Lakshmi's NTR

Lakshmi's NTR is an Indian Telugu-language biographical drama film produced and directed by Ram Gopal Varma and Agasthya Manju. Released in 2019, the film stars P. Vijay Kumar, Yagna Shetty, Sritej, and Rajsekhar Aningi, and delivers a gripping portrayal of the political and personal life of the renowned Telugu film star and politician, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR).

Lakshmi's NTR does more than tell the story of NTR; it offers an emotionally rich account through the eyes of his second wife, Lakshmi Parvathi. The narrative of the story commences from the point of NTR's life after he suffered a crushing defeat in the 1989 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, resulting from which he is emotionally beaten down and disheartened.

The film opens with NTR (played by Vijay Kumar), spending his time reading books and writing, consumed by his defeat. During this critical phase, he meets Lakshmi Parvathi (essayed by Yagna Shetty), an ardent fan and researcher, who approaches him with an intent to write his biography. This encounter gradually blossoms from professional interaction to a personal relationship. Eventually, Lakshmi becomes his ray of hope that rekindles his political dreams and aspirations.

In delineating this biographic narration, the movie subtly presents the backdrop of the political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh during the 1990s. It explicitly illustrates the second phase of NTR's political journey when he establishes his political party, Telugu Desh, through the lens of Lakshmi's perspective. The political undertones of the film are delicately balanced with the emotional contour of NTR and Lakshmi's relationship, providing a holistic insight into this eventful period of NTR's life.

The characters in the film are portrayed brilliantly and provide a fascinating sketch of NTR's journey. P. Vijay Kumar delivers an outstanding performance by perfectly capturing the unique mannerisms and commanding charisma of NTR. At the same time, Yagna Shetty's portrayal of Lakshmi Parvathi is heartfelt and sincere. The supporting cast, including Surya Babu, Avanthika, and Rajsekhar Aningi, plays a significant role in escalating the narrative tension.

Lakshmi's NTR explores emotional depths and psychological complexities, depicting the dichotomies of ambition and power, of love and betrayal, of hope and despair. It offers a poignant depiction of how NTR’s professional life impacts his personal relationships and vice versa. Director Ram Gopal Varma, known for his distinct storytelling style, has not shied away from presenting the reality of NTR’s life and his political career as they were.

In this narrative, Varma trains his focus not only on the dynamics between NTR and Lakshmi Parvathi but also explores the strained relationship between NTR and his family members after his marriage to Lakshmi Parvathi. It further notes the considerable influence exerted by his sons-in-law on his political career.

A highly eventful portrayal, Lakshmi's NTR, delivers an incisive view of the human emotions against the backdrop of political maneuvers. It masterfully displays the trials, tribulations, victories, and losses experienced by one of the most influential and enduring figures in Telugu history.

As the plot unfolds, the film takes dark turns, treading the tricky terrain of power-play, political alliances, and revolts, resulting in a sharp and insightful account meticulously interwoven with the political happenings and personal developments in NTR's life.

The movie excels in its technical aspects, specifically in terms of cinematography and music. The soulful and powerful soundtrack, composed by Kalyani Malik, resonates well with the narrative, thereby elevating the screenplay. The brilliant cinematography by Rammy captures the era appropriately, providing a realistic backdrop to the unfolding of the politically charged sequences and intimate emotional moments.

Marking a compelling narrative, Lakshmi's NTR does not just recount an intriguing chapter in the life of a beloved Telugu actor and charismatic politician; it also illuminates the personal and political struggles he faced. With riveting performances and intricate storytelling, the film captures an important piece of cinematic history, etching a realistic portrayal of a man’s journey through his personal aspirations and political ambitions.