Murli Sharma to play Maya Bazaar producer Chakrapani; Naresh to essay BA Subba Rao, the director who launched NTR

Bollywood baddie Murli Sharma and yesteryear hero Naresh are the latest additions to the ensemble star cast of

NTR biopic

. While Sharma is playing celebrated producer, Aluri Chakrapani, Naresh will be essaying the role of director BA Subba Rao, who introduced NTR to Telugu cinema.
Murli Sharma, who’s begun shooting for the film in Hyderabad, is “super excited” to be working with Balakrishna after five years. “I’m getting goosebumps to see myself playing the man who produced Maya Bazaar (1957). Popularly known as AV Subba Rao, Chakrapani had written classics like Missamma (1955) and Gundamma Katha (1962), which were milestones in NTR’s career. I’m thrilled to be playing such a multi faceted doyen of Telugu cinema,” he shares excitedly.
Talking about how he’s prepping for the role, Sharma says, “I’ve read up a bit on Chakrapani but I’m relying on Krish who has been spoon feeding me about the character. You’ll see me wearing white kurta and dhoti, and vintage spectacles like Aluri sir used to. It’s the stuff our grandfathers used to wear.”
Actor Naresh, on the other hand is set to join the sets of NTR soon. “Director BA Subba Rao played a significant part in shaping NTR’s career. He launched NTR as a hero with Palletoori Pilla in 1950. He also directed and produced Raju Peda (1954), a remake of Mark Twain’s classic, The Prince and the Pauper. Balakrishna felt Naresh would be apt for the role,” revealed a source from the film’s unit.