Vidya Balan in the role of NTR's first wife, Basavatarakam. During the promotion of the film in Bengaluru, Balakrishna said that it was perhaps for the first time in the history of cinema that a son was playing his father.

“My father was my god and mentor. I grew up admiring him. And for long, I had the desire to play characters which he did. But, with time, the taste of people also change. I was concerned whether people would watch such movies if they were to be made today. But, NTR: Kathanayakudu and NTR: Mahanayakudu fulfilled my desire to play all the characters played by my father,” he said.

He also spoke about how when the film was pitched to him, he believed that as a son, it was his duty to make the film. “I launched my own production house and co-produced this movie,” he added.

The actor also said that both the instalments of the film were shot in 100 days. He clarified that the biopic is less about politics and delves into NTR’s relationship with his first wife.

The NTR biopic marks Vidya Balan’s Telugu cinema debut.

Source: The Indian Express