N.T.R: Kathanayakudu (2019) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 25 Mar 2026
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu (2019) Review
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu (2019) — a Telugu biography movie directed by Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi. The cast includes Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, Kalyan Ram. Based on the journey of the legendary Telugu actor, filmmaker and ex-Chief Minister Late Taraka Rama Rao Nandamuri. Our Rating: 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 9 Jan 2019. Runtime: 2h 50m.
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu(2019)
Telugu · Biography
2h 50m · 9 Jan 2019
Music: M.M. Keeravaani | DOP: Gnana Shekar V. S. | Writer: Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, Sai Madhav Burra
Ratings
Our Rating
2
📖 Story
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu is a biographical drama that chronicles the life and career of legendary Telugu actor and politician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. The film explores his journey from a humble beginning to becoming a celebrated film star and a revered political leader, highlighting his contributions to Telugu cinema and his charismatic leadership.
Nandamuri Balakrishna: Powerful and convincing portrayal of his father, capturing the essence of N.T.R.'s charisma and intensity.
Vidya Balan: Strong and dignified performance as Basavatarakam, N.T.R.'s wife.
Kalyan Ram: Supportive role with adequate screen presence.
Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi: Effective in her role, adding emotional depth.
Nandamuri Balakrishna: Brief but impactful appearance.
Vidya Balan: Good supporting role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Nandamuri Balakrishna's committed performance
- ✓Authentic recreation of N.T.R.'s film career
- ✓Music by M.M. Keeravaani
- ✓Cinematography capturing period details
- ✓Emotional connect with N.T.R.'s fans
Weaknesses
- ✕Lengthy runtime affecting pacing
- ✕Overly reverential tone limiting critical perspective
- ✕Some melodramatic sequences
- ✕Lack of deeper political insights
🎬 Direction & Writing
Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi delivers a respectful and detailed biopic focusing on N.T.R.'s cinematic journey, balancing emotional moments with historical context, though sometimes the narrative feels stretched and overly glorified.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 5.8 | |
| 3 | |
| 0 | |
| 49 | |
| 50 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics appreciated the film for its heartfelt tribute to N.T.R. and Balakrishna's performance but noted its slow pace and lack of critical depth. The film resonated well with fans but received mixed reviews from general audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did N.T.R: Kathanayakudu release in theatres?▾
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu released on 9 January 2019 (2019).
Is N.T.R: Kathanayakudu a hit or flop?▾
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch N.T.R: Kathanayakudu online? OTT release date?▾
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads from 8 January 2019.
Who directed N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?▾
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu directed by Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi. Produced by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnuvardhan Induri.
Who are the main cast members of N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?▾
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, Kalyan Ram.
What is the Tollybo rating for N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?▾
Tollybo rates N.T.R: Kathanayakudu 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?▾
Music for N.T.R: Kathanayakudu composed by M.M. Keeravaani.
What is the genre and runtime of N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?▾
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu — Genre: Biography, Runtime: 170 minutes, Language: Telugu.