RRR star Ram Charan opens up on family 'rivalry' with Jr NTR: 'I always had some apprehension...'

Tollywood superstar Ram Charan is at the height of his popularity with his latest blockbuster RRR making heads turn across the world. Written and directed by SS Rajamouli, the film also stars Jr NTR. The two hero subject was a gamble by Rajamouli considering the massive fan following that Charan and NTR each enjoy. However, things worked out and the fans of both superstars were happy with the way Rajamouli had balanced heroism between the stars. 

Not just the fans, but Charan himself was a little apprehensive about sharing the screen space with NTR. He was worried about how the professional competition between them and their families would affect the film. But, working together in the film, has only made their friendship stronger. 

"I always had some apprehension that there would be a competition about who’s going to do better and everything, but the professional rivalry never came into the picture between us. We were so comfortable, and our well-written stories and characters made us feel comfortable in our own spaces. So it wasn’t about one-upping each other; it was about the story and Mr. Rajamouli’s vision. And if not for Rajamouli, I don’t think we would’ve been as comfortable doing this film. He really knows how to balance every aspect, not only from a filmmaking perspective, but also the expectations of fans. So, the so-called rivalry was never an issue," Charan said in the latest interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 

RRR exceeded expectations when it struck a chord with the moving-going audience in the US. The film's popularity took off in the West when the Hindi version of the film was made available for streaming for global audiences on Netflix. And it was soon discovered by the who's who of Hollywood, resulting in the unprecedented popularity of the film. It also made history when the film's music composer MM Keeravani won a Golden Globe for "Naatu Naatu" song. And it broke India's over 20-year dry spell at the Oscars by winning a nomination. The last Indian feature film to win an Oscar nomination was Lagaan. RRR's "Naatu Naatu" song has been nominated in the Best Original Song category.