If you havent tuned into the films of S.S. Rajamouli yet, its time to get your mind blown.
The Indian filmmakers cinematic events are outrageously entertaining, filled with eye-popping cinematography and over-the-top action sequences.
This is unabashed and unapologetic fun.
We are not the kind of people who get slowed down by hindrances and obstacles, declares Rajamouli.
Well just go forward, and we will do the best we can do and see.
Bollywood, the portmanteau of Hollywood and Bombay, entered the industry vernacular.
That sliver of Indian film production also comprises less than half of the nations cinematic output.
Indias second most popular language on screen is Telugu.
Consequently, there is another industry portmanteau: Tollywood.
Rama Rao Jr., a.k.a.
The enormous scope of Rajamoulis action appears in one of the earliest scenes ofRRR.
To establish Rajus (a.k.a.
Ram storms into the crowd alone, battling hundreds of rioters with only his lathi baton.
Its a staggeringly violent action sequence, the magnitude of which dwarfs all previous cinematic one-versus-many fight scenes.
Ram beats his way through the horde with terrifying resolve and superhuman strength.
But I feel at the same time giving a superpower also takes away the vulnerability of the character.
RRRgained worldwide exposure throughNetflix, which Rajamouli views as both friend and foe.
Rajamouli films are so cinematic they demand to be seen on the big screen.
But he cant deny the impact of Netflix, whereRRRwas in the Top 10 for 15 consecutive weeks.
Dance Battles
RRRis an epic bromance adventure film, Tollywood style.
The hero, Bheem, is a Gond tribesman gone undercover to rescue a girl taken by the British.
Ram serves the British police on a mission to track down the undercover tribesman.
Flying is a common theme in Rajamouli films.
I remember having dreams of flying as a very young kid, recalls Rajamouli.
And I remember seeing my village from a top angle.
So now I wonder how did I conceive that?
Theres no separation between action and musicals here, and Rajamouli is a master of the form.
Cultural Gap
Another signature of Rajamoulis filmmaking style is allusions to Indian classics.
This epic tale has been shared throughout Asia in different forms.
This is paralleled inRRR, only Bheem is the messenger, and the modern character Ram is incarcerated.
Nevertheless, Rajamouli doesnt believe unfamiliarity with Indian religions and legends presents any hindrance.
I dont think in a good story, the cultural barriers ever exist.
RRRhas caught some flak in the Western press for its excessive depiction of British villainy.
Its a point that Rajamouli is quick to defend.
First of all,RRRis not a historical film, the director clarifies.
It is just an emotional tale about these two people.
Says Rajamouli, It doesnt mean my intention is to tell the whole world that all British are villains.
No, absolutely not.
Ultimately, Rajamouli refrains from giving any kind of message in his films.
For him, its all about entertainment.
Hes sometimes saddened when people talk less about entertainment.
Its just the entertainment that you provide and nothing else?
RRRis available to stream on Netflix.
