NTR Mahanayakudu Story

NTR: Mahanayakudu continues the story after N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) launches the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The narrative begins with NTR designing the party flag and agenda before embarking on a historic state-wide campaign. He commissions his son Nandamuri Harikrishna to repair an old Chevrolet van, christened Chaitanya Ratham, which becomes the vehicle of his political revolution. Accompanied by Harikrishna as driver and his son-in-law Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, NTR tours across Andhra Pradesh, winning the admiration of the Telugu people. Alarmed, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi advances state elections and appoints Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy as Chief Minister. When Nadendla Bhaskara Rao proposes tainted candidates, NTR defies him by fielding fresh faces. Despite criticism, including N. Chandrababu Naidu losing an election as the Congress candidate, NTR secures a landslide victory and becomes the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

As Chief Minister, NTR introduces landmark reforms: ₹2/kg rice for the poor, equal property rights for daughters, abolition of the Patel–Patwari system, creation of the Mandal system, and initiation of the Telugu Ganga Project. He pledges a corruption-free state, refusing to shield even his own supporters. Bhaskara Rao, increasingly sidelined, conspires against him with Indira Gandhi’s backing. Meanwhile, NTR’s wife Basava Tarakam is diagnosed with cancer, and NTR himself suffers heart problems; the couple travels to the U.S. for treatment. During their absence, Bhaskara Rao strikes a secret deal with Indira Gandhi and, with Governor Thakur Ram Lal’s help, ousts NTR through a fraudulent motion of no confidence.

Upon his return, NTR rallies support through his Chaitanya Ratham, aided by Chandrababu Naidu, who safeguards MLAs from poaching. Together, they win over public sentiment and opposition parties, eventually meeting President Zail Singh, who orders a confidence motion. Despite Bhaskara Rao’s attempts to stall proceedings, mass protests erupt across the state. Indira Gandhi withdraws her support, appoints Shankar Dayal Sharma as Governor, who reinstates NTR as Chief Minister.