Decoding Jr NTR’s rise beyond a regular film star to a legit people’s hero

Director Koratala Siva’s pan-India film, Devara: Part 1, is predicted to take a flying start at the box office. The film’s biggest USP lies in the celebrated screen presence of the man who’s leading it from the front: Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as Jr NTR. There’s immense buzz around the film’s release and now that it’s here, we tried to decode what makes Jr NTR so celebratory.
It took time for the actor, but he eventually became a legit pan-India star. Jr NTR’s last outing, RRR, with Ram Charan, travelled to the Oscars and gained him a newfound popularity as a ‘global icon’. From a young and inexperienced actor struggling to cope with fame in his early 20s (after the success of Aadi and Simhadri) to a mature star recognised as the man of the masses, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Jr NTR belongs to a revered film family, and yet he has had his share of struggles with navigating the overwhelming fame that accompanied his early success.
You would think that for someone like him who grew up watching his father, grandfather and uncles achieving all levels of stardom, his journey in the industry would be a cakewalk. A closer look at his trajectory would explain things better, though. It was only with unwavering determination and a passion for acting that he carved a unique niche in the Telugu film industry.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, trade analyst Taran Adarsh spoke about the same legacy that Taraka had to justify. He shared his views on the RRR actor’s journey and called him a genuine pan-India star. He said, “He’s one of the finest actors we have in India because the kind of range and the kind of work that he’s done over the years is superb. If one has seen Temper, Janatha Garage or RRR, they can see the range and the versatility of the actor. Jr NTR has cultivated this huge fan base for himself only because of his sheer hard work and the kind of talent he has, and not because he belongs to a family that associates with films. And he has built it over a period of time.”

Jr NTR in SS Rajamouli’s RRR

In 2001, when Jr NTR joined forces with the then-rising director, SS Rajamouli, their collaboration on the coming-of-age drama, Student No 1, marked a turning point in both their careers. The film’s resounding success, coupled with Jr NTR’s charismatic performance, magically solidified his position as a rising star. Made on a budget of around Rs 2 crore, the film minted approximately Rs 12 crore during its reign at the box office, making it quite visible that he was born to rule the box office from the beginning of his career. MM Keeravani’s melodies, infused with emotion and energy, resonated deeply with audiences, making Student No 1 a timeless classic. This early triumph set the stage for Jr NTR’s illustrious career ahead.
For the actor, the key lies in staying true to your craft and believing in good work. Sharing how he chooses his roles, Jr NTR, while speaking to Film Companion earlier, admitted, “For the longest time, I didn’t know what people expected from me. Nothing I did was working. It was only after I realised that everyone expected me to make a genuine effort and make good films that things began to change slowly. It’s no longer about box-office results. I’m doing films for my own satisfaction now.”
For the members of the Telugu film industry and those who have grown up watching him, Jr NTR is more than just a star. He is a cultural icon who emerged from the very heart of his audience and became their own in no time. His connection to the people he represents is undeniable, making him a beloved and revered figure. From his early roles as a local vigilante in Simhadri, a grieving son seeking revenge in Samba, to his powerful portrayal of a tribal leader in RRR, Jr NTR has grown leaps and bounds with his sheer acting prowess. Today, he stands best as a testament to a dialogue from Yamadonga, one of his own films: “God is born from within its people”.

Jr NTR in the 2007 film Yamadonga. (Photo: IMDb)

After doing Samba in 2004, Taraka made some not-so-bold choices with films that cast a dry spell on his career. But, it was the socio-fantasy film, Yamadonga (2007), that marked his comeback. In it, the superstar challenged himself by taking on a demanding double role. Yamadonga is considered a masterful blend of heartfelt emotions and hilarious humour.
His real win lies in his ability to transcend language barriers and take a respectful place in the hearts of the audience all across the country. NT Rama Rao, Jr NTR’s grandfather, once said in Yamadonga, “Naatana neeloni raktham, naatyam neekunna varam. Nandamuri manavada majaaka. Chupinchada ni taaraka (Acting is in your blood, dancing is your gifted blessing. The Nandamuri scion in all his glory. Will you show your star power?),” and it seems his grandson made it his life’s motto.
Taraka’s eyes often convey a sense of aggression, showcasing his talent for expressing emotions just through his gaze.

Jr NTR in the 2003 film Simhadri. (Photo: IMDb)

His films such as Adhurs (2010), Brindavanam (2010), Temper (2015) and Janatha Garage (2016) made Jr NTR a cult favourite, earning him critical acclaim. While Brindavanam highlighted his charm in a family-centric drama, Janatha Garage and Jai Lava Kusa (2017) cemented his status as a bankable star in Telugu cinema. In the latter, he played triple roles and made it a one-man show. Jr NTR nailed it as both the protagonist and the antagonist.

A poster of Jr NTR’s film Jai Lava Kusa.

The superstar’s cinematic appearances often involve dramatic and symbolic elements, especially how he uses blood as a metaphor for strength and justice in his stories. This recurring theme sets a powerful and gritty tone, establishing his characters as formidable figures who, despite their strength, should not be feared but rather respected.
Sample this: In the Telugu trailer for his upcoming film, Devara: Part 1, Jr NTR’s character emerges from a blood-soaked sea, immediately setting an intense mood. Similarly, his iconic entry in RRR sees him soaked in blood, reinforcing his character’s fierce and uncompromising nature. In a pivotal scene from Simhadri, Jr NTR’s character dramatically drenches himself in the blood of the defeated villain, played by Rahul Dev. These scenes reinforce his characters’ power and solidify his presence in the industry.
Watch Jr NTR’s epic entry scene in RRR:

Now, with Devara, the actor is once again poised to make a significant impact in the Indian film industry. His fame, already elevated by the international success of RRR, is expected to reach even greater heights. At a recent event, the actor spoke about the highly-anticipated film and said, “It’s me and me. You’ve got Devara the father, and you’ve got Varada the son. I mean I really don’t want to give a lot of spoilers. It’s just two days away from release, but it is a rollercoaster journey of a father and son.”
Here’s Devara’s trailer:

After collaborating with Malayalam actor Mohanlal and Telugu star Ram Charan, Jr NTR’s collaboration with Saif Ali Khan in Devara has already generated significant buzz. Drawing from the film’s vibrant trailer, captivating song videos, and dynamic promotional content, it’s clear that Jr NTR is set to recreate the exhilarating magic that fans have come to expect from his previous films. And why not? When you’ve got Jr NTR, the sky is the limit on the big screen!