Vidya Balan In Talks For NBK Film

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is likely to return to Tollywood for an important role opposite Nandamuri Balakrishna in his upcoming film with director Koratala Siva.

“She will appear in the flashback portions of the film, although nothing has been finalised yet,” says a source.

Balakrishna and Vidya Balan earlier played husband and wife in NTR: Kathanayakudu and NTR: Mahanayakudu, where she portrayed the late Basavatarakam in both younger and older phases. Vidya’s performance in the biopics received appreciation from audiences across the Telugu-speaking states.

“Basavatarakam’s role was not written as just a conventional housewife. She was portrayed as a strong woman who stood firmly beside NTR during crucial phases of his life,” the source notes. “Vidya interacted with Balakrishna and other family members to understand the nuances of the character and she executed the role with conviction.”

Director Koratala Siva, is said to have designed another performance-oriented role for the actress. “Vidya Balan is an immensely talented and selective actress. If everything falls into place, this project could mark her return to Telugu cinema,” the source says.

Like several Bollywood actresses working in South cinema, Vidya Balan is also believed to have insisted on a “scenes retention” clause in the agreement, ensuring that key scenes involving her character are not trimmed during the final edit. “Discussions are currently underway,” the source shares.