2022, Telugu, IMDB 9.1/10, Directed by S.S.Rajamouli
A wholesome entertainer, fascinatingly incorporates Hindu Mythology to the racy action epic, showcasing talents at par global standards. The metaphor establishment of elements of nature, intensifies the saga, keeping the audience invested in its heroic achievements.
The fictitious story that is spun around the two real life characters in the British rule backdrop, rocketed the expectations on the Triple ‘R’ team – Rajamouli, Rama Rao and Ram Charan. The introduction scenes of the two lead characters delightfully leaves us contented.
The astounding cop Alluri Sitarama Raju Vs the mob sequence, played by the remarkable Ram Charan, glues the viewers to the wide screen. The face-off sequence with the big cat and Komaram Bheem played by the fierce NT Rama Rao Jr, absorbs our attention. The exemplary train blast sequence to establish the bonding between the lead heroes and the personification of natural elements – water and fire to their characters, reinforces and escalates the crux.
Pan-Indian casting, parallel stories of the two heroes, freedom fighting British rule milieu, flawless action choreography, indigenous sub-plots, undying entertainment quotient, character devising, invigorating narration, conception of evocative vignettes – makes the film, a compelling watch.
What makes the film an unique experience apart from the narrative pattern, is the conscientious performance and the justifiable backstories. The infusion of Hindu Mythology, an apparent ingenuity from the real-life surnames – Sitaram Raju and Bheem, leaves the audience spell bound for its creative thread. The characters rise true to their respective mythological roles, with archery, heavy weight lifting and all. The fabled magic, transpires credibly on the silver screen, with grenade picking Lord Ram’s arrow and Bheem’s motorcycle substitute, for his shoulder mace.
The ‘Willing Suspension of Disbelief’ is synonymous to all of director SS. Rajamouli’s works and RRR is no exception. The maker always gets his proportions right, when he mixes genres in a single work of his. The ratio of action, comedy, romance, drama and melodrama are always spot on, along with key musical elements and alluring social environment.
However, the narrative dispersal of stories within stories in wearisome detail and the 3 hours running time, fatigues the audience. The intertwining plots wouldn’t have been a burden, if the transitions were handled a little more seamlessly. Of all the three commercial inclusions, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgan and Samuthirakani, the latter’s role is an impactful one.
Any work of art can’t escape comparison and when it is from the maker who had had heads turned at, globally, it is inevitable not to compare the previous works of his. In Rajamouli’s case, in comparison to his Bahubali and Eega, RRR still manages to leaves us awestricken.
But, at some point, the elaborate narration disengages the viewers with its overpowering digression of action and emotional sequences.
A must watch.