Movie
James Gunn’s Love for RRR: The Rise of NTR Jr. as a Global Phenomenon
When RRR stormed onto the global stage, it didn’t just captivate audiences—it redefined Indian cinema’s reach. Among the legion of admirers is none other than James Gunn, the mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy and the architect of DC Studios’ cinematic future. Gunn’s vocal admiration for the film, particularly its star NTR Jr., has sparked excitement in Hollywood and beyond. It’s a testament to NTR Jr.’s exceptional talent and a long-overdue recognition of his abilities as an actor of extraordinary caliber.
In interviews and social media posts, Gunn has repeatedly praised RRR for its storytelling, high-octane action, and emotionally charged performances. However, what truly stood out for the acclaimed filmmaker was NTR Jr.’s portrayal of Komaram Bheem. Gunn lauded NTR Jr.’s magnetic screen presence, noting how his nuanced performance struck the perfect balance between raw intensity and heartfelt vulnerability. For Gunn, this wasn’t just an appreciation of a great film—it was a call to collaborate with an actor who embodies the charisma and skill needed for global stardom.
As Gunn reshapes the DC Universe, the prospect of bringing NTR Jr. into the fold feels like a natural progression. With his eye for blending humor, heart, and heroism, Gunn’s creative vision would pair seamlessly with NTR Jr.’s dynamic acting range.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Tarak, is no stranger to acclaim. Hailing from the illustrious Nandamuri family, his rise to stardom was marked by a series of standout performances in Telugu cinema. With each role, NTR Jr. has proven his versatility, effortlessly transitioning from emotionally driven characters in films like Yamadonga to action-packed blockbusters such as Temper and Janatha Garage. His role in RRR, however, elevated his craft to an international platform.
In RRR, NTR Jr. brought Komaram Bheem to life with an intensity that left audiences in awe. From the iconic jungle tiger scene to the emotionally wrenching friendship dynamic with Ram Charan’s Raju, he carried the weight of the film on his broad shoulders with effortless grace. His ability to portray strength, resilience, and vulnerability in equal measure cements him as one of Indian cinema’s greatest.
For years, Indian actors have slowly been making their mark on Hollywood, but NTR Jr. is poised to take it a step further. His universal appeal, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him a natural choice for a crossover into global cinema. James Gunn’s interest in collaborating with him is not just a compliment—it’s a recognition of the talent that has long deserved a spotlight.
In a time when audiences are demanding more diverse stories and authentic representation, NTR Jr.’s inclusion in a major Hollywood franchise would be a game-changer. Whether as a DC superhero, a cosmic adventurer, or a complex antihero, Tarak has the range to bring any character to life.
Gunn’s admiration for RRR and NTR Jr. signifies more than just a potential collaboration. It’s a validation of Indian cinema’s ability to produce world-class talent and stories that resonate across cultures. As filmmakers like Gunn shine a light on stars like NTR Jr., the gap between Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood continues to narrow, creating a truly global entertainment industry.
For NTR Jr., this could be the beginning of a journey that takes him from an Indian megastar to an international icon. As fans of cinema, we can only hope that James Gunn’s vision materializes, giving us the opportunity to see Tarak in a role that matches his immense potential. After all, it’s about time the world recognizes what Indian audiences have known for years—NTR Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Das, Trisha, Simran
Genre: Action / Crime Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
“Good Bad Ugly” centers on Red Dragon (Ajith Kumar), a notorious gangster who chooses to surrender himself in the hopes of turning over a new leaf and reuniting with his estranged son. However, when unforeseen threats emerge, Red Dragon is forced to step back into the dangerous underworld to protect the only family he has left.
“Good Bad Ugly” plays to the strengths of Ajith Kumar, delivering a fan-pleasing portrayal of both his vintage villainy and his matured emotional depth. Ajith’s powerful screen presence, coupled with his iconic voice, shines against Arjun Das’s brooding and intense new-age antagonist, creating an electric old-school versus new-school dynamic. The nostalgic return of Simran is a clever nod to longtime fans, bringing heart and familiarity. Trisha brings a strong, grounded performance as the moral compass in Red Dragon’s life, helping move the emotional threads of the story. The film smartly balances action, comedy, and sentimental fan-service moments.
While the film delivers on fan expectations, its narrative could have benefited from tighter pacing and deeper character development for its supporting cast. Some plot conveniences and an overreliance on nostalgia may limit broader audience appeal beyond the fanbase. Certain dramatic beats felt rushed, leaving little time for emotional resonance to fully land.
The ambition to blend high-octane action with heavy emotional stakes sometimes leads to tonal inconsistencies. At moments, the shift from gritty underworld drama to lighter fan moments feels abrupt. Additionally, though Ajith Kumar’s effort to showcase his dancing skills is commendable and welcomed by fans, it slightly disrupts the otherwise darker tone the film establishes.
“Good Bad Ugly” is a tribute to Ajith Kumar’s enduring legacy, offering vintage thrills while teasing new dimensions to his craft. It’s a solid entertainer that successfully taps into fan nostalgia while hinting at an exciting evolution for AK. While not without its flaws, the film’s heart, energy, and performances make it a must-watch for fans and a compelling action-drama for broader audiences.
In the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, few stars have managed to carve a niche as effortlessly as Allu Arjun. Known for his electrifying screen presence, unparalleled dance moves, and ability to adapt to any role, Arjun has become a phenomenon, transcending regional cinema to gain pan-Indian appeal. Whether it’s intense action dramas, heartwarming family entertainers, or stylish romantic films, he has done it all.
Take Pushpa: The Rise (2021), for instance. With a rugged new look and a raw, earthy performance, Allu Arjun transformed into Pushpa Raj, a smuggler who refuses to bow down to power. His signature swagger, powerful dialogue delivery (“Thaggede Le” became a cultural mantra), and intense action sequences made the film a box-office juggernaut. The film’s massive success on Amazon Prime Video only extended its reach beyond Indian borders, turning Arjun into a global icon.
But the star’s magic isn’t just limited to mass action spectacles. In Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), Arjun showcased his flair for comedy and family drama, delivering one of the most charming performances of his career. His character, Bantu, a middle-class man who discovers his true lineage, resonated with audiences, and his impeccable dance moves in songs like Butta Bomma took the internet by storm. The film’s presence on Netflix made it one of the most-watched Indian films on the platform.
However, Arjun’s journey to superstardom wasn’t built on commercial cinema alone. Films like Arya (2004) showcased his ability to bring depth and sincerity to romantic dramas. Playing the role of a selfless lover who believes in destiny, he delivered a performance that remains iconic to this day. His natural charm and emotional depth made Arya a cult classic, solidifying his reputation as Tollywood’s next big thing.
Even when he steps into full-fledged action mode, he never loses his distinct style and charisma. Sarrainodu (2016) was a high-octane actioner where he played an ex-military man fighting corruption. With power-packed fight sequences, catchy dialogues, and foot-tapping songs like Blockbuster, the film became a true crowd-puller.
But one of Arjun’s most underrated performances came in Vedam (2010), a film that explored multiple narratives and showcased him in a never-before-seen role. Playing Cable Raju, a slum dweller pretending to be rich, he brought a rare vulnerability to the character, proving his ability to balance mass appeal with meaningful cinema.
From ruling the box office to winning six Filmfare Awards South, Allu Arjun’s journey is a testament to his unmatched versatility. Whether he’s setting the dance floor on fire, delivering powerful monologues, or simply owning the screen with his presence, he continues to redefine what it means to be a pan-Indian superstar.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Allu Arjun, now is the perfect time to dive into his cinematic universe. His films are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and ZEE5, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can witness the rise of the Stylish Star firsthand.
Genre: Action Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Writer: Murali Gopy
Starring: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas
Studio: Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions
The Good: What Empuraan Gets Right
Mohanlal’s Magnetic Screen Presence: As Stephen/Khurēshi Ab’raam, Mohanlal owns every scene. His silence speaks louder than words, and his layered performance adds emotional gravity to the action.
Prithviraj’s Direction Shines: Seamlessly balancing intense set pieces with political intrigue, Prithviraj proves again he’s one of the most visionary directors in Indian cinema today.
Murali Gopy’s Sharp Screenplay: The film is packed with political subtext, philosophical dialogue, and thrilling twists that reward patient viewers.
Stunning Cinematography and Score: The visuals, spanning locations from India to the Middle East, are breathtaking. Deepak Dev’s music elevates every sequence, especially the high-stakes confrontations.
Strong Supporting Cast: With Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas in key roles, the ensemble delivers solid performances that complement Mohanlal.
The Bad: Where Empuraan Falters
Pacing in the First Half: The film takes its time building the narrative, which may test the patience of action-seeking audiences early on.
Complexity Might Alienate Casual Viewers: With deep political allegories and global criminal dynamics, it’s not exactly light fare — viewers unfamiliar with Lucifer might feel lost.
A Bit Too Long: At 2 hours and 45 minutes, some scenes — particularly flashbacks — could’ve been trimmed without losing impact.
Empuraan Is a Gripping and Ambitious Sequel That Raises the Stakes After the massive success of Lucifer (2019), fans have waited with bated breath for the sequel — and Empuraan does not disappoint. Directed with confidence by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this 2025 Malayalam action thriller expands the universe of Lucifer, diving deeper into the underworld empire of Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) and the origins of the mysterious Khureshi-Ab’raam.
Empuraan is a masterfully executed Malayalam action thriller that expands its cinematic universe with flair. Mohanlal delivers another iconic performance, and Prithviraj continues to evolve as a bold director who knows how to handle scale and subtlety alike. While the film’s pacing and complexity may not appeal to everyone, for fans of intelligent, stylish Indian cinema, Empuraan is a must-watch.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended for:
Fans of Lucifer, Indian political thrillers, Mohanlal admirers, Malayalam cinema lovers, and viewers who appreciate layered storytelling and high-stakes action.
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