Lakshmi's NTR
Lakshmi's NTR is an Indian Telugu language biographical drama film based on the life of former film actor and chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao[2][3] from the perspective of his second wife, Lakshmi Parvati as well as N. T. Rama Rao during his last days. It is co-directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and Agasthya Manju. It is produced by Rakesh Reddy.[4]
Lakshmi's NTR | |
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Directed by | Ram Gopal Varma Agasthya Manju |
Produced by | Rakesh Reddy Deepthi Balagiri |
Written by | Ram Gopal Varma Narendra Chary |
Based on | Life of N. T. Rama Rao |
Starring | J.K.Vijay Kumar Yagna Shetty Sritej |
Music by | Kalyani Malik |
Cinematography | Raamy |
Edited by | Ballu Saluja |
Production company | GV Films |
Distributed by | NH Studioz |
Release date |
|
Running time | 152 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Telugu |
Budget | ₹2.5 crore[1] |
Box office | est. ₹7 crore[1] |
Plot
The film is based on factual events related to NTR after Lakshmi Parvathi came into his life. NTR's love story intertwined with political conspiracies which unraveled at that time that led to his dethronement. It chronicles crucial events in NTR's life after he meets Telugu research scholar Veeragandham Lakshmi Parvathi, from his struggles as a widower to his remarriage and to the division of his political party.
Cast
- P Vijay Kumar as N. T. Rama Rao
- Yagna Shetty as Lakshmi Parvathi
- Sritej as Nara Chandrababu Naidu
- Aningi Rajasekhar as Rama Subba Reddy
- Vj Balu as Balakrishna
- Swarnakanth as Devineni Nehru
Production
On 4 July 2017, RGV announced through his YouTube channel that he would be directing NTR's biopic with the title RGV's NTR, in which Nandamuri Balakrishna was to act. Due to differences they both did two different movies on NTR. The film's title was later changed to Lakshmi's NTR.
Soundtrack
Lakshmi's NTR | ||||
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Soundtrack album by Kalyani Malik | ||||
Released | 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2018 | |||
Genre | Soundtrack | |||
Label | Mango Music | |||
Producer | Kalyani Malik | |||
Kalyani Malik chronology | ||||
|
Music is composed by Kalyani Malik and released on Mango Music label.
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Vennupotu" | Sira Sri | Kalyani Malik | 03:16 |
2. | "Endhuku" | Sira Sri | Kalyani Malik, Sri Krishna | 04:54 |
3. | "Nee Uniki" | Sira Sri | S. P. Balu | 02:12 |
4. | "Avasaram" | Sira Sri | Wilson Herald | 02:06 |
5. | "Garjana" | Sira Sri | P. Ravi Shankar | 02:29 |
6. | "Vijayam" | Sira Sri | S. P. Balu, Mohana Bhogaraju | 01:36 |
7. | "Nenem chesano" | Sira Sri | Uma Neha | 02:01 |
8. | "Gelupu Votami" | Sira Sri | Shweta Mohan | 06:43 |
9. | "Sisiraniki" | Sira Sri | Kalyani Malik, Chinmayi | 03:56 |
Release
Initially it was scheduled to release on 22 March 2019.[9][10][11][12] There are many political pressures on Election Commission and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to stop the release of the movie in the mode of the conduct basis. As RGV fought back against the EC and CBFC, the petitions against the release of the movie were filed in the Telangana High Court.[13] The HC after a thorough inquiry, directed that every individual has the right to express his feelings so the release of the movie cannot be stopped. Due to some Post production and Pre-release formalities it was rescheduled to release on 29 March 2019 in Telangana[14][15] and on June 1 in Andhra Pradesh. 'Weekend Cinema' released the movie overseas.
Marketing
First track ‘Vennupotu’(Backstabbing) was released on 21 December 2018, which went on to make controversies. A case was filed by TDP MLA from Pithapuram S V S N Varma saying that it was aiming at Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandra Babu Naidu. So the High Court issued notices to censor board and producer of Lakshmi's NTR.[16][17][18] The second track ‘Enduku’(Why?) was released on 8 January 2019, questioning why did NTR marry Lakshmi Parvathi.[19]
On 18 January 2019, A teaser was released which gives a brief glance into the characters.[20]
First official trailer was released on 14 February 2019, at 9:27 AM by Ram Gopal Varma on Valentine's Day signifying the love between NTR and Lakhsmi Parvathi.[21][22][23]
The third track ‘Nee Uniki’ sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was released on 23 February 2019.[24] Another song called ‘Avasaram’ sung by Wilson Herald was released on 7 March 2019, is a sad song how people around NT Rama Rao used to bow down for power and all the relationships were based on their needs.[25]
Second official trailer was released on 8 March 2019.[26][27]
Home media
After the release of the trailer, a big Telugu channel acquired the satellite rights for ₹3 Crore.[28]
Reception
Critical Reception
Cinema Express gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi’s NTR, which traverses the unexplored events that happened in the life of NTR, makes for an interesting watch".[29]
Firstpost gave 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi’s NTR ends up being yet another drama from RGV’s factory which doesn’t pack a punch despite its inherent drama".[30]
The Times of India gave 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi's NTR does tell the story of an important and less talked about phase in the legendary actor-politician's life. But a good story doesn't always make for a good film".[31]
Sify gave 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Lakshmi's NTR that focused on later life of legendary actor and politician late NT Rama Rao is fairly faithful to the political events of 1989 to 1996. While the film paints Chandrababu Naidu as a villain in NTR’s life, it also goes extra length to show Lakshmi Parvathi as a woman sans blemishes. It is an okay political movie with slow narration".[32]
The Indian Express gave 1 out of 5 stars stating "Ram Gopal Varma needs to cultivate new tricks of storytelling, should he ever aspire to make a decent film again".[33]
References
- "2019లో భారీ వసూళ్లు రాబట్టిన సినిమాలివే." Sakshi (in Telugu). 31 December 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
- "RGV releases 'Lakshmi's NTR' poster in Tirumala". Deccan Herald. 20 October 2018.
- "Vennupotu song: Ram Gopal Varma stirs up controversy with his Lakshmi's NTR". India Today. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- "Ram Gopal Varma finds a producer for Lakshmi's NTR, but his family members against film". www.hindustantimes.com. 9 October 2017.
- "RGV's clarification about who plays NTR in 'Lakshmi's NTR'". Timesofindia.
- "RGV's Chandrababu Naidu Is Menacing". Mirchi9.
- "Yagna Shetty to play Lakshmi Parvathi". Deccanchronicle.
- "Pics: Lakshmi Parvathi & Chandrababu of 'Lakshmi's NTR'". Gulte.
- "Ram Gopal Varma's Lakshmi's NTR to hit screens on March 22". Hindustantimes. 2 March 2019.
- "All eyes on Ram Gopal Varma's film Lakshmi's NTR". Deccanchronicle.
- "Lakshmi's NTR official released date revealed: RGV film to clash with ABCD, PKC 2, Suvarna Sundari". Ibtimes.
- "'Lakshmi's NTR': RGV's controversial film set to hit the theatres on March 22". Timesofindia.
- "Lakshmi's NTR Release Can Not Be Stopped: HC". Sakshipost. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- "Lakshmi's NTR Gets New Release Date". TheHansIndia.
- "Ram Gopal Varma blames CBFC for refusing to certify Lakshmi's NTR, then calls it misunderstanding". IndiaToday.
- "After petition by TDP MLA, Telangana HC issues notice to makers of 'Lakshmi's NTR'". Thenewsminute.
- "Notices to censor board, producer of NTR biopic". Thehindu.
- "AP High Court Served Notices On 'Lakshmi's NTR' song". Gulte.
- "RGV releases Enduku song". Telugucinema.
- "Lakshmi's NTR teaser: Ram Gopal Varma's depiction of former Andhra Pradesh CM promises authenticity". Firstpost.
- "Lakshmi's NTR Trailer: Controversial to the core!". The Times of India. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
- "Lakshmi's NTR Trailer: Ram Gopal Varma unveils 'most intense, dramatic love story ever' on Valentine's Day". IndiatvNews.
- "Lakshmi's NTR trailer review: RGV's film to throw light on untold secrets of NT Rama Rao's last days". Ibtimes.
- "Watch: Nee Uniki From Lakshmi's NTR". Gulte.
- "Lakshmi's NTR 2nd song Avasaram review: Lyrics strike a chord and raises bar of expectations [Video]". Ibtimes.
- R, Manoj Kumar (8 March 2019). "Lakshmi's NTR new trailer: RGV is not pulling punches". The Indian Express. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
- "Lakshmi's NTR trailer out: RGV drags N Chandrababu Naidu into controversy". IndiaToday.
- "Lakshmi's NTR pre-release business: RGV film gets decent amount for its theatrical rights". Ibtimes.
- "Lakshmi's NTR Review: An untold story of emotions". CinemaExpress.
- "Lakshmi's NTR movie review: RGV's political film fails to pack a punch despite its inherent drama". Firstpost.
- "LAKSHMI'S NTR MOVIE REVIEW". TimesofIndia.
- "Lakshmi's NTR review: An okay, fairly faithful political movie". Sify.
- "Lakshmi's NTR movie review: RGV's inept exercise in propaganda". TheIndianExpress.