As the blockbuster epic RRR completes three years since its release, actor Jr NTR has opened up about his transformative journey in portraying Komaram Bheem. The acclaimed star shared insights into his preparation for the role, his long-standing collaboration with director SS Rajamouli, and the challenges he encountered during the film’s making.
Reflecting on his career and the impact of RRR, Jr NTR emphasized how every role he had undertaken thus far had prepared him for this monumental project. “Everything I have done in my career led me to this moment,” he stated. “I’ve never adhered to a fixed process in acting—there is no single method that works universally. Rajamouli has always pushed me to explore new depths as an actor. This film marked my fourth collaboration with him, and over the years, I have realized that an actor needs a certain naivety to truly surrender to the director’s vision. My previous experiences with Rajamouli helped shape my performance as Bheem in RRR.”
Director SS Rajamouli also lauded Jr NTR’s dedication to the role, highlighting the actor’s intensity and commitment. “Working with NTR felt like directing not one, but two tigers on set,” he remarked, underscoring the sheer energy and passion the actor brought to the character.
RRR, which also starred Ram Charan as the revolutionary leader Alluri Sitarama Raju, was more than just a commercial success—it became a cultural and cinematic phenomenon. Upon its release in 2022, the film shattered box office records, grossing an astonishing Rs 223 crore worldwide on its opening day, making it the highest-earning Indian film at the time.
The film’s impact extended beyond the box office, garnering global recognition. Its electrifying song Naatu Naatu won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, making RRR the first and only Indian feature film to achieve this prestigious honor.
As the film marks its third anniversary, Jr NTR’s reflections serve as a testament to the dedication, effort, and vision that went into crafting this cinematic masterpiece—one that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
