Veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, who turned 65 this June and recently celebrated 50 years in cinema, made headlines at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Honoured for his remarkable career, the Telugu star used the moment to reflect on modern filmmaking — and also took a sharp dig at actors who prefer shooting in front of green screens instead of stepping onto the set.
“Filmmaking Has Become Technique-Dominated”
Speaking to the media, Balakrishna emphasised that his longevity in the industry has nothing to do with his lineage as the son of NTR.
According to ANI, he said:
“I have completed 50 years in the industry… It’s not because I am NTR’s son. It’s the knowledge I have, the legacy I carry. I take pride in it. But nowadays filmmaking is totally technique-dominated.”
Balakrishna Calls Himself “Original”
The actor didn’t hold back while calling out today’s tech-heavy filmmaking style.
“My movies are larger than life. We use technology when needed — but now they use it for everything. Heroes don’t even come to the sets. They shoot before the green mat or blue mat.”
He ended with a punchline that has already gone viral:
“I am original. I am not a duplicate.”
The statement drew mixed reactions online — admiration from fans who love his old-school discipline, and humour from netizens who found his remark both bold and meme-worthy.
A Star Who’s Still Delivering Hits
Balakrishna’s career began with Tatamma Kala in 1974, and his first film as a lead, Sahasame Jeevitham, arrived a decade later. The last few years have been particularly strong for him, with consecutive hits such as:
- Akhanda (2021)
- Veera Simha Reddy (2023)
- Bhagavanth Kesari (2023)
- Daaku Maharaaj (2025)
Up next, he reunites with Boyapati Srinu for the sequel to Akhanda, co-starring Samyuktha and Harshaali Malhotra, releasing on December 5. He also plays a significant role in Nelson Dilipkumar’s Rajinikanth-led Jailer 2.
Final Words
Balakrishna’s bold comments have sparked a fresh debate about authenticity versus technology in modern cinema. Whether audiences agree with him or not, one thing is clear — the star remains fiercely committed to his craft even after 50 years. And he’s still not afraid to speak his mind.
