Lakshmi's NTR

Last updated

Lakshmi's NTR
Lakshmi's NTR.jpg
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma
Agasthya Manju
Written byRam Gopal Varma
Narendra Chary
Based onLife of N. T. Rama Rao
Produced byRakesh Reddy
Deepthi Balagiri
StarringJ.K.Vijay Kumar
Yagna Shetty
Sritej
CinematographyRaamy
Edited byBallu Saluja
Music by Kalyani Malik
Production
company
Distributed byNH Studioz
Release date
  • 29 March 2019 (2019-03-29)
Running time
152 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹2.5 crore [1]
Box officeest.₹7 crore [1]

Lakshmi's NTR is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical drama film based on the life of former film actor and chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao [2] [3] from the perspective of his second wife, Lakshmi Parvati as well as Rao during his last days. It is co-directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and Agasthya Manju. [4]

Contents

Plot

The film is based on factual events related to NTR after Lakshmi Parvathi came into his life. NTR's love story intertwined with political conspiracies which unraveled at that time that led to his dethronement. It chronicles crucial events in NTR's life after he meets Telugu research scholar Lakshmi Parvathi, from his struggles as a widower to his remarriage and to the division of his political party the Telugu Desam Party.

Cast

Production

On 4 July 2017, RGV announced through his YouTube channel that he would be directing NTR's biopic with the title RGV's NTR, in which Nandamuri Balakrishna was to act. Due to differences they both did two different movies on NTR. The film's title was later changed to Lakshmi's NTR.

Casting

After various speculation and rumours as to who would be cast in the lead roles, it was revealed that P Vijay Kumar [5] as N. T. Rama Rao, Sritej [6] as Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Yagna Shetty [7] as Lakshmi Parvathi would reprise their roles. [8]

Soundtrack

Lakshmi's NTR
Soundtrack album by
Kalyani Malik
Released2019
Recorded2018
Genre Soundtrack
Label Mango Music
Producer Kalyani Malik
Kalyani Malik chronology
Ammammagarillu
(2018)		Lakshmi's NTR
(2019)

Music is composed by Kalyani Malik and released on Mango Music label.

Track list
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Vennupotu"Sira Sri Kalyani Malik 03:16
2."Endhuku"Sira Sri Kalyani Malik, Sri Krishna04:54
3."Nee Uniki"Sira Sri S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 02:12
4."Avasaram"Sira SriWilson Herald02:06
5."Garjana"Sira Sri P. Ravi Shankar 02:29
6."Vijayam"Sira Sri S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Mohana Bhogaraju 01:36
7."Nenem chesano"Sira SriUma Neha02:01
8."Gelupu Votami"Sira Sri Shweta Mohan 06:43
9."Sisiraniki"Sira Sri Kalyani Malik, Chinmayi 03:56

Release

Initially it was scheduled to release on 22 March 2019. [9] [10] [11] [12] There are many political pressures on Election Commission and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to stop the release of the movie in the mode of the conduct basis. As RGV fought back against the EC and CBFC, the petitions against the release of the movie were filed in the Telangana High Court. [13] The HC after a thorough inquiry, directed that every individual has the right to express his feelings so the release of the movie cannot be stopped. Due to some Post production and Pre-release formalities it was rescheduled to release on 29 March 2019 in Telangana [14] [15] and on 1 June in Andhra Pradesh. 'Weekend Cinema' released the movie overseas.

Marketing

First track ‘Vennupotu’(Backstabbing) was released on 21 December 2018, which went on to make controversies. A case was filed by TDP MLA from Pithapuram S V S N Varma saying that it was aiming at Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandra Babu Naidu. So the High Court issued notices to censor board and producer of Lakshmi's NTR. [16] [17] [18] The second track ‘Enduku’(Why?) was released on 8 January 2019, questioning why did NTR marry Lakshmi Parvathi. [19]

On 18 January 2019, A teaser was released which gives a brief glance into the characters. [20]

First official trailer was released on 14 February 2019, at 9:27 AM by Ram Gopal Varma on Valentine's Day signifying the love between NTR and Lakhsmi Parvathi. [21] [22] [23]

The third track ‘Nee Uniki’ sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was released on 23 February 2019. [24] Another song called ‘Avasaram’ sung by Wilson Herald was released on 7 March 2019, is a sad song how people around NT Rama Rao used to bow down for power and all the relationships were based on their needs. [25]

Second official trailer was released on 8 March 2019. [26] [27]

Home media

After the release of the trailer, a big Telugu channel acquired the satellite rights for ₹3 Crore. [28]

Reception

Critical reception

Cinema Express gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi’s NTR, which traverses the unexplored events that happened in the life of NTR, makes for an interesting watch". [29]

Firstpost gave 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi’s NTR ends up being yet another drama from RGV’s factory which doesn’t pack a punch despite its inherent drama". [30]

The Times of India gave 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi's NTR does tell the story of an important and less talked about phase in the legendary actor-politician's life. But a good story doesn't always make for a good film". [31]

Sify gave 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi's NTR that focused on later life of legendary actor and politician late NT Rama Rao is fairly faithful to the political events of 1989 to 1996. While the film paints Chandrababu Naidu as a villain in NTR’s life, it also goes extra length to show Lakshmi Parvathi as a woman sans blemishes. It is an okay political movie with slow narration". [32]

The Indian Express gave 1 out of 5 stars stating "Ram Gopal Varma needs to cultivate new tricks of storytelling, should he ever aspire to make a decent film again". [33]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. T. Rama Rao</span> Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred by the media as Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma. Rao received three National Film Awards for co-producing Thodu Dongalu (1954) and Seetharama Kalyanam (1960) under National Art Theater, Madras, and for directing Varakatnam (1970). Known for his breakthrough performances in Raju Peda (1954) and Lava Kusa (1963), Rao garnered the Nandi Award for Best Actor for Kodalu Diddina Kapuram in 1970, and the Inaugural Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu in 1972 for Badi Panthulu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. Chandrababu Naidu</span> Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India

Nara Chandrababu Naidu, also known as Chandrababu Naidu or CBN, is an Indian politician and the current Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He also served as Chief Minister from 1995 to 2004 and as Opposition Leader from 2004 to 2014 of Andhra Pradesh. He is the National President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He suffered a major political set back in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Elections where he won only 23 seats out of the total 175 seats. This was also Telugu Desam Party's worst ever defeat.

NTR Telugu Desam Party (Lakshmi Parvathi) (NTRTDP (LP)) is a regional political party in the India state of Andhra Pradesh. The party was founded by Lakshmi Parvathi, the widow of the film star and Telugu Desam Party politician N.T. Rama Rao. Parvathi formed the party after the internal coup in which NTR's son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu took control over TDP in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ram Gopal Varma</span> Indian film director, screenwriter and producer

Penmetsa Ram Gopal Varma, often referred to by his initials RGV, is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer, known for his works in Telugu cinema in addition to Hindi, Kannada language films, and television. Varma has directed films across multiple genres, including parallel cinema and docudrama noted for their gritty realism, technical finesse, and craft. Regarded as one of the pioneers of new age Indian cinema, he was featured in the BBC World series Bollywood Bosses in 2004. In 2006, Grady Hendrix of Film Comment, published by the Film Society of Lincoln Center cited Varma as "Bombay's Most Successful Maverick" for his works on experimental films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nandamuri Balakrishna</span> Indian actor and politician (born 1960)

Nandamuri Balakrishna, widely known as Balakrishna and Balayya is an Indian actor, producer and politician known for his works in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna is an elected member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Hindupuram constituency since 2014. The sixth son of veteran actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna made his debut as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala (1974). Balakrishna is a recipient of three state Nandi Awards and one South Indian International Movie Award. In 2012, Balakrishna was the chief guest at the 43rd IFFI. Currently He serves as the Chairman of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Hyderabad.

The Politics of Andhra Pradesh take place in the context of a bicameral parliamentary system within the Constitutional framework of India. The main parties in the state are the YSR Congress Party, Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party. Other parties that have small presence in the state include the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Left parties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. T. Rama Rao Jr.</span> Indian actor (b. 1983)

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., also known as Jr. N.T.R. or Tarak, is an Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu cinema. One of the highest paid Telugu film actors, Rama Rao has won several accolades, including two Filmfare Awards, two state Nandi Awards, and four CineMAA Awards. Since 2012, he has been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nandamuri Harikrishna</span> Indian actor

Nandamuri Harikrishna was an Indian actor, producer, and politician. He served as the Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house the Indian Parliament representing the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh from 2008 to 2013 and a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1996-1999. His film works were predominantly in Telugu cinema. Harikrishna was the fourth son of actor and former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao. His sons N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram are actors and daughter Nandamuri Venkata Suhasini is a politician.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1996 Indian general election in Andhra Pradesh</span>

The 1996 Indian general election polls in United Andhra Pradesh were held for 42 seats in the state. The result was a victory for the Indian National Congress which won 22 out of 42 seats. This was the first election contested by the TDP since its leader Chandrababu Naidu ousted the party founder N. T. Rama Rao in a palace coup in August 1995 and the latter's untimely death a few months later.

<i>Rowdy</i> (2014 film) 2014 film by Ram Gopal Varma

Rowdy is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. It stars Vishnu Manchu and his father Mohan Babu with Jayasudha and Shanvi Srivastav in important roles. Sai Karthik composed the music for this film, while Satish Mutyala handled the cinematography. The principal photography commenced on 26 December 2013 and ended on 21 February 2014 in 30 working days. It was dubbed into Hindi as Rowdy.

<i>Vangaveeti</i> (film) 2016 film by Ram Gopal Varma

Vangaveeti is a 2016 Indian Telugu-language biographical action film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film is based on the life of politician Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga, and his elder brother Vangaveeti Radha Krishna and their altercation with communist dominated Vijayawada of the 1970s-80s in Andhra Pradesh.

<i>NTR: Kathanayakudu</i> 2019 Indian film

NTR: Kathanayakudu is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical drama film based on the real life and acting career of N. T. Rama Rao (NTR). It was directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and produced by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Vardhan Induri under NBK Films, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Vibri Media banners. It is the first installation of a two-part film. The film stars an ensemble cast with Nandamuri Balakrishna, as his father N. T. Rama Rao, Vidya Balan in lead roles. Music is composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film has a sequel, NTR: Mahanayakudu, that showcases the political journey of Rama Rao.

<i>Officer</i> (2018 film) 2018 film directed by Ram Gopal Varma

Officer is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language action film produced and directed by Ram Gopal Varma on his R Company Production banner. The film stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Myra Sareen in the lead roles and music composed by Ravi Shankar. The Tamil dubbed version, Simtaangaran was released on 1 January 2021.

<i>NTR: Mahanayakudu</i> 2019 Telugu language film

NTR: Mahanayakudu is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the real life and political career of N. T. Rama Rao, produced by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Vardhan Induri under NBK Films, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Vibri Media banners and directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. It is the second movie in a two-part series, with the first being NTR: Kathanayakudu. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Rana Daggubati in the lead roles and its music is composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film received positive reviews and yet bombed badly at the box office.

Sritej is an Indian actor who works in Telugu-language films. He came into limelight with the 2019 film Lakshmi's NTR directed by Ram Gopal Varma. He was also cast in Nandamuri Balakrishna's NTR: Kathanayakudu and NTR: Mahanayakudu. He played the role of Nara Chandrababu Naidu in Lakshmi's NTR.

<i>Amma Rajyam Lo Kadapa Biddalu</i> Indian film directed by Ram Gopal Varma

Amma Rajyam Lo Kadapa Biddalu, originally titled Kamma Rajyam Lo Kadapa Reddlu. is an Indian Telugu-language political satire film directed by Siddartha Thatolu and Ram Gopal Varma and produced by Ajay Mysore. The film stars Ajmal Ameer, Dhananjay Prabhune, Brahmanandam, and Ali.

Coronavirus is a 2020 Indian Telugu-language thriller drama film produced by Ram Gopal Varma and directed by Agasthya Manju. The film is about a family exposed to the virus during the COVID-19 lockdown in India.

<i>Aasha Encounter</i> 2022 Indian Telugu-language film

Aasha Encounter is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language docudrama film based on the 2019 gang assault and subsequent killing of a young woman in Hyderabad. It is written and directed by Anand Chandra. The film was released on 1 January 2022.

<i>Konda</i> (film) 2022 Indian film

Konda is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language political crime thriller film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and produced by Sushmitha Patel. The film explores the political-criminal-nexus between Indian politician couple Konda Surekha, Konda Murali, Errabelli Dayakar Rao, and Maoist Ramakrishna, alias R.K. Konda was released on 23 June 2022 to mixed reviews.

Vyuham, also known as Vyooham, is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language biographical political thriller film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film revolves around the unexpected events that led to the untimely death of former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and the subsequent events surrounding the creation of the YSR Congress Party, led by his son Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

References

  1. 1 2 "2019లో భారీ వసూళ్లు రాబట్టిన సినిమాలివే." Sakshi (in Telugu). 31 December 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  2. ↑ "RGV releases 'Lakshmi's NTR' poster in Tirumala". Deccan Herald. 20 October 2018.
  3. ↑ "Vennupotu song: Ram Gopal Varma stirs up controversy with his Lakshmi's NTR". India Today. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  4. ↑ "Ram Gopal Varma finds a producer for Lakshmi's NTR, but his family members against film". Hindustan Times. 9 October 2017.
  5. ↑ "RGV's clarification about who plays NTR in 'Lakshmi's NTR'". The Times of India.
  6. ↑ "RGV's Chandrababu Naidu Is Menacing". Mirchi9.
  7. ↑ "Yagna Shetty to play Lakshmi Parvathi". Deccan Chronicle.
  8. ↑ "Pics: Lakshmi Parvathi & Chandrababu of 'Lakshmi's NTR'". Gulte.
  9. ↑ "Ram Gopal Varma's Lakshmi's NTR to hit screens on March 22". Hindustan Times. 2 March 2019.
  10. ↑ "All eyes on Ram Gopal Varma's film Lakshmi's NTR". Deccan Chronicle.
  11. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR official released date revealed: RGV film to clash with ABCD, PKC 2, Suvarna Sundari". International Business Times.
  12. ↑ "'Lakshmi's NTR': RGV's controversial film set to hit the theatres on March 22". The Times of India.
  13. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR Release Can Not Be Stopped: HC". Sakshipost. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  14. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR Gets New Release Date". TheHansIndia.
  15. ↑ "Ram Gopal Varma blames CBFC for refusing to certify Lakshmi's NTR, then calls it misunderstanding". India Today.
  16. ↑ "After petition by TDP MLA, Telangana HC issues notice to makers of 'Lakshmi's NTR'". Thenewsminute.
  17. ↑ "Notices to censor board, producer of NTR biopic". The Hindu.
  18. ↑ "AP High Court Served Notices On 'Lakshmi's NTR' song". Gulte.
  19. ↑ "RGV releases Enduku song". Telugucinema.
  20. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR teaser: Ram Gopal Varma's depiction of former Andhra Pradesh CM promises authenticity". Firstpost.
  21. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR Trailer: Controversial to the core!". The Times of India. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  22. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR Trailer: Ram Gopal Varma unveils 'most intense, dramatic love story ever' on Valentine's Day". IndiatvNews.
  23. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR trailer review: RGV's film to throw light on untold secrets of NT Rama Rao's last days". International Business Times.
  24. ↑ "Watch: Nee Uniki From Lakshmi's NTR". Gulte.
  25. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR 2nd song Avasaram review: Lyrics strike a chord and raises bar of expectations [Video]". International Business Times.
  26. ↑ R, Manoj Kumar (8 March 2019). "Lakshmi's NTR new trailer: RGV is not pulling punches". The Indian Express. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  27. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR trailer out: RGV drags N Chandrababu Naidu into controversy". India Today.
  28. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR pre-release business: RGV film gets decent amount for its theatrical rights". International Business Times.
  29. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR Review: An untold story of emotions". CinemaExpress.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg
  30. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR movie review: RGV's political film fails to pack a punch despite its inherent drama". Firstpost.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg
  31. ↑ "LAKSHMI'S NTR MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg
  32. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR review: An okay, fairly faithful political movie". Sify . Archived from the original on 30 March 2019.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg
  33. ↑ "Lakshmi's NTR movie review: RGV's inept exercise in propaganda". TheIndianExpress.Star full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.