Jr NTR to Star in Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic?

Jr NTR is currently busy with big projects like War 2, Prashanth Neel’s film, and Devara 2. But now, a surprising update from Mumbai media has caught everyone’s attention. Reports suggest that Jr NTR might take up a shocking and powerful biopic after these projects, none other than the story of Indian cinema’s founding father, Dadasaheb Phalke.

According to these reports, Jr NTR has shown interest in playing the legendary filmmaker in a grand biopic. The project is said to be backed by SS Rajamouli, his son Karthikeya, and Varun Gupta from Max Studios. The script is reportedly ready, and sources say NTR was excited and immediately gave his nod after hearing it.

However, many feel that portraying Dadasaheb Phalke’s life on screen is no easy task. Despite being a legend, his story is filled with intense drama and emotion, which is quite different from the mass appeal Jr NTR usually brings to his roles. Making such a serious and historical film work with a commercial superstar is a major challenge.

Dadasaheb Phalke, born in 1870 as Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, directed India’s first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra in 1913. He went on to make 95 films in total. His career took a major turn when he joined the Archaeology Department as a photographer in 1903. After watching the film Life of Christ in 1910, he was so inspired that he decided to make movies himself, a decision that changed Indian cinema forever.

To make his first film, Phalke sold off all his property, bought filmmaking equipment and books, and even traveled to London to buy a camera for five pounds. He made a short film to gain support and managed to gather about ₹10,000 to begin his journey as a producer and director. His wife, Saraswati Bai, supported him emotionally and even sold her jewelry to fund his dream.

Tragically, despite his great contribution to cinema, Phalke spent his final years in poverty. He didn’t even have his own house for six years before his death, and eventually passed away due to illness in that same home.

If this biopic goes forward, it could be one of the most emotional and inspiring films of Jr NTR’s career.