'Nippulanti Manishi', released in 1974, was a remake of 'Zanjeer' (Hindi). As Inspector Vijay, NT Rama Rao was remarkable in more ways than one.
NTR started his career with 'Mana Desam' in 1949. So, 'Nippulanti Manishi' came at a time when his acting career entered its 25th year. By then, NTR's age was almost 54. Actors of his age were staring at retirement or had already retired. His contemporary ANR had undergone heart surgery and was thought to have retired for all practical purposes. His Bollywood counterparts such as Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor were no longer doing lead roles, having crossed the age of 50. MGR, the Tamil thespian, was already in politics.
So, NTR scoring a box office blockbuster at that age was historic. It was a momentous phase in his illustrious career. Had it not been for this hit, the thespian would have continued to face questions about his retirement.
As part of the centenary celebrations of NTR, the iconic film was screened at Ramakrishna Theatre in Tenali today.
