Veteran Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna has sparked a fresh debate in the film industry after taking a sharp dig at younger actors who increasingly depend on green-screen setups instead of appearing on real sets. Speaking during an interaction on the sidelines of a film event, the 65-year-old actor criticised the “tech-dominated” filmmaking culture and insisted that authenticity is being pushed aside for convenience.
“Cinema is becoming technique-heavy”
Balakrishna said that filmmaking today relies excessively on technology, often at the cost of genuine performance. Without naming anyone, he remarked that several leading actors prefer to shoot exclusively against green or blue screens, rarely showing up on location or proper sets.
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According to him, this shift has reduced the discipline and commitment that earlier generations of actors were expected to maintain. He claimed that he comes from an era where actors were physically present, emotionally invested and technically aware of the process — something he feels is fading rapidly.
A pointed dig at younger heroes
The actor didn’t hold back while criticising stars who choose digital conveniences over traditional filmmaking. He said that many actors today “don’t come to set” and simply rely on post-production visual effects to complete major sequences.
In a firm defence of his own approach, Balakrishna described himself as “original, not duplicate”, suggesting that he values real craft more than shortcuts. While acknowledging the importance of technology, he emphasised that it shouldn’t replace the fundamentals that make cinema memorable.
Balakrishna’s legacy and continued relevance
The actor, who has been active for over five decades, reiterated that his long career is not merely a product of his lineage. As the son of the legendary N. T. Rama Rao, he said that preserving the legacy required consistent hard work, not inheritance alone.
Balakrishna continues to remain relevant with recent hits, including Akhanda (2021), Veera Simha Reddy (2023), Bhagavanth Kesari (2023) and Daaku Maharaj (2025). He also has a highly anticipated sequel to Akhanda in the pipeline, directed by Boyapati Srinu.
A broader industry discussion
His remarks have reignited conversations about the changing nature of commercial cinema, especially in Telugu and South Indian industries, where large-scale VFX-driven productions have become the norm.
Balakrishna’s comments also highlight a generational divide between actors who trained in conventional filmmaking and those who entered the industry in the digital-first era.
Conclusion
While younger actors have not responded publicly to his statements, Balakrishna’s critique has opened up a wider conversation on whether cinema is losing its “realness”. Whether the industry reconsiders its reliance on technology remains to be seen, but his comments have certainly stirred debate about the balance between innovation and authenticity.