The release of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana teaser, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, has renewed interest in the adaptations of the epic made for the silver screen and TV before this. While the Telugu film industry has adapted the epic numerous times, there’s one legendary star from the 60s and 70s who made history by playing both Rama and Ravana five times. Years later, in the 90s, his grandson also made a name for himself by playing Rama and is today a superstar in his own right.
Legendary Telugu star who played Rama-Ravana 5 times
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) is a name to be reckoned with in the Telugu film industry as an actor who paved the way for many others. A man who wore multiple hats as an actor, director, producer, writer, and editor, he is the captivating face of Lord Krishna in the Telugu states to this day, having played the role at least 17 times. However, there were times when the late NTR expertly essayed Rama and Ravana, sometimes both in the same film. He would turn his charm on as the king of Ayodhya and make the audience quake as the king of Lanka.
NTR’s documented filmography indicates that he played Rama and Ravana five times over his decades-long career, sometimes in the same film. He played Rama in Lava Kusa (1963), Sri Krishna Sahitya (1971), Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham (1975), and Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978), as well as a cameo in Ramadasu (1964). He played Ravana in Bhookailas (1958), Seeta Rama Kalyanam (1961), Sri Krishna Satya (1971), Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978) and Brahmarshi Viswamitra (1991), and he also directed, wrote and edited the latter two. He also played Krishna while essaying Rama and Ravana in Sri Krishna Sahitya, a feat like none other.
The grandson who followed in his footsteps
Much like his grandfather, Jr NTR inherited not just the name and legacy, but also the proclivity to star in mythological epics. At least in the beginning of his career. When he was only eight years old, he became an actor by playing the role of Bharata in his grandfather’s 1991 film, Brahmarshi Viswamitra. But what came next cemented him as an actor in his own right, at the tender age of fourteen no less.
Director Gunasekhar adapted the Valmiki epic for the screen as Ramayanam, also known as Bala Ramayanam, in 1997. Featuring over 3000 child actors and no adults, the film went down in history as one of its kind. Jr NTR was a charming Rama in the film, which saw Smitha Madhav as Sita, Narayanam Nikhil as Lakshmana, and Swathi Kodali as Ravana.
It received the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film and two Nandi Awards, but it’s Jr NTR, Smitha, Narayanam and Swathi’s cherubic faces that most people remember the film for. Children thronged to theatres to see actors their age play these larger-than-life Gods they grew up hearing about, suddenly seeming relatable.
After a few hits and misses, Ramayana is once again being adapted for the screen by Nitesh Tiwari, with Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash starring. Part 1 will be released in theatres on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 on Diwali 2027.
