'NTR Needs To Continue In Telugu, He Is Special For Us'

Close on the heels of Jr. NTR gearing up for his Bollywood debut in War 2, speculation is rife about whether the Nandamuri scion will further explore Hindi cinema. Adding to the excitement, NTR is reportedly interested in portraying the legendary filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke in a grand biopic. The project is said to be backed by SS Rajamouli, his son Karthikeya, and Varun Gupta of Max Studios. Sources reveal the script is ready and that NTR was thrilled enough to immediately give his nod after hearing it.

However, Telugu producer Lagadapati Sridhar believes that he should remain closely tied to Telugu cinema. He expressed hope that NTR will continue doing more Telugu films. "Firstly, I'm happy to see a Telugu star doing big Hindi movies, but I don’t think he will permanently shift to Bollywood. Perhaps he was drawn to this role and may do one or two more roles to showcase his talent in varied avatars. I believe he’ll be selective with his Hindi projects," Sridhar commented.

He also emphasized how regional stars are now being celebrated nationwide. "After Prabhas and Allu Arjun, NTR is one of the few Telugu actors who have gained a strong following among non-Telugu audiences. This proves that an actor can continue doing Telugu films while earning global recognition, as pan-India cinema has broken language and regional barriers," he noted.

Speaking about Devara doing well in Japan, Sridhar acknowledged the growing global reach of Telugu cinema. "The market has expanded significantly. Countries like Japan and China are now embracing our films. NTR’s Japanese fanbase is further proof of his stardom, and he’s wisely using this opportunity to grow his international presence," he explained.

With Telugu film budgets now soaring to ₹500 crores, Sridhar stressed the importance of expanding globally. "Reaching international audiences isn’t just a choice anymore—it’s a necessity. Tapping into larger markets allows producers to invest more and create truly pan-world films," he added.

However, Sridhar was quick to point out the weight of legacy that NTR carries. "His grandfather, the legendary Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, dedicated his life to Telugu cinema and its audience. He played iconic roles that continue to resonate with generations. I sincerely hope Jr. NTR follows in his footsteps and continues to be the pride of Telugu cinema," Sridhar concluded.