NTR, the largest of Tollywood stars, has a huge fan base not only in Telugu states but all over India. His endorsements and television appearances have always thrilled his fans with a taste of their beloved star outside of films. Yet, his recent endorsement of Zepto has triggered immense disappointment among his fans.
The ad, which was released today, has NTR sporting an unusual look and location, leaving fans completely disappointed. His hairdo and overall look have not impressed, and most feel the idea does not fit his present pan-India image. The backlash was immediate, with social media filled with criticism and memes questioning the choice behind this endorsement.
NTR’s Look in the Ad Disappoints Fans
The most common grouse of the fans pertains to NTR’s hairstyle and appearance in the Zepto commercial. With the passage of time, his personality and style have changed, and he has become everyone’s favorite not only in Tollywood but in the entire nation. His high-octane performances on the big screen in films such as RRR have catapulted him to international fame.
Though, here NTR was portrayed in a manner inconsistent with his reputation. The expectations from fans were to continue that superior air for him in advertisements by the brand since he gained an increasingly elevated perception among India at large. Nonetheless, this Zepto advert missed that aspect in sync with the stature that is developing right now for his ever-devoted fans.
Concept Fails to Impress
Aside from his appearance, the premise of the advertisement itself has let down audiences. Inside a fridge and a washing machine, NTR is spotted in the ad, something many feel takes away from his star image. For an actor who has established a robust image with intense roles and performances, being in such an outlandish and unrelatable situation seemed to be a wrong turn.
Fans believe that a star of NTR’s caliber must make endorsements that will go well with his image. Many have raised the point that other pan-India stars like Prabhas, Ram Charan, and Allu Arjun have opted for their brand associations with utmost care, so they would bolster their image and not taint it.
Social media sites, particularly Twitter and Instagram, were abuzz with fans who were expressing their frustration and disappointment. Some even went so far as to say that these endorsements are unnecessary fuel for anti-fans, who are currently using the ad to ridicule the star.
The Role of Image Management in the Digital Era
In the age of social media, the celebrity’s image is everything in determining their success. Every action of theirs, be it on screen, on ads, or at public appearances, is closely scrutinized. A single blunder can cause rampant trolling and negative publicity.
For an actor like NTR, whose career is at a record high, such errors can be expensive. He has already become a pan-India star with the success of RRR, and his next projects, including War 2, only confirm his position in the industry.
Fans feel that he needs to be more careful about his brand associations so that they align with his larger-than-life image. The Zepto ad controversy is a reminder that superstars need to be very careful about their public image in the digital age.
What’s Next for NTR?
While the ad controversy has been all the rage, NTR is already prepping for his next big venture. The actor will next start filming the final shoot of War 2, an action-thriller starring Hrithik Roshan.
War 2, which is released on Independence Day weekend, has the potential to be a career-defining one for NTR. The film is his launchpad into YRF’s Spy Universe, the franchise that includes blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, War, and Pathaan. With his role in War 2, he would be introduced to a wider world of Bollywood as well as enhanced pan-India popularity.
Besides War 2, NTR will also star in Devara, a grand project that has created massive buzz. With such big-ticket movies in the making, fans want him to channel his energy towards projects and brand endorsements that further his image, instead of something that invites undesired criticism.
Will NTR React to the Backlash?
So far, NTR has not issued any official statement on the Zepto advertisement controversy. But considering the severity of fan reactions, it is yet to be seen if the actor will respond to the issues or allow the controversy to die down with time.
Numerous fans are encouraging him to change his mind on future brand endorsements so that they fit in with his present stature. Some even want the advertisement removed, given the backlash it has drawn.
At the same time, experts from the film industry think that NTR’s next movies will divert people’s attention away from this controversy in a while. After he comes back on the screen with War 2, audiences will forget all about the advertisement and praise his thrilling action-packed acting.
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Final Thoughts
NTR’s Zepto advertisement has caused sudden dismay among his followers. Even though he had always been getting such a tremendous amount of love and affection, this specific endorsement didn’t meet up to the expectations. His appearance, idea, and the whole execution weren’t up to his pan-India stature, resulting in all-round criticism.
But with such big projects in the pipelines like War 2 and Devara, NTR’s stardom doesn’t waver. His fans are waiting to see him rule the big screen again, and this scandal will be forgotten once his next blockbuster release.
For the time being, everyone is waiting to see what NTR will do next, as fans await his response to the backlash and whether he will make more calculated brand decisions in the future.
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