NTR Jr is reportedly set to step into the shoes of Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, in the upcoming film ‘Made In India’. As per sources close to the development, the final script was recently locked after months of work, and the team—Rajamouli, Karthikeya and Gupta—narrated the draft to NTR Jr, who was said to be “blown away” by the lesser-known tales about Dadasaheb Phalke.

The project, announced in September 2023 by SS Rajamouli, has started gaining attention ever since the speculations caught traction. “The story chronicles the birth and rise of Indian cinema, and NTR was surprised with the detailing. He is excited to play the father of Indian cinema on the big screen,” revealed sources.

The source further stated that while Jr NTR has verbally agreed to come on board, paperwork and official announcements are still pending. “NTR Jr has utmost love and respect for not just SS Rajamouli, but also his son, SS Karthikeya (Showing Business), and producer partner Varun Gupta (Max Studios). He heard the narration, and even got into a prolonged discussion about the script, screenplay and treatment,” the insider added.

Another source revealed that the Rajamouli-presented project will be directed by National Award-winner Nitin Kakkar, who previously directed ‘FIlmistan’ and ‘Notebook’. The project will mark a departure from the actor’s current action-heavy lineup.

The Devara star is currently filming his next with Prashanth Neel, tentatively titled ‘Dragon’. He is also gearing up for the release of ‘War 2’, which also stars Hrithik Roshan and is scheduled to hit the big screens on the Independence Day weekend.