NTR KATHANAYAKUDU MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

There is a scene in NTR Kathanayakudu, where NT Ramarao has to play the role of Krishna, and the producers are unsure if he'll do justice to the role. 2 minutes later, he walks into the studio in Krishna's costume, leaving the producer in awe. That is exactly the same reaction we give when we leave the movie hall after watching the movie.

Having Nandamuri Balakrishna, NTR's son in the lead role, this biopic has loads of gooseflesh moments sprinkled all over and is a fitting tribute to the legend. The movie starts from 1947 and takes us on a tour inside NTR's life till the start of his political party.

Director Krish Jagarlamudi takes a cautious approach by focussing only on portions related to cinema and leaving aside politics. However, he doesn't shy away from placing strong political scenes, that are relevant even now. For example, there is a scene where he is supposed to meet Indira Gandhi, and the conversation that follows makes a commentary on Hindi Imposition.

With a run time of 171 minutes, a section of the audience might find this a tad longer. The edit could have been crisper, but it is decent enough to keep you engaged. Gnana Sekhar's impressive use of colors enhances Balakrishna's screen presence and certainly makes it a better viewing experience. Balakrishna is a delight to watch on screen. He single-handedly carries the film on his shoulders with good performances. If at all there is something called perfect, it has to be his portrayal of the old-age NTR. Even the smallest of details like adjusting specs have been handled with finesse.

Experienced campaigner MM Keeravani has composed the music, and he proves why he is one of the top composers in the Telugu Film Industry. Even the most banal scenes become engaging because of Keeravani's pulsating background score. Overall, this one is a must watch, at least to know the legacy of someone as important as NTR. For Non-Telugu movie buffs, a little patience would mean that you go home enriched with information and a heart filled with respect.