Movies rejected by Jr NTR that later turned into blockbusters

Jr NTR, Telugu cinema's largest star, has a reputation for having a keen eye when it comes to script selection. However, some of the movies rejected turned into milestones for other actors, propelling careers and sculpting the shape of Tollywood. Here are some big films Jr NTR rejected—each a blockbuster in another actor's hands.

Sukumar's 'Arya' is a romantic coming-of-age drama in which an adventuresome young man falls in love with a girl who is already in a relationship, resulting in an intricate love triangle. Jr NTR turned down the film, allegedly because he didn't feel he was the appropriate choice for the young role at the moment, in part because of his physique. Allu Arjun finally embraced the character, and the success of the film turned him into an overnight sensation and made Sukumar a premier director.

‘Bhadra’ is a high-energy family entertainer in which a man saves his friend's sister from a violent group. Director Boyapati Srinu had first approached Jr NTR with this role, but he turned it down because of a clash in shootings. Boyapati then approached Ravi Teja with the movie, who gave a memorable performance, and Bhadra turned out to be a game-changer in his career, making him a family hero.

This revenge action film is about a guy who wants to avenge his family's death. Director Surender Reddy approached Jr NTR first, but he was not impressed with the script and turned down the offer. The character went to Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, and he debuted with the movie. ‘Athanokkade’ went on to become a blockbuster, catapulting both Kalyan Ram and Surender Reddy to fame.

‘Srimanthudu’ is a film based on a rich man who adopts a village to initiate social change. The lead role was offered to Jr NTR, but he did not accept it, possibly because of prior commitments or creative issues. Mahesh Babu ended up playing the lead in the movie, which went on to become one of the highest-grossing Telugu films and earned him a lot of praise.

An unusual action-comedy, ‘Raja the Great,’ has a visually challenged hero who conquers his disability to rescue the heroine. Jr NTR was initially offered the lead role, but he refused, and Ravi Teja took on the role. The success of the film gave Ravi Teja another feather in his cap and was appreciated for its novel idea and entertainment quotient.

‘Oopiri’ is an emotional drama of the relationship between a quadriplegic billionaire and his feisty caretaker. Jr NTR was given the caretaker role, but declined it, reportedly not at ease with a scene where he had to touch Nagarjuna's feet, worried about fan reaction. Karthi accepted the role, and the movie found critical and financial success with its emotional content and performances.