Eminent Hollywood filmmaker and DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn is all geared up for the release of his next directorial feature film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3’, which is coming out in cinemas including India on 5th May.
In a recent interview with a prominent Indian publication, James Gunn was quizzed about which Indian actor he would like to introduce in the Guardians universe. ‘The Suicide Squad’ helmer replied that he would love to work with none other than ‘RRR’ actor Jr. NTR in the future.
After S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ released in theatres and later started streaming on Netflix globally, the film became a rage not just in India but had a massive impact on a huge segment of American audiences as well. Even blockbuster filmmaker James Cameron was mighty impressed with ‘RRR’ for which he confessed his love after meeting with S.S. Rajamouli.
Likewise, James Gunn had publicly expressed his admiration for ‘RRR’ last year in July. But, for the sake of reality check, what are the real odds for a potential collaboration between James Gunn and Jr. NTR? Is it really possible and practical for an international filmmaker to work with an Indian actor like Jr. NTR in the lead? Or James Gunn might have said that for being polite and saying what Indian movie buffs want to hear? The way many other Hollywood filmmakers have been doing that whenever they promote their movies in India.
We think that after the phenomenal international success of ‘RRR’, the period action extravaganza has truly brought Indian cinema into the limelight like never before. Before ‘RRR’, several Indian films like Satyajit Ray’s ‘Pather Panchali’, Mehboob Khan’s ‘Mother India’, and Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Lagaan’ had stunned global audiences with their brilliance.
But RRR’s impact especially in the US has been unprecedented because of some mind-blowing action sequences supported by intense lead performances and also because of how OTT proliferation helped the film reach international audiences like never before. So, yes, we won’t be surprised to see an Indian actor like Jr. NTR feature in a big-ticket Hollywood venture by an acclaimed filmmaker like James Gunn. Especially after the rising popularity of both the lead actors of ‘RRR’ amongst audiences in the US.
Another Indian actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who will be seen in the upcoming spy thriller series ‘Citadel’, has already become a successful crossover star in Hollywood. Moreover, Alia Bhat will also feature in ‘Heart of Stone’ alongside Gal Gadot, albeit not in a lead role. Dhanush has already starred in Russo Bros’ ‘The Gray Man’ but again, not in a lead role. It might just be a matter of time until Indian movie buffs can see the likes of mainstream Indian actors including Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, or Hrithik Roshan doing major roles in high-profile Hollywood films or web series in the coming years. Fingers crossed until then!