Jr NTR refuses to play the original NTR

Hyderabad: Speculations are rife that Jr NTR has been offered to play the role of his legendary grandfather Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao in Thalaivi, a biopic on Jayalalithaa. However, the latest is that the actor has summarily rejected the offer.

Thalaivi has Kangana Ranaut in the title role. Wen the makers approached Jr NTR, as his grandfather and Jayalalithaa have done many films together, the youngster politely declined the offer as stepping into the shoes of his grandfather is very challenging, especially when it is a full-length role. He also contends that no one can bring alive his grandfather’s charisma and aura.

It may be recalled that in Kathanayakudu and Mahanayakudu, which are biopics on NTR, his son Balakrishna essayed the role.

Meanwhile, Kanagana is prepping up to play Jayalalithaa for the last six months. She is learning Bharatnatyam, Tamil and even spent hours in the prosthetic makeup sessions. Director AL Vijay has said that he could not find anyone more fitting than Kangana for the role.

Also, the director has planned to make this a multi-lingual pan-Indian film. Music will be composed by GV Prakash Kumar and Nirav Shah will crank the camera.

The first look poster was released on February 25, although the film’s release date is yet to be announced.