Happy Birthday Jr NTR: 5 must-watch classics to revisit as 'Dragon' star turns 43 today

Tollywood’s Man of Masses Jr NTR rose to huge fame after the 2022 blockbuster ‘RRR’ directed by SS Rajamouli and also starring Ram Charan hit the big screens. While ‘RRR’ pushed Jr NTR onto the world stage, fans highly praise his multiple outings, which made him a superstar among the Telugu audience. As the actor turns 43 today, let’s take a look at some of his memorable films before ‘RRR’.Long before ‘RRR,’ SS Rajamouli and Jr NTR had a strong collaboration, one such film is ‘Simhadri’. Released in 2003, the action drama film directed by SS Rajamouli follows Simhadri played by Jr NTR, a strong and kind man raised by a caring family. He is shown as someone very loyal to them who protects them at any cost. His life changes when he falls in love with a girl and faces powerful enemies. The movie is known for its mass appeal, action scenes, family drama, and emotional moments. After this film Jr NTR was fondly called as the “Young Tiger.”The film ‘Temper’ is another action drama starring Jr NTR as a corrupt police officer whose heart changes after a serious incident. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film shows Jr NTR’s character as a selfish man who keeps bribes, realizes his mistakes after a case opens his eyes, and becomes a good cop. It featured Kajal Aggarwal playing the female lead.The movie became a huge success due to its powerful performance and message about change. It was later remade in Hindi as ‘Simmba’ starring Ranveer Singh, directed by Rohit Shetty, which also became a hit.Speaking of another action drama in Jr NTR’s filmography, ‘Janatha Garage’ unites Jr NTR with the Malayalam legend Mohanlal, where they enjoy the relationship of a nephew and uncle. Directed by Korata Siva, the movie tells the story of an environmental activist who works with a group called ‘Janatha Garage,’ a place where people solve problems and deliver justice outside the system. The main character believes in protecting nature and helping people in need. The film also shows his bond with his uncle, who leads the garage. Together, they fight against corruption and powerful criminals. The movie has action, emotion, and a strong social message about saving nature and doing justice.Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, ‘Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava,’ also called ‘ASVR,’ shows the story of Veera Raghava played by Jr NTR, a young man from a village filled with violent faction fights. His father comes from a strong background, and after losing him in a fight, he decides to stop the violence. He goes to another place and learns about peace and life. It is where he meets Aravinda, played by Pooja Hegde. The film shows how he tried to bring change between rival groups and revenge killings. Jr NTR is remembered for his powerful performance in the film, adding another hit action drama to his career.Another hit from the SS Rajamouli and Jr NTR duo, ‘Yamadonga’ is a fantasy action film telling the story of a thief who dies and enters the world of Yama, the god of death. It is there that he tries to change his fate using his cleverness and tricks. The film has a unique concept, humor, action, and emotional moments. The film turned out to be a massive hit upon its release in 2007.