N.T.R: Kathanayakudu (2019)
DirectorKrish Jagarlamudi
StarringNandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, Nandamuri Kalyanram, Poonam Bajwa
Watch onAmazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Best for: Telugu drama viewers and those curious about N.T. Rama Rao’s life and career, especially fans of the cast.
Where to watch N.T.R: Kathanayakudu online in India
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Amazon VideoAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
N.T.R Collection: all movies in order
- N.T.R: Kathanayakudu (9 January 2019) · this movie
- N.T.R: Mahanayakudu (6 February 2019)
Listed in release order, as per TMDB's N.T.R Collection.
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu story (no spoilers)
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu is a 2019 Telugu drama directed by Krish Jagarlamudi that traces the life of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, played by his son Nandamuri Balakrishna. The film follows NTR’s journey as an actor and filmmaker who becomes a cultural figure in Telugu cinema, and then his entry into public life as a political leader. Vidya Balan plays his wife Basavatarakam, and the cast includes Nandamuri Kalyanram as NTR’s son Nandamuri Harikrishna, Poonam Bajwa as Garapati Lokeshwari, Rana Daggubati as Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and Manjima Mohan as Nara Bhuvaneswari. The narrative focuses on his rise and the personal and public relationships that shape his path. The tone is respectful and dramatic, built around key moments in his career and family life. At 170 minutes, the film takes its time with the period detail and the ensemble. It is the first part of the N.T.R Collection, followed by N.T.R: Mahanayakudu. The U certificate indicates a generally clean presentation, and the music is by M.M. Keeravaani.
Should you watch N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?
Watch it for
- Nandamuri Balakrishna plays his own father, N.T. Rama Rao, and Vidya Balan appears as Basavatarakam in a cast that also includes Rana Daggubati as Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
- Director Krish Jagarlamudi handles the drama, with music by M.M. Keeravaani, in a film that stays within the Telugu-language drama space.
- The 170-minute runtime allows the story to cover NTR’s acting career and his move into politics, including his family relationships.
- It is the first film in the N.T.R Collection, so it sets up the story that continues in N.T.R: Mahanayakudu.
Skip it if
- You are not interested in Telugu cinema history or the life of N.T. Rama Rao, since the film is a straight drama about his journey.
- You prefer shorter films; at 170 minutes, this one asks for a long sit.
- You want a fast-paced political thriller; this is a respectful drama that moves at its own pace.
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu cast
Nandamuri Balakrishnaas N.T.Rama Rao
Vidya Balanas Basavatarakam
Nandamuri Kalyanramas Nandamuri Harikrishna
Poonam Bajwaas Garapati Lokeshwari
Rana Daggubatias Nara Chandrababu Naidu
Manjima Mohanas Nara Bhuvaneswari
Bharath Reddyas Daggubati Venkateswara Rao
Sachin Khedekaras N. Bhaskara Rao
Sumanthas Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Kaikala Satyanarayanaas H.M. Reddy
Anushka Shettyas B. Saroja Devi
Nithya Menenas SavitriN.T.R: Kathanayakudu movie details
| Director | Krish Jagarlamudi |
|---|---|
| Writer | Krish Jagarlamudi |
| Music | M.M. Keeravaani |
| Cinematography | Gnana Shekar V. S. |
| Producer | Sai Korrapati, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vishnuvardhan Induri |
| Release date | 9 January 2019 |
| Runtime | 2h 50m (170 minutes) |
| Original language | Telugu |
| Languages spoken in the film | Telugu |
| Original title | NTR కథానాయకుడు |
| Certificate (India) | U |
Parental guide: is N.T.R: Kathanayakudu family friendly?
The film has a U certificate and is a general guide for family viewing, though it deals with adult political and family themes. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu official trailer
Our verdict
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu is a sincere, slow-burning drama that leans on Balakrishna’s portrayal of his father and a strong supporting cast. The 170-minute runtime and respectful tone mean it will appeal most to those already interested in NTR’s life or Telugu film history. It is not a rushed biopic, so go in expecting a detailed, character-driven account.
More Nandamuri Balakrishna movies
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam
Daaku MaharaajFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch N.T.R: Kathanayakudu online in India?
It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in India. You can also rent it on Amazon Video.
What is the release date of N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?
The film was released in India on 9 January 2019.
Who is in the cast of N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?
Nandamuri Balakrishna plays N.T. Rama Rao, Vidya Balan plays Basavatarakam, and Rana Daggubati plays Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The cast also includes Nandamuri Kalyanram, Poonam Bajwa, Manjima Mohan, Bharath Reddy and Sachin Khedekar.
What is the runtime of N.T.R: Kathanayakudu?
The film runs for 170 minutes.
What is the watch order for the N.T.R Collection?
N.T.R: Kathanayakudu (2019) is the first film, followed by N.T.R: Mahanayakudu (2019).
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.