Nannaku Prematho [verified] Jun 2026

Jagapathi Babu continued his villainous renaissance with this role. Unlike loud, mustache-twirling villains, Krishna Murthy is a sophisticated, ruthless capitalist. He respects intelligence, which is why he initially underestimates Abhiram. The cat-and-mouse psychological warfare between Nani and Jagapathi Babu is the film's backbone.

Released in 2016, stands as a pivotal moment in Telugu cinema, marking the 25th film of superstar Jr. NTR and a significant stylistic shift for director Sukumar . Far from a typical "mass" entertainer, the film is an intricate blend of logic, mathematics, and raw human emotion, wrapped in a sleek, international aesthetic. The Genesis: A Story of Vengeance and Love

In a world of mindless action, Nannaku Prematho stands tall as a testament to the power of love, logic, and the unbreakable bond between a father and a son. It teaches us that sometimes, the greatest gift a son can give his father is not wealth or revenge, but the assurance that his principles were right all along.

When we talk about star-driven vehicles in Tollywood, we often expect high-octane action, larger-than-life heroism, and romantic duets shot in Switzerland. But in 2016, director Sukumar decided to flip the script. He delivered Nannaku Prematho (transl. Dad, with love ), a film that, despite having a superstar (NTR Jr.) at its helm, felt more like a psychological thriller wrapped in an emotional father-son tragedy.

For Jr. NTR, Nannaku Prematho was a significant departure from his established image. Shedding the rustic, massy look of his previous films, he emerged as Abhiram—a sharp, London-based investment banker. The transformation was not just physical; it was in the body language, the dialect, and the attitude. NTR carried the film with a mature restraint, proving his versatility. His performance was a balancing act: he had to portray a son consumed by revenge while maintaining the cool, calculated demeanor of a strategist. nannaku prematho

: The actor debuted a sophisticated "hipster" look—sharp beard and undercut—that became a major trend across salons in South India. A Powerhouse Villain

Rather than resorting to conventional cinematic violence, Abhiram vows to bankrupt Jagadish within 30 days using zero violence. What follows is a high-stakes, meticulously calculated game of psychological chess. Abhiram manipulates environmental factors, human psychology, and market dynamics to dismantle Jagadish's empire from the inside out. Directorial Brilliance: The Sukumar School of Filmmaking

If you haven’t seen it yet, find a quiet night, call your father (or your son), and press play. Just keep a box of tissues nearby.

Released in 2016, Nannaku Prematho is a landmark Telugu action drama directed by and starring Far from a typical "mass" entertainer, the film

The music and background score composed by Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) are legendary. The soundtrack was a massive commercial success, featuring a mix of upbeat tracks and deeply moving melodies. The title track, "Nannaku Prematho," sung by DSP himself, serves as the emotional heartbeat of the movie and stands as a timeless anthem dedicated to fatherhood. Other tracks like "Love Me Again" and the high-energy "Follow Follow" dominated music charts for months. Themes of Legacy and Fatherhood

Rather than relying on brute force, Abhiram promises his father that he will bring Jagadish to zero within 60 days using purely intellectual warfare. Abhiram moves to target Jagadish’s daughter, (Rakul Preet Singh), using mathematical probability and behavioral patterns to cross paths with her. What ensues is a psychological chess match between a brilliant young idealist and a seasoned, narcissistic corporate tycoon. Sukumar's Directorial Brilliance and Screenplay

The story centers on (played by Jr. NTR), an expatriate living in London who discovers that his father, Subrahmanyam (Rajendra Prasad), is dying and has only 30 days to live. He learns that his father was once a wealthy entrepreneur ruined by the cunning and ruthless businessman Krishna Murthy Kautilya (Jagapathi Babu).

Vijay C. Chakravarthy’s cinematography utilized a sophisticated, cool color palette dominated by blues, greys, and earthy tones, matching the European setting and the intellectual tone of the script. Navin Nooli's crisp editing ensured that the complex, non-linear subplots remained easily comprehensible to the viewer. Cultural Impact and Legacy shines in his portrayal of Bunny

The film’s success was largely driven by its stellar cast:

The film boasts impressive performances from its lead actors. Allu Arjun, in particular, shines in his portrayal of Bunny, bringing his signature style and charm to the role. The chemistry between him and Anu Emmanuel is palpable, and their romance adds a sweet dimension to the story. The supporting cast, including Aaditi Pohankar and Jagapathi Babu, deliver solid performances that add depth to the narrative.

The emotional anchor of the film. His character represents the "ideal father" whose dignity is stripped away. Though he has limited screen time later in the film, his presence drives every action of the protagonist.