HYDERABAD: Unlike NTR Jr’s ‘Nannaku Prematho,’ which received mixed reactions from fans, Balakrishna’s 99th film ‘Dictator’ has received a thumping response from his fans. In a clear indication that the Telugu audience prefers their heroes sticking to masala entertainers, fans have given an overwhelming thumbs-up to ‘Dictator’ _ largely due to its punch dialogue, action sequences and songs _ as opposed to ‘Nannaku Prematho’ which deviated from the norm and focusing on theories like butterfly effect and chain reaction.
At the outset, ‘Dictator’ is just another loud, crass entertainer with over-the-top dialogue and senseless humour. The sight of a 55-year-old Balakrishna dancing with heroines half his age is cringeworthy to say the least. However, fans aren’t complaining and the film has done extremely well at the box-office (especially at B and C centres) across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Even though the Balakrishna-starrer reeks of predictability and feels like you’re watching an endless marathon on-screen, it seems the fans have got their money’s worth as they got exactly what they expected from their star hero, unlike NTR fans who were divided after the film’s release.
“Having watched both ‘Nannaku Prematho’ and ‘Dictator,’ I definitely preferred the latter as at least there were no surprises. When you go to watch a movie, you expect entertainment and not some boring lecture. Unfortunately, ‘Nannaku Prematho’ felt like attending a science class while ‘Dictator’ had entertainment in spades,” says Revanth Sai, an avid movie buff.
Balakrishna loyalists, as expected, have been making a lot of noise post the film’s release and stand united behind their cine idol. “Balayya is back to doing what he does best. If you like mass entertainers with punch dialogue, fights and dance, this film will give you goosebumps,” said Sandeep, a hardcore Balakrishna fan.
One of the major talking points of the festive Sankranti period has been the much-hyped Nandamuri clash between NTR Jr and his uncle Balakrishna. It’s quite evident that the two actors haven’t been on the best of terms personally ever since NTR Jr refused to campaign for TDP during the general election. The animosity between the two Nandamuri stars became clear when there was no mention of Balakrishna’s name at the audio launch of NTR Jr’s ‘Nannaku Prematho.’ Though he brushed off their differences by saying he wanted all films to do well this Sankranti, it seems Balakrishna still harbours a grudge against his nephew.
However, when the D-Day came, Balakrishna showed NTR who the boss is when it comes to entertaining the masses and if early indicators are anything to go by, the veteran actor has emerged supreme in the battle of the Nandamuris. In fact, even a few NTR Jr fans feel let down by ‘Nannaku Prematho’ in comparison with ‘Dictator.’
While it remains to be seen which of the two emerge as a blockbuster, Balayya fans certainly feel that their idol has the edge. With another release, Akkineni Nagarjuna’s ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’, set to release on Friday, the competition is only getting tougher.