17-Years-And-Counting-–-The-Unending-Problem-For-Jr-NTRToday is the 17th anniversary of Young Tiger NTR’s blockbuster hit Simhadri. The mass entertainer released on this day in 2003 and established Jr NTR as a bonafide mass star forever. While he is lucky to get such following, it has also brought with it a share of problems that the actor is still (17 years later) struggling to overcome.

But, first, let’s look at the bright side. Simhadri opened with unanimous hit talk and went from strength to strength in its run. Director SS Rajamouli really arrived on the scene with the mass entertainer. He had a blockbuster before, but he couldn’t get the whole credit for its success.

Simhadri was the second biggest hit of its time. It created history regarding centres (silver jubilee) and it will remain so forever, in the annals of Telugu cinema.

Now, coming to the other side and the crucial issue here. In the seventeen years that have passed since its release, Jr NTR has not been able to get similar talk to any of his movies or get a run as good as Simhadri. One also need to factor in that it (mass movies of that style) was a trend back then.

The overwhelming mass image attained by Simhadri (and Aadi in the previous year) made him pick a few films that put a dent on the family following. And this is without getting into the physical aspect.

Jr NTR fans want ‘oora mass’ movies from their favourite star. Our directors too understand the requirement and bring those elements irrespective of the actual content. When it goes overboard, the impact on the other segments is felt via the movie’s run. It is the reason why despite changing the track (a genuine effort is made since Temper) and having better talks, Jr NTR has not been able to get the desired result.

The bigger issue in simpler terms here is when fans are satisfied the rest or not, and when they are, the fans are not. Balancing both and getting the right talk is what is missing for 17 years.

The only solution, we see here is making a cutting edge, urban action entertainer with mass elements. If done well, this could satisfy fans, youth, and then the families will automatically tune in. with films from SS Rajamouli, Trivikram Srinivas and Prashanth Neel in the pipeline, finally Jr NTR and fans have a shot at getting that elusive unanimous talk. Let’s see if they can deliver or not.