While some believe the actor's love for Kollywood would help him advance his career, a few opined that this could affect his prospects in Telugu cinema.
Published Sep 19, 2024 | 1:30 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 19, 2024 | 1:30 PM
Netizens debate over Jr NTR's deep desire to collaborate with Tamil directors. (X)
Telugu star hero Jr NTR has recently shared his admiration for the new wave of Tamil directors who are redefining the landscape of Indian cinema.
In a recent interview with Ananda Vikatan, Jr NTR also expressed his enthusiasm for working with Tamil directors like Lokesh Kanagaraj, Atlee, and Nelson. He praised these filmmakers for expanding Tamil cinema’s global reach.
His deep desire to work with Tamil filmmakers has sparked serious discussions and debates online. While Jr NTR fans believe the actor’s love for Kollywood would help him advance his career, a few opined that this could affect his prospects in Telugu cinema.
In the interview, Jr NTR remarked, “Tamil cinema shines with innovative talent. I think the Tamil film industry needs to show their progress to everyone worldwide.” Further, he praised them for the cutting-edge creativity and impact they are making in the industry.
The Telugu actor highlighted his appreciation for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s distinctive style, particularly the unique “vibe” his films bring to audiences.
He also praised Nelson’s ability to create blockbuster moments and expressed his excitement over Jailer (2023). “It was long since I saw Rajini sir like that… Oh my God… semma mass!” he said, referring to Rajinikanth’s performance in the film.
Additionally, Jr NTR shared that he has been discussing with Atlee, the director behind Jawan (2023), starring Shah Rukh Khan.
While the two had initially considered working together on a romantic comedy, their busy schedules prevented the project from moving forward. However, the Tollywood actor emphasised that collaboration is inevitable in the future.
During a press meet in Chennai for his upcoming film Devara: Part 1, Jr NTR expressed his admiration for Vetrimaaran. Describing Vetrimaaran as his “favourite” filmmaker, the Telugu actor made a public request for a collaboration.
“Vetrimaaran sir, please make a film with me at least in Tamil, we will dub it in Telugu later,” he made a request, sparking excitement among fans. Though discussions between the two have taken place, conflicting schedules prevented them from starting a project together.
I’ll ask my fav director. #Vetrimaaran sir please do a straight Tamil film with me. We can dub it in Telugu.
– #NTR at #Devara Chennai press meet
— 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 (@BheeshmaTalks) September 17, 2024
Meanwhile, Vetrimaaran confirmed that Jr NTR would star in a movie directed by him. He disclosed that after Asuran (2019), post-lockdown, he met with Jr NTR and spoke about a possible venture. “It’s bound to happen,” he confirmed.
“After Asuran…post lockdown, I have met #JrNTR and we are in talks🔥. It is bound to happen but it takes more time for me to complete one film & move on to other film. So that’s the problem”
– #VetriMaaran Throwback pic.twitter.com/OSMzTMorLp— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) September 17, 2024
At the press meet, Jr NTR also reminisced about his childhood in Chennai and shared his fond memories of the city.
“Chennai is special to me. As a child, I learned Kuchipudi here. Cinema unites the people of all languages and this was reflected in the box office success of many movies. The Telugu film industry took its baby steps in Chennai,” the actor recalled.
Jr NTR’s growing interest in Tamil cinema and the potential collaborations with Tamil directors have certainly left his fans in excitement. They hope that their favourite hero will continue to leave his mark in multiple film industries through interesting projects.
Nevertheless, the actor’s recent public statements and his wide appreciation for Tamil filmmakers raised many eyebrows, too.
A few netizens are wondering why Jr NTR is going gaga over Tamil directors and undermining the talent in Telugu cinema. They felt that he should work with young filmmakers in Tollywood instead of migrating to Kollywood.
Some internet users expressed similar concerns stating that the hero’s explicit interest in Tamil cinema might not go down well with the makers in the Telugu film industry and affect his prospects here.
A few felt that Jr NTR foraying into Bollywood with Hrithik Roshan’s War 2 could expand his fanbase across the globe since he plays a powerful antagonist in it.
Some opined that the actor’s strong desire to collaborate with Kollywood directors only underscores his passion for Indian cinema and his zeal to represent it on the global platform.
Meanwhile, as Jr NTR prepares for the release of Devara: Part 1, he expressed confidence that the film would resonate well with Tamil audiences. He also admitted that “Devara is the most ambitious project” he has been part of in his career. The film is gearing up to hit the theatres worldwide on 27 September.
Directed by Siva Koratala, Devara is a high-budget action drama featuring Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead. The Telugu movie also stars Saif Ali Khan, Srikanth, Prakash Raj, and Shine Tom Chacko, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
Over 50,000 tickets for the most-awaited film have been sold thus far in the USA. Devara: Part 1 recently surpassed the $1 million mark in pre-sales at the US box office. Further, the Jr NTR-starer became the first Telugu movie to be screened in Dolby Atmos in the UK.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
