A biographical motion picture or a biopic as the genre is known, sometimes stretches too far or comes up with half-truths to glorify the well-known personality on whom it is based. When such movies are made on film personalities, especially the stars, the makers inevitably tend to go the extra mile to preserve their larger-than-life image. Such inevitability had taken place in Mahanati , the biopic on legendary actress Savitri , and now in NTR Kathanayakudu , part one of the movie on the life story of the iconic actor Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao.
Half the battle had been won for the biopic on NTR when his son, Balakrishna, stepped into his father’s shoes to play the role. As for the son, himself a proven actor and with resemblances to his father, the identification with the legend became easier. NTR was known for his commitment to honesty and sincerity, and his dedication and hard work that paid dividends in the film field that he chose against all odds leaving a lucrative government job. For a generation of film goers, the biopic is a nostalgic moment. And for the new generation, a revelation.
Besides showcasing the major characters in which the veteran actor had displayed his talent, there are also a couple of scenes that touch one’s heart. One such is when NTR visits the hut of an old woman, his diehard fan, to fulfil her last wish to see him in person. The movie itself starts on a melancholic note at a cancer hospital where his wife Basavatarakam, diagnosed with the disease, is seated in the garden. From then on it slips into flashback mode and to NTR’s rise in the film field, arousing curiosity and awe.
Fact or fiction?
In the process, perhaps to make the viewing more interesting, certain incidents have been tweaked from facts. Vijaya Productions boss Chakrapani is shown as going to NTR’s house along with L V Prasad to get his dates for the film Chandrahaaram . Such a scene was also there in Mahanati , showing the thespian visiting Savitri’s house with a similar request for another movie. “Chakrapani garu never went to anybody’s house, leave alone for artiste’s dates,” informs senior actor-playwright Ravi Kondala Rao. “Just his one phone call and the stars like NTR and Savitri used to come to meet him at his cottage in Chandamama compound. It is not correct to say that he went to their houses. Moreover, by then Pelli Chesi Choodu had already been released and the shooting for Chandrahaaram had commenced.”
NTR is shown as wanting to scrap his contract with Vijaya Productions when B Nagi Reddi questioned him on his tour to collect funds for drought victims without informing him, since he was still under their contract. This episode seems to have emanated out of a flaw by the film’s script research team, because by then NTR had already signed five films for other banners, including Rajyam Pictures’ Dasi , AVM’s Sangham , and Bharani’s trilingual Chandi Rani besides working in Chandrahaaram .
Drought relief fund
B Nagi Reddi’s son B Viswanatha Reddi (Viswam) says it’s not true that NTR had brought the money collected for Rayalaseema drought relief fund to his father to be given through the film industry. In fact, the fund was named Andhra Prabha Rayalaseema Kshaama Nivaarana Nidhi. On May 25, 1952, at a function held at Vani Mahal, the then Madras, the fund was handed over to Narla Venkateswara Rao, editor of Andhra Prabha along with NTR making a request that it be used for Rayalaseema drought relief work through Ramakrishna Mutt.
“Thank God, they have not shown my father taking the money and keeping it with him,” says Viswam in light banter. He continues, “A legend like NTR needs no glorification. To glorify someone it is wrong to vilify another legend. Moreover, NTR always respected my father. In fact he used to address him only as ‘father.’ When invited for the launch of Bhairavadweepam , he just asked one question. ‘Father vastunnaaraa ?’ ‘ Aayana raakundaa yetla vuntaarandi ,’ I replied. He smiled and said, ‘ Aithe nenu maatram raakundaa yela vuntaanu .” He came and directed the first shot. When someone asked him, ‘ Meeru Vijaya Productions lo mallee act chestaara ?”, pointing to my father, who was standing next to him, NTR replied, “ Father cinema produce cheste thappakunda act chestaanu .” It was this humility, gratitude and kindness that made him a great man. Such was the relationship he shared with my father. Even today, our families maintain a cordial relationship.”
For some reason, the incidents like the differences NTR and ANR had with Jamuna and the professional rivalry he had with Krishna during the making of his Dana Veera Soora Karna and Krishna’s Kurukshetram have been avoided. Those incidents would have made an interesting watch. Also not shown are such details as the dedication with which NTR shaped himself at the beginning of his career like going to the Marina beach in the early mornings and practising voice culture, using a brass pot.
Of course, one hopes for more drama in the second part, NTR Mahanayakudu .
