Will KCR Biopic Bring Back Josh Among BRS Cadre?

The Paradise movie follows a fictional, marginalized tribe called Savari. Led by a fierce protagonist, Jadal (played by Nani), the community battles systemic oppression, discrimination, and a violent struggle to claim their fundamental voting rights and legal citizenship. The inclusion of a politician in the film’s second half helped it gain momentum at the box office. The film opened to negative reviews, then settled into a mixed response. But regardless of the noise, if the film is still doing well and collecting good revenues, the political angle is a factor contributing to its run today.

In fact, everyone knew the politician’s role was inspired by BRS chief Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao. Until the film was released, the makers kept it a secret, so audiences could enjoy it on the big screen. The surprise element worked well and has brought appreciation for actor Preyadarshi, who played the character. With all the appreciation, response, and celebration around that character, an opinion is circulating that a biopic on KCR’s life is the need of the hour.

It has been three years since the BRS lost power and the Congress formed the government in Telangana. Until the election results were announced, no BRS activist expected a Congress victory, and many were confident that BRS would return to power for a third consecutive term. It was only after the results that the BRS realised the extent of the anti incumbency wave and the public’s desire for change. In recent months, the challenges faced by the party have highlighted that BRS is struggling both internally and externally. The party now needs time and significant groundwork to prepare for the next elections.

Around this time, a film is released that features a character based on KCR, and the cadre and few sections of audience celebrates it in full force. It is quite a surprise for even the party to give them a reality check to start adopting a new thinking approach to strengthen their party again, keeping KCR in the forefront, if not physically, even in any other form, just like using cinema as a medium.

Since Telangana was formed, discussions about a KCR biopic have continued, but no proper plan of action has emerged. Producers like Raj Kandukuri and Madhura Sreedhar Reddy earlier announced plans for a film on KCR’s life, but there has been no further update. However, after the release of The Paradise, Madhura Sreedhar once again confirmed that his team is already occupied with the script work for the KCR biopic.

In such a scenario, where even KTR watched the film and appreciated the team, there must be serious consideration of backing a film based on KCR’s life, either directly or indirectly. If a noted production house steps forward with an established director and actor at the forefront, the party won’t even endorse the film, because the project will automatically get wider reach, no matter what. Already, social media is pushing the filmmakers to consider Preyadarshi to play KCR on the screen whenever a film hits the sets.

Yatra, based on the life of YS Rajasekhar Reddy, is one of the contributing factors in YSRCP’s victory in the Andhra Pradesh general elections in 2019. Although the party did not officially endorse the film, an actor like Mohanlal essaying the role of YSR on screen had a huge impact. When Madhura Sreedhar announced the film on KCR’s life last time, the names like Raj Kumar Rao and Nawazuddin Siddique made rounds.

If BRS wants to strengthen its position ahead of the next elections, understanding the current cadre sentiment and mood will be important. The party and KCR continue to have support among a section of people. With nearly two years left for the elections, focused groundwork and a clear strategy could help the party consolidate its position.

At the end of the day, making the right move at the right time in politics can be a game-changer!