Oh boy, as a die-hard fan of SS Rajamouli, I can confidently say that Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is a must-watch for any film enthusiast! This documentary takes us on an incredible journey through the life and times of this visionary director, from his humble beginnings in Chennai to his meteoric rise as a global sensation.
At long last, Netflix has arrived with one of the most eagerly awaited documentaries featuring the living legend and visionary filmmaker, S.S. Rajamouli. Entitled “Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli,” this documentary recounts the colorful story of a skilled artisan as he navigates his transformation from a soap opera director to a worldwide phenomenon.
The documentary is made up of multiple celebrity interviews, including big names such as Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, and Rana Daggubati. Additionally, SS Rajamouli, MM Keeravani, Karan Johar, James Cameron, and Joe Russo were interviewed by film journalist Anupama Chopra in this production.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli – Review
The movie “Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli” begins by showing how RRR was received in Japan upon its release. Initially, it presents the audience with scenes of Rajamouli, Jr NTR, and Ram Charan attending a screening of the film in Japan, where they interacted with the audience. Subsequently, it moves to the main event, featuring interviews, clips, photos, and videos about the movie.
Reflecting back on his early life, filmmaker SS Rajamouli shares insights into his childhood, personal experiences, and connections with his crew. He describes growing up in an environment rich with cinematic values and a profound appreciation for storytelling within his family.
Due to the significant influence his mother had on his early development, filmmaker Rajamouli emphasizes that she played a crucial role in nurturing his talent for storytelling by encouraging him to play outside and listen to stories. In addition, he shares tales about his father’s challenging childhood years as a writer in the cinema industry.
Instead of thriving in the movie industry with their initial ideas in Chennai, the director chose to move to Hyderabad to establish himself financially, marking the beginning of his career. His early steps into directing began when he partnered with Raghavendra Rao on a short film commissioned by the Andhra Pradesh government.
Progressing along his chosen path, this dedicated artisan served as the director for the series titled Santhi Nivasam, subsequently transitioning to mainstream filmmaking by featuring Junior NTR in the lead role of Student No. 1.
What works in the documentary
The documentary not just portrays the spirit behind his films and their impact on the Telugu film industry, but also highlights the bonds he forged with his artistic pursuits.
The documentary’s interviews showcase actors such as Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Rana Daggubati, and Prabhas. In contrast to what the Darling actor refers to him as a ‘mad man’, the director is portrayed by NTR and Ram Charan as an ardent perfectionist who insists on numerous retakes until everything meets his exact standards.
Apart from showcasing stars, this documentary also includes conversations with directors such as James Cameron, Joe Russo, and Karan Johar discussing the thrilling essence of their films and the immense heights they achieved. They praise him as both a visionary and an icon, singling him out as truly exceptional in today’s generation.
James Cameron of India, that’s quite a compliment for SS Rajamouli! As the director of Avatar, I can only say it makes me feel proud to be recognized alongside such a talented filmmaker. His work and spectacles have certainly left an impression over the years.
Discussions about films such as Simhadri, Eega, Magadheera, Baahubali 1, and Baahubali 2 provide insights into the director’s work, but a different perspective is offered through a look at his personal life, as depicted in a documentary. Through the testimonies of his wife Rama, son Karthikeya, and father Vijayendra Prasad, the film offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the artist, revealing his human qualities.
Through his personal experiences and beliefs, the director openly expresses his atheistic views while simultaneously showing a deep interest in captivating mythological characters. Moreover, he discusses the hurdles encountered following the release of Baahubali 1, including derogatory comments based on casteism and misogyny, as well as the misinterpretations by certain groups.
What doesn’t work in the documentary
Despite the one-hour, fourteen-minute documentary comprehensively exploring the ups and downs of the director’s life, it omits significant works such as Chatrapathi, Vikramarkudu, and Yamadonga from its discussion.
As a die-hard fan, it felt like a glaring omission when those specific movies he’s famous for weren’t even brought up in the documentary. It left me yearning for a more comprehensive exploration of his cinematic journey, as if crucial chapters were missing from the story.
The Verdict
If you’re passionate about filmmaking or simply captivated by the artistry of movies created by SS Rajamouli, then this documentary is tailor-made for someone like you.
As a film enthusiast with years of industry experience, I must say that the documentary provides an enlightening glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles of some blockbuster films. It’s fascinating to learn about the development processes and challenges faced by these productions, even for established legends in the field. Despite their reputations, it seems they too grapple with finding a foothold in an ever-evolving industry landscape. This insightful look into the lives of these filmmakers serves as a reminder that success is never guaranteed, no matter how accomplished one may be.
Check out the trailer of Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli here:
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2024-08-02 15:53