Director: Raghav Khanna
Starring: SS Rajamouli
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Streaming On: Netflix
Overview:
The documentary starts by tracing Rajamouli’s early passion for storytelling, which began during his school days. It showcases how this early interest evolved into a lifelong career, culminating in his historic achievement of bringing an Oscar to India. The narrative is both inspiring and informative, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the mind of a modern master who has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
Rajamouli’s Beginnings:
One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is its exploration of Rajamouli’s humble beginnings. It highlights how his early experiences and the influence of his father, K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, a renowned screenwriter, shaped his approach to filmmaking. Rajamouli’s journey from a passionate schoolboy with a love for storytelling to a globally recognized director is depicted with great detail, emphasizing his perseverance and dedication.
Challenges and Triumphs:
The documentary doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges Rajamouli and his team faced in creating big-budget, pan-Indian films. From managing enormous production costs to coordinating massive teams, the documentary provides insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making films of such epic proportions. The struggles of the stars and crew are highlighted, showing the immense pressure and hard work required to achieve success at the international level.
Focus on Iconic Films:
“Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli” pays special attention to the director’s most iconic films, including Simhadri, Magadheera, Eega, Baahubali, and RRR. Each of these films is analyzed in detail, with discussions on how they contributed to Rajamouli’s reputation as a master storyteller. The documentary delves into the creative processes behind these films, from conceptualization to execution, and how each one pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema.
- Simhadri: The documentary touches on how this film established Rajamouli as a director to watch, blending action and emotion in a way that resonated with audiences.
- Magadheera: Here, Rajamouli’s ability to craft visually stunning, emotionally resonant stories is showcased, particularly in the film’s innovative use of reincarnation as a narrative device.
- Eega: The documentary explores how Rajamouli took a seemingly outlandish concept—a fly seeking revenge—and turned it into a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film, highlighting his creative risk-taking.
- Baahubali Series: A significant portion of the documentary is devoted to the Baahubali films, which are lauded for their grand scale, visual effects, and intricate storytelling. The making of these films, particularly the challenges in creating the epic battle scenes and the grandeur of Mahishmati, is thoroughly explored.
- RRR: The documentary concludes with a look at RRR, Rajamouli’s latest magnum opus, which continues his tradition of combining historical narratives with larger-than-life action. The film’s international acclaim and its role in bringing Indian cinema to global audiences are highlighted as key achievements.
Conclusion:
A documentary, “Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli” is both a tribute to and an exploration of the genius of SS Rajamouli. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of modern Indian cinema and the contributions of one of its most influential directors. The documentary’s timing, coinciding with Independence Day, makes it an even more fitting watch as it celebrates the achievements of an Indian filmmaker who has made his mark on the world stage.